2012 — March 2, Tornadoes, Midwest and South, esp. AL, GA, IN, KY, OH, TN– 39
–39 Blanchard tally based on State breakouts below.
–39 Assoc. Press, Louisville. “Child found in field after tornado dies.” CBS News. 3-4-2012.[1]
–39 CNN. “Grief, resilience after storms rip through states, killing 39.” 3-4-2012.
–38 Associated Press. “Storms demolish small towns in Ind., Ky.; 38 dead.” 3-3-2012.
–37 Kansas City Star, MO. “Storms demolish small towns in Ind., Ky.; 37 dead.” 3-3-2012.
–37 WGGB, Springfield, MA. “Storm Death Toll 37 in Five States. 3-4-2012.
–36 USA Today. “Tornadoes’ death toll mounts; rescue efforts underway.” 3-4-2012.
–35 Wall Street Journal. “Tornado Outbreak Kills 35 as Storm Warnings Move South.” 3-3-12
Alabama ( 1)
–1 Jackson’s Gap, Tallapoosa County. Wikipedia. “Early March 2012 tornado outbreak.” 3-4-12
–1 Tallapoosa Co. WSJ. “Tornado Outbreak Kills 35 as Storm Warnings Move South.” 3-3-12
Georgia ( 1)
— 1 State. Associated Press. “Storms demolish small towns in Ind., Ky.; 38 dead.” 3-3-2012.
Indiana ( 13)
–16 State. CBS News. “Twisters’ death toll likely to rise.” 3-3-2012.
–15 “ CNN. “Rescuers scour for survivors after string of killer storms.” 3-3-2012.
–14 “ Chicago Tribune. “Tornadoes kill at least 33 in Midwest and South.” 3-3-2012.
–14 “ Wikipedia. “Early March 2012 tornado outbreak.” 3-4-2012.
–13 “ CNN. “Grief, resilience after storms rip through states, killing 39.” 3-4-2012.
–13 “ Detroit Free Press. “Indiana survivors clean up…tornado…death.” 3-5-2012.
–12 “ USA Today. “Tornadoes’ death toll mounts; rescue efforts underway.” 3-4-2012.
–12 New Pekin to Chelsea tornado. Wikipedia. “Early March 2012 tornado outbreak.” 3-4-12.
— 4 Chelsea, Jefferson Co. Chicago Tribune. “Tornadoes kill…33…Midwest…South.” 3-3-12.
— 3 Chelsea. CNN. “Rescuers scour for survivors after string of killer storms.” 3-3-2012.
— 4 Henryville, Clark Co. Detroit Free Press. “Indiana survivors clean up, mourn…” 3-5-2012.
— 1 “ “ Courier-Journal, Louisville, KY. “Ken…Ind…tornado…” 3-3-12
— 5 New Pekin, Washington Co. USA Today. “Ind. Toddler found in field dies…” 3-4-2012.[2]
— 2 Holton, Ripley Co. Boston Globe. “Storms demolish small towns in Ind., Ky…” 3-3-2012.
— 3 Scott County. Courier-Journal, Louisville, KY. “Kentucky, Indiana tornado…” 3-3-2012.
— 1 “ “ Sacramento Bee. “Indiana police lower tornado death toll to 12.” 3-4-2012.
Kentucky ( 21)
–24 State. Wikipedia. “Early March 2012 tornado outbreak.” 3-4-2012.
–21 State. CNN. “Grief, resilience after storms rip through states, killing 39.” 3-4-2012.
–20 “ WGGB, Springfield, MA. “Storm Death Toll 37 in Five States. 3-4-2012.
–19 “ Kansas City Star, MO. “Storms demolish small towns in Ind., Ky.; 37 dead.” 3-3-12.
–17 “ WSJ. “Tornado Outbreak Kills 35 as Storm Warnings Move South.” 3-3-2012.
–16 “ Chicago Tribune. “Tornadoes kill at least 33 in Midwest and South.” 3-3-2012.
–14 “ CBS News. “Twisters’ death toll likely to rise.” 3-3-2012.
–13 “ CNN. “Rescuers scour for survivors after string of killer storms.” 3-3-2012.
— 2 Blaine area, Lawrence Co. Wikipedia. “Early March 2012 tornado outbreak.” 3-4-2012.
— 4 Crittenden area, Grant Co. Wikipedia. “Early March 2012 tornado outbreak.” 3-4-2012.
— 5 East Bernstadt, Laurel Co. Wikipedia. “Early March 2012 tornado outbreak.” 3-4-2012.
— 2 Johnson Co. WSJ. “Tornado Outbreak Kills 35 as Storm Warnings Move South.” 3-3-12.
— 3 Kenton County. Courier-Journal, Louisville, KY. “Kentucky, Indiana tornado…” 3-3-2012
— 5 Laurel Co. Courier-Journal.com. “Tornado death toll climbs to 32 in [KY]…[IN].” 3-3-12
— 4 Laurel Co. Courier-Journal, Louisville. “Kentucky, Indiana tornado…” 3-3-2012.
— 2 Menifee Co. WSJ. “Tornado Outbreak Kills 35 as Storm Warnings Move South.” 3-3-2012
— 4 Morgan Co. WSJ. “Tornado Outbreak Kills 35 as Storm Warnings Move South.” 3-3-2012.
— 3 Peach Grove, KY (Pendleton Co.)-Moscow, OH. Wikipedia. “Early March 2012…” 3-4-12.
— 2 Salyersville, Magoffin County. Wikipedia. “Early March 2012 tornado outbreak.” 3-4-12.
— 8 Wellington (Jefferson Co.)/West Liberty area (Morgan Co). Wikipedia. “Early…” 3-4-12.
— 3 West Liberty, Morgan County. Fox News. “Death toll from twisters rises to 34…” 3-3-2012
— 2 West Liberty. Boston Globe. “Storms demolish small towns in Ind., Ky.; 34 dead.” 3-3-12
Ohio ( 3)
— 3 State. CNN. “Rescuers scour for survivors after string of killer storms.” 3-3-2012.
— 3 Clermont Co. WSJ. “Tornado Outbreak Kills 35 as Storm Warnings Move South.” 3-3-12.
— 1 Bethel. CNN. “Rescuers scour for survivors after string of killer storms.” 3-3-2012.
— 2 Moscow. Chicago Tribune. “Tornadoes kill at least 33 in Midwest and South.” 3-3-2012.
Alabama
“0401 3 WNW Mountain Creek…Chilton [County] AL…
“0440 5 SSW Alexander City…Tallapoosa [County] AL…Tornado in southern Chilton and southern Coosa Counties. At least a dozen homes were damaged or destroyed….Path was 28 miles***1 fatal, 2 inj*** several mobile homes were completely destroyed. The fatality and injuries occurred in these homes. (Storm Prediction Center, NOAA, NWS. “20120302’s Storm Reports (1200 UTC – 1159 UTC)”
Indiana
NWS WFO, Louisville: “March 2, 2012 Southern Indiana EF-4.
Begin Time: 2:50 PM EST
End Time: 3:39 PM EST
EF Scale: EF-4
Wind Speed: 175 mph
Begin Point: South side of Fredericksburg in Washington County, Indiana
End Point: 4 miles north-northwest of Bedford along Highway 2870 in Trimble County, Kentucky
Path Length: 49 miles
Path Width: 0.4 mile
Injuries: Unknown
Fatalities: 11.
“Washington County, IN Segment.
Begin Time: 2:50 PM EST
End Time: 3:08 PM EST
EF Scale: EF-4
Wind Speed: 170 mph maximum
Begin Point: South side of Fredericksburg
End Point: Washington County-Clark County line just east of South Flatwood Road
Path Length: 18.8 miles across Washington County
Path Width: 0.4 mile
Injuries: Unknown
Fatalities: 5
“The National Weather Service in conjunction with Washington County Emergency Management conducted a detailed tornado damage survey on Saturday, March 3. Below are the results.
“The tornado first touched down on the south side of Fredericksburg just south of U.S. 150 where several trees were snapped off. In this area, winds were estimated to be 90 mph (EF1) with a damage width of 30 yards along the south fork of the Blue Lick River.
“Additional tree damage was observed as the tornado moved east- northeast across farmland. Near the intersection of Horners Chapel Road and Fredericksburg Road, a high tension metal power structure was toppled along with numerous trees uprooted and snapped. Here, damage was estimated as EF2 with 130 mph winds. Along Palmyra Road near Strickland Road, several trees were snapped with EF1 damage 50-100 yards wide and estimated winds of 100-110 mph. High tension wires were down and trees snapped along West End Road just north of Shanks Hill Road.
“The tornado then traveled over a ridge and intensified as it hit State Route 135 at Dutch Creek Road. Here, large chunks of 5- or 6-inch thick asphalt from an approximately 4-by-4-yard section of roadway were blown 10 to 30 yards into the adjacent grass next to the road. Just east of Route 135, tremendous tree damage was observed. At this location, the tornado was estimated to be of EF3 strength with 150 mph winds. The width of the damage path also began to widen, increasing to 200 yards.
“Tree and structural damage was widespread northeast of Route 135 as the tornado crossed Trainer Lane and then State Road 335 to Robbs Lane. The width of observable damage increased to one-quarter to one-third of a mile. Countless trees were snapped and uprooted. The degree of damage suggested a mix of EF2 and EF3 damage in this area, with estimated winds of 120-150 mph.
“The tornado crossed U.S. 60 just south of New Pekin. Immediately east of the highway, tremendous structural damage was observed. A well-constructed and large factory building (Airgo Industries) was cleared to its foundation slab with numerous anchoring bolts bent in the direction of the storm. Debris from this building was observed one-half to three-quarters of a mile downwind. Large power poles were snapped. Another metal out building on the right periphery of the damage path had sheeting pulled off the back of the building apparently from the force of the inbound winds into the tornado. This was the area where 5 people were tragically killed in a mobile home. In this location just east of U.S. 60, damage suggested an EF4 tornado with 170 mph estimated winds, and a width of observed damage from 0.3-0.4 mile.
“Damage continued to the east along and south of Hurst Road in extreme southeast Washington County. The tornado crossed into extreme northwest Clark County along and near Daisy Hill Road. In this area, a well-constructed one-story brick house at the top of a small ridge was completely destroyed with no walls standing. People onsite reported that cows were missing and could not be located. They also stated that the tornado looked like a black wall as it approached. A heavy trailer cab was blown from this house to another demolished brick home about one-quarter mile away. Damage here suggested EF4 damage with 170 mph winds.
“As the tornado re-entered Washington County near the intersection of Daisy Hill Road and Williams Knob Road, widespread damage occurred. This included a home which was totally leveled as well as a couple of anchored down double wide trailers. A car was destroyed and tossed about 100 yards in the direction of storm motion from its origin at the home. At one of the destroyed trailers, a Dodge Ram pickup truck was tossed onto its side and destroyed in the opposite direction from the car (i.e., on the left side of the tornado track). Here, EF3-EF4 damage was estimated with winds of 150-170 mph. There were also snapped trees and structural damage along Whiskey Run Road. The width of the observed damage straddling the Washington-Clark County line was estimated to be one-third to one-half mile wide, although the width of the most concentrated damage was narrower. The last observed damage in Washington County was near S. Flatwood Road in a wooded area before the tornado entered Clark County.
“Across Washington County, particularly east of IN 135, thousands of trees were uprooted and snapped.
“Clark & Scott County, IN Segment.
Begin Time: 3:09 PM EST
End Time: 3:26 PM EST
EF Scale: EF-4
Wind Speed: 175 mph maximum
Begin Point: Washington County-Clark County line just east of South Flatwood Road
End Point: Near Clark-Scott-Jefferson County line just north of State Highway 362
Path Length: 17.0 miles across Clark County
Path Width: 0.4 mile
Injuries: Unknown
Fatalities: 2 (1 in Clark County, 1 in Scott County)
“The National Weather Service in conjunction with Clark County Emergency Management conducted an exhaustive tornado damage survey on Saturday and Sunday, March 3 and 4. Below are the results. The tornado continued east-northeast in far northwest Clark County on Dan Gray Road where the twister leveled many well-built homes and caused extensive tree damage. The tornado here was rated EF4 with estimated wind speeds of 170 mph and a damage width of one-third mile. The tornado moved into far southeast Washington County before reappearing in Clark County. In Clark, the damage width narrowed to one-quarter mile as the tornado crossed Pixley Knob Road and decreased in intensity to EF2 with wind speeds of 115-120 mph.
“Farther east, the tornado intensified again as it destroyed two double wide homes on Speith Road. One family residence on the west side of the road was severely damaged, reflecting EF3 damage with 150 mph winds. The tornado crossed Interstate 65, damaging several vehicles and semis and closing the interstate for several hours. Several people were trapped in these vehicles, but were later rescued.
“The tornado continued to strengthen just east of Exit 19 of Interstate 65 in a heavily industrialized area. Here, buildings containing several businesses were severely damaged. A home was destroyed on the east side of North Fraucke Road. The violent tornado also seriously damaged several homes on the north side of State Highway 160. Here, there was evidence of multi-vortex structure with EF4 damage and 175 mph estimated winds.
“The tornado then struck the south buildings of the Henryville middle and high school complex, with severe damage and 170 mph winds (EF4). The middle school experienced the worst damage. The cafeteria was completely destroyed. Two school buses were ripped off their chassis.
“There was also extensive structural damage on the east side of Henryville on North Front Street and Pennsylvania Street. A high tension tower and other homes were damaged on Pine Drive. Incredible tree damage also occurred just west of Pine Drive as the tornado traveled up a ridge. In this region, the tornado was an EF3 with 150 mph winds.
“On Brownstown Road, many homes were severely damaged especially on the north side of the tornado track with estimated speeds of 150 mph (EF3). Farther east, there was massive deforestation on the east side of a ridge just west of and along Henryville Otisco Road. Several more homes were severely damaged along this road. One of these homes reflected EF4 damage and 170 mph winds.
“The tornado rapidly narrowed to a rope-like structure and ended as an EF1 with 90-95 mph winds and an 80 yard wide path. This occurred near the intersection of Blackberry Trail and State Highway 3.
“Simultaneously, a new cyclic tornado vortex rapidly formed from the same supercell near Mahan Road and Old State Road 3 immediately southwest of the first tornado. The second tornado began as an EF1 and damaged a church and a few trees. The vortex quickly intensified to EF3 strength as it crossed the south portion of the town of Marysville, severely damaging several homes.
“East of Marysville, another cyclic vortex from the parent storm formed just southwest of the intersection of Nabb New Washington Road and Nabb Marysville Road. This vortex intensified and merged with the primary circulation. The tornado severely damaged or destroyed several houses and double wide mobile homes around the intersection of Nabb New Washington and Nabb Marysville. Debris from the double-wides was tossed around a mile downwind. The tornado was rated EF3 here with 150 mph winds and a damage width of one-third mile.
“A Civil Air Patrol flight on Sunday, March 4 revealed extensive ground scouring in farmers` fields east of Marysville all the way to the Jefferson-Scott County line. This scouring was evidence of a multi-vortex tornado, which was confirmed by multiple videos and photographs.
“The tornado continued north of Barnes Road, damaging several clusters of trees in open country. The tornado intensified east of the intersection of Kettle Bottom and State Highway 362.
“In Scott County, immediately north of Highway 362 and east of Concord Road, three homes were severely damaged while five double wide mobile homes were completely destroyed. Here, the tornado was an EF4 with 170 mph winds. Just south of 362 in Clark County, two additional homes and power poles were damaged greatly. From there, the tornado crossed into Jefferson County, Indiana.
“A close-up of the tornado tracks through Henryville [referring to a photo on their website]. The white track with red border is the EF-4 tornado from the first supercell. Note the evidence of multiple vortices developing to the south of the main tornado and wrapping into the larger circulation. The school campus is just northwest of the intersection of Ferguson St. and IN 160. The yellow track is the EF-1 from the second supercell. It’s pretty rare to have 2 tornadoes pass through the same town within an hour of each other!
“Jefferson County, IN Segment.
Begin Time: 3:26 PM EST
End Time: 3:34 PM EST
EF Scale: EF-4
Wind Speed: 175 mph maximum
Begin Point: Immediately north of the 3 county intersection of Clark, Scott, and Jefferson Counties
End Point: Ohio River near Lee Bottom
Path Length: 7.3 miles across Jefferson County
Path Width: One-third mile maximum (diameter of damage)
Injuries: Unknown
Fatalities: 4
“The National Weather Service in conjunction with Jefferson County, IN Emergency Management conducted the tornado damage survey in Jefferson County. The tornado traveled from Clark County, Indiana across extreme southeast Scott County and into far southern Jefferson County. Damage was observed along and just north of State Highway 362 near the 3-county line. This included several mobile homes totally destroyed, several framed houses heavily damaged, tremendous tree damage, and power poles snapped and shredded. The observed damage width was one-third of a mile with estimated winds of 170 mph (EF4).
“The tornado traveled east-northeast snapping trees and power poles on County Road 850, and did its most significant damage at the intersection of Jackson Road, State Highway 62, and Swan Road about 2 miles south of the town of Chelsea. In this area, several well-built brick homes were destroyed. The homes had anchor bolts attached to steel plates and a concrete foundation. One house was lifted and slid 65 yards off its foundation while mostly still intact. Another home was completely demolished and thrown downwind several hundred yards, within which there were 3 fatalities. The garage of this house was destroyed with one vehicle thrown 30 yards and another tossed 75 yards. A piece of farm equipment was thrown 200 yards as well. A third well-built brick home had its roof completely lifted and thrown over 300 yards downwind. Also, an above ground pool half filled with water was missing. Wind speeds in the area were estimated at 170-175 mph (EF4) with a damage width of one-quarter mile.
“The tornado tracked to the north of Paynesville and south of Lee Bottom, extensively damaging forests in southern Jefferson County before crossing the Ohio River into Trimble County, Kentucky. The damage width narrowed in this area to only a couple hundred yards.
“Trimble County Segment.
Begin time: 3:35 pm EST
End time: 3:39 pm EST
Begin point: Ohio River southwest of Trout
End point: 4 miles north-northwest of Bedford on Highway 2870
EF Scale: EF2
Wind speed: 115 mph
Path length: 5.4 miles
Path width: 200 yards
Injuries: 2
Fatalities: 0
“The National Weather Service in conjunction with Trimble County Emergency Management conducted an extensive tornado survey in Trimble County. The tornado crossed the Ohio River from Jefferson County, Indiana and narrowed to about 200 yards wide. The tornado damaged a home on Rodgers Road, overturned two barns, and uprooted and/or twisted several trees. This was consistent with EF1 damage and 105-110mph estimated winds.
“At the same time a second vortex formed immediately adjacent to the first vortex and totally destroyed a barn on Rodgers Road and extensively damaged another. This tornado also damaged a lot of rugged forested area before intersecting with the path of the first vortex near the confluence of Highway 1838 (Corn Creek Road, Highway 625, and Joyce Mill Road. In this area the tornado was rated as an EF2 with 115 mph estimated winds. Three single-wide mobile homes near the intersection of Joyce Mill Road and Highway 625 were destroyed along with tree damage and downed power lines and poles. This was consistent with EF1 damage, 105 mph estimated winds, and a damage width of 75 yards.
“No evidence of further damage was observed until Rawlett Lane, where some trees were snapped and uprooted. There could have been damage in-between although the survey team was unable to access this area. The tornado then struck two homes and a single-wide mobile home on New Hope Ridge Road (Highway 2870) about 1.5 miles west of Highway 421. Here EF1 damage, 90 mph winds, and a path width of 50 yards were estimated. The tornado lifted near this location.” (National Weather Service Weather Forecast Office, Louisville, KY. Storm Survey. March 2, 2012 Southern Indiana EF-4. Accessed 6-5-2015.
USA Today, March 4: “Louisville, Ky. — 15-month-old Indiana toddler died Sunday, the victim of the same tornado that killed her parents and two siblings Friday. Angel Babcock died at 4:10 p.m. EST of a traumatic brain injury she suffered when the tornado ripped through her family’s New Pekin, Ind., home, said Deputy Coroner R.D. Jones of the Jefferson County (Ky.) Coroner’s Office. She was pronounced dead at Kosair Children’s Hospital in Louisville, Ky. Angel was found in critical condition in a field Friday near her New Pekin home, the sole survivor of a tornado that ripped through the house and killed her entire family. On Saturday, officials acknowledged the deaths of the toddler’s parents, Joseph Babcock, 21; and Moriah Brough, 20; and her siblings, Jaydon Babcock, 2, and Kendall Babcock, 2 months. On Saturday, Jack Brough, Angel’s grandfather, said, she was in “extremely critical condition. She’s had a lot of injuries to her head”.” (USA Today. “Ind. Toddler found in field dies from tornado injuries.” 3-4-2012.)
Kentucky
“2239…5 W Edmonton…Metcalfe [County] KY…Road near Randolph***8 Fatal*** A tornado touched down 2 miles southwest of Mariba and moved east across Menifee and Morgan Counties for 34 miles. This tornado hit West Liberty Kentucky (JKL) Houses damaged in Wellington…
“2351…1 E Cutuno…Magoffin [County] KY…Tornado appeared on front edge of bow apex as it crossed highway 45. (MEG)***2 Fatal***A tornado touched down 1 mile east of Cutuno and moved east across Magoffin…Johnson and Martin Counties Kentucky before moving into West Virginia…
“0005…4 W East Bernstadt…Laurel [County] KY…***5 fatal***A tornado touched down 4.3 miles west of east Bernstadt and moved northeast before lifting 3.6 miles NNE of East Bernstadt. Path length was 6.3 miles….” (Storm Prediction Center, NOAA, NWS. “20120302’s Storm Reports (1200 UTC – 1159 UTC)”)
Boston Globe, March 3: “Sixteen people were reported dead in Kentucky, where National Guard troops, Kentucky State Police troopers and rescue workers were still searching counties east and south of Lexington….” (Boston Globe. “Storms demolish small towns in Ind., Ky.; 34 dead.” 3-3-2012.)
Kansas City Star, March 3: “….Nineteen people were reported dead in Kentucky, where National Guard troops, Kentucky State Police troopers and rescue workers were still searching counties east and south of Lexington….” (Kansas City Star, MO. “Storms demolish small towns in Ind., Ky.; 37 dead.” 3-3-2012.)
Media Narratives (General)
Boston Globe, March 3: “Henryville, Ind. — A string of violent storms demolished small towns in Indiana and cut off rural communities in Kentucky as an early season tornado outbreak killed more than 30 people, and the death toll rose as daylight broke on Saturday’s search for survivors. Massive thunderstorms, predicted by forecasters for days, threw off dozens of tornadoes as they raced Friday from the Gulf Coast to the Great Lakes. Twisters crushed blocks of homes, knocked out cellphones and landlines, ripped power lines from broken poles and tossed cars, school buses and tractor-trailers onto roads made impassable by debris.
“Weather that put millions of people at risk killed at least 34 in four states — Alabama, Indiana, Kentucky and Ohio….
“Two people died further north [of Chelsea] in Holton, where it appeared a tornado cut a diagonal swath down the town’s tiny main drag, demolishing a cinderblock gas station but leaving a tiny white church intact down the road. “We are going to continue to hit every county road that we know of that there are homes on and search those homes,” said Indiana State Police Sgt. Jerry Goodin. “We have whole communities and whole neighborhoods that are completely gone. We’ve had a terrible, terrible tragedy here.”….” (Boston Globe. “Storms demolish small towns in Ind., Ky.; 34 dead.” 3-3-2012.)
CBS News, March 3: “(Henryville, Ind. – A string of deadly tornadoes in the Midwest and South has left at least 33 people dead in Indiana, Kentucky and Ohio — with 16 of the fatalities coming in Indiana and 14 in Kentucky.” (CBS News. “Twisters’ death toll likely to rise.” 3-3-2012.)
Chicago Tribune, March 3: “Indianapolis (Reuters) – The latest in a series of powerful tornadoes raked across a broad swath of the Midwest and Southeast, killing at least 33 people in four states, authorities said on Saturday. The fast-moving twisters on Friday splintered homes, damaged a prison and tossed around vehicles across the region, leaving 16 people dead in Kentucky, 14 in neighboring Indiana, two more in Ohio, and one in Alabama, officials said….
“Tony Williams, 46, owner of the Chelsea General Store in southern Indiana said four people died in the Chelsea area, including 4-year-old Davlin Terry Jackson and his great grandparents, Terry and Carol Jackson in their late 60s. The boy and his mother, Amanda Jackson, were in a basement when the storm hit about 3 p.m. local time Friday. He was torn from her arms by the tornado. The mother survived, but her grandparents who were upstairs, both died.
“An Indiana official confirmed 14 deaths from the tornadoes on Friday, in four southeastern counties. A spokeswoman for Kentucky’s governor reported a statewide death toll of 16, while Ohio officials said there were two deaths in a single county….
“The Ohio victims were a 54-year-old man and a 64-year-old woman who was a city council member in the town of Moscow, Lehr said. Many homes in the county were damaged, including some in which buildings were swept off their foundations.” (Chicago Tribune. “Tornadoes kill at least 33 in Midwest and South.” 3-3-2012.)
CNN, March 3: “(CNN) — As daylight emerged through the clouds Saturday, rescuers searched for survivors after a string of vicious storms obliterated neighborhoods and killed dozens of people throughout the South and Midwest. The tornado outbreak, unusual for this time of year, killed at least 32 people. Saturday began with large swaths of the South still battered by heavy rain and under tornado watches — and a real fear of the death toll rising. Of the 32 victims, 15 were in Indiana, 13 in Kentucky, three in Ohio and one in Alabama….
“In Chelsea, east of Henryville [IN], Steve Kloepfer watched on television as the storms marched across the state. “I saw it from the radar it was getting close, so I walked down the driveway and saw it coming through the woods,” Kloepfer told CNN affiliate WHAS. He said he got in his truck and drove south about a mile to “let it blow through.” When he returned, the life he knew had been turned upside down. His aunt and uncle, Terry and Carol Jackson, and their 4-year-old grandchild were missing after their home was destroyed by a tornado. Their bodies, he said, were later discovered in a field, covered in debris. His own home, he said, was also gone….
“Roughly 250 National Guard troops have been called in to provide aid and security in Henryville, Marysville and elsewhere….
“In Tennessee, there were reports of possible tornado touchdowns in nine counties, according to Jeremy Heidt, the state’s emergency management spokesman. At least 29 people were injured across the state, said Dean Flener, also with TEMA….
“In Ohio, a man in his 50s died inside his mobile home when the storms rolled through Bethel, southeast of Cincinnati, Clermont County officials said in a news release.
“At least 12 people were killed during the storm in Kentucky, and authorities warned the death toll could climb as daylight broke….” (CNN. “Rescuers scour for survivors after string of killer storms.” 3-3-2012.)
Courier-Journal, KY, March 3: “The death toll from Friday’s tornado outbreak rose to 27 in Kentucky and Southern Indiana as search and rescue work continued in the stricken areas. Fourteen people were reported dead in Indiana, 13 in Kentucky.
“In Kentucky, there were four killed in Laurel County, three in Morgan County, three in Kenton County, two in Lawrence County and one in Menifee County, said Beth Pope, a state emergency management spokeswoman.
“In Southern Indiana, four deaths were reported in both Jefferson and Washington counties; three in Scott; two in Ripley; and one in Clark.
“In Kentucky overall, National Guard Spc. James Moore said, 27 counties were reporting storm damage and 13 counties reported tornadoes. Moore said 17,000 customers were without power. Magoffin County had no water service, and some damage was reported at Appalachian Regional Healthcare Hospital in West Liberty, the Morgan County seat, although the hospital was believed to be operational, Moore said…” (Courier-Journal, Louisville, KY. “Kentucky, Indiana tornado death toll rises to 27.” 3-3-2012.)
Fox News, March 3: “…Endre Samu, public affairs officer for the Kentucky State Police in Morehead, said three people died in West Liberty and at least 75 were injured. With the hospital damaged in the storm, some patients were being transferred to area hospitals, he said. “All of the downtown area was just devastated,” Samu said….” (Fox News. “Death toll from twisters rises to 34 in 4 states.” 3-3-2012.)
WSJ, March 3: “Spokesman Jet Quillen of the Indiana Joint Information Center said the dead included four in Jefferson County and three in Scott County, the Associated Press reported. Authorities also reported two deaths in Ripley County and one in Henryville.
“In Kentucky, the official death toll from Friday’s storms stood at 17…late Saturday morning, authorities said. Four were reported dead in each of Morgan County and Laurel County, three in Kenton County, and two each in Menifee, Johnson and Lawrence counties, according to state authorities. All of the counties are in eastern Kentucky. In Morgan County, about 80 miles east of Lexington, several trailer parks were overturned and other buildings were severely damaged, according to Specialist James Moore of the Army National Guard. Nearly 22,000 people were without power in the state. Of Kentucky’s 120 counties, 13 reported tornado damage and an additional 27 reported storm damage….
“Three people died in Ohio, all in Clermont County in the state’s southwest, said Tamara McBride, a spokeswoman for Ohio’s Emergency Management Agency. She said the county had suffered “significant damage,” but it wasn’t yet clear early Saturday exactly how severe. No one was unaccounted for, and the death toll in the state wasn’t expected to rise, she said.
“In Tennessee, counties near Chattanooga and Nashville appeared among the hardest-hit. Emergency officials said 33 people in the state were injured but that there were no reports of fatalities as of Saturday morning. More than 200 homes were damaged after several counties reported tornadoes, and 18,650 people were without power early Saturday. Three Tennessee residents were killed Feb. 29, when tornadoes also touched down in the state.
“In Alabama, 11 people were injured in addition to the one person killed, said Yasamie August, a spokeswoman at the Alabama Emergency Management Agency. Nine of the injured were in northernmost Alabama, where at least 40 homes were reported destroyed and an additional 100 with heavy damage as of Friday afternoon. A maximum-security prison was also damaged, but authorities said inmates were secure and there were no reports of serious injuries at the prison….
“In Georgia, 18 homes were damaged in Paulding County, in the northern part of the state, as severe weather overnight also uprooted trees and damaged an elementary school and a small airport, said Lisa Janak, a spokeswoman at the state emergency agency, on Saturday….
“…In Henryville [IN]… Cole Belcher said that after surviving the tornado by huddling in a bathroom, he ventured out to help others. Next door, “the house was flattened,” he said. “There wasn’t a standing wall left.” He found his neighbor dead, crushed by a refrigerator. The man’s wife was trapped under a fallen wall with several broken bones. Mr. Belcher and others loaded her onto a door and into the bed of a pickup truck to take her to a hospital….” (Wall Street Journal. “Tornado Outbreak Kills 35 as Storm Warnings Move South.” 3-3-2012.)
Sources
Associated Press, Louisville. “Child found in field after tornado dies.” CBS News. 3-4-2012. Accessed 6-5-2015 at: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/child-found-in-field-after-tornado-dies/
Associated Press (Roger Alford and Jim Suhr). “Storms demolish small towns in Ind., Ky.; 38 dead.” 3-3-2012. At: http://www.boston.com/news/nation/articles/2012/03/03/storms_wreck_indiana_towns_kill_27_in_3_states/
Boston Globe. “Storms demolish small towns in Ind., Ky.; 34 dead.” 3-3-2012. Accessed at: http://www.boston.com/news/education/k_12/articles/2012/03/03/storms_wreck_indiana_towns_kill_27_in_3_states/
CBS News. “Twisters’ death toll likely to rise.” 3-3-2012. Accessed 3-3-2012 at: http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-505263_162-57389987/twisters-death-toll-likely-to-rise/
Chicago Tribune. “Tornadoes kill at least 33 in Midwest and South.” 3-3-2012. 3-3-2012 at: http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/sns-rt-us-usa-tornadoestre81s2ad-20120229,0,2344369.story
CNN. “Grief, resilience after storms rip through states, killing 39.” 3-4-2012. Accessed at: http://www.cnn.com/2012/03/04/us/severe-weather/
CNN. “Rescuers scour for survivors after string of killer storms.” 3-3-2012. Accessed 3-3-2012 at: http://www.cnn.com/2012/03/03/us/severe-weather/index.html
Courier-Journal, Louisville, KY. “Kentucky, Indiana tornado death toll rises to 27.” 3-3-2012. 3-3-2012 at: http://www.courier-journal.com/article/20120303/NEWS01/303030039/1008/Kentucky-Indiana-tornado-death-toll-rises-27
Courier-Journal, Louisville, KY. “Tornado death toll climbs to 32 in Kentucky, Southern Indiana.” 3-3-2012. 3-3-2012 at: http://www.courier-journal.com/article/20120303/NEWS01/303030039/Tornado-cleanup-Kentucky-Indiana?odyssey=mod|newswell|text|Home|p
Detroit Free Press. “Indiana survivors clean up, mourn after tornado leaves destruction, death, 3-5-2012. At: http://www.freep.com/article/20120305/NEWS07/120305007/Indiana-tornado-death-toll-cleanup?odyssey=nav%7Chead
Fox News. “Death toll from twisters rises to 34 in 4 states.” 3-3-2012. Accessed 3-3-2012 at: http://www.foxnews.com/us/2012/03/03/storms-wreck-indiana-towns-kill-at-least-24-across-3-states/
Kansas City Star, MO. “Storms demolish small towns in Ind., Ky.; 37 dead.” 3-3-2012. 3-3-2012 at: http://www.kansascity.com/2012/03/03/3465890/violent-storms-kill-29-death-toll.html
National Weather Service Weather Forecast Office, Louisville, KY. Storm Survey. March 2, 2012 Southern Indiana EF-4. “Washington County, IN Segment.” Accessed 6-5-2015 at: http://www.crh.noaa.gov/Image/lmk/03022012_EF4.htm
Reuters (Susan Guyett). “Tornadoes Kill at least 36 in Midwest, South.” 3-3-2012. Accessed at: http://www.publicbroadcasting.net/wrni/news.newsmain/article/0/0/1909778/U.S./Tornadoes.kill.at.least.36.in.Midwest..South
Sacramento Bee. “Indiana police lower tornado death toll to 12.” 3-4-2012. at: http://www.sacbee.com/2012/03/04/4310292/indiana-police-lower-tornado-death.html
Storm Prediction Center, National Weather Service, NOAA. “20120302’s Storm Reports (1200 UTC – 1159 UTC)” Accessed at: http://www.spc.noaa.gov/climo/reports/120302_rpts.html
USA Today. “Ind. Toddler found in field dies from tornado injuries.” 3-4-2012. Accessed at: http://www.usatoday.com/weather/storms/tornadoes/story/2012-03-04/indiana-tornado-toddler/53357116/1
USA Today. “Tornadoes’ death toll mounts; rescue efforts underway.” 3-4-2012. Accessed at: http://www.usatoday.com/weather/storms/tornadoes/story/2012-03-03/tornado-storm-midwest-south/53344382/1
Wall Street Journal. “Tornado Outbreak Kills 35 as Storm Warnings Move South.” 3-3-2012. 3-3-2012 at: http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052970203986604577259213579683978.html
WGGB, Springfield, MA. “Storm Death Toll 37 in Five States. 3-4-2012. Accessed 3-4-2012 at: http://www.wggb.com/2012/03/04/storm-death-toll-38-in-five-states/
Wikipedia. “Early March 2012 tornado outbreak.” 3-4-2012. Accessed at: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Early_March_2012_tornado_outbreak
[1] “”Angel’s death Sunday [Angel Babcock, 15-months] brought to 39 the number of people killed by the storms that devastated five states.”
[2] “Fifteen-month-old Angel Babcock seemed to be the miracle survivor of a deadly tornado that killed her parents and two siblings when she arrived Friday night at Kosair Children’s Hospital n Louisville, Ky. Though critically injured, she was opening her eyes, and hospital workers said that was a hopeful sign. But the New Pekin, Ind., girl’s condition deteriorated Saturday as her brain swelled…As the day went on, Angel’s eyes cease to move, and there was no sign of brain activity. Medical staff told her family there was nothing more they could do.” (AP, Louisville. “Child found in field after tornado dies.” CBS News. 3-4-2012.) Also: NWS WFO, Louisville, KY. “Washington County, IN Segment.” Storm Survey. March 2, 2012 Southern Indiana EF-4. Accessed 6-5-2015.