Tornado outbreak of March 24–27, 2023

GOES-16 satellite image of the storm system responsible for the tornado outbreak across the Southern United States at 14:06 UTC (9:06 a.m. CDT) on March 25

On March 18, the Storm Prediction Center (SPC) first indicated the potential for organized severe weather across the Southern Plains in advance of an upper-level trough across the Western United States.[9] Additional risk areas were issued to the east in later outlooks, concurrent with the eastward-moving trough.[10] By March 23, a level 2/Slight risk was hoisted from Texas northeastward into Missouri, primarily for the threat of large hail.[11] Scattered reports of large hail and damaging wind gusts were received from Texas across into the Mid-Atlantic states.[12] In addition, two EF1 tornadoes occurred in Parker County, Texas, during the early morning hours of March 24.[13]

The Storm Prediction Center’s Severe Weather Outlook for March 24, 2023.

Farther to the east across the lower Mississippi River Valley, a more substantial threat for severe weather unfolded. On March 22, the SPC issued a level 3/Enhanced risk of severe weather across portions of Louisiana, Arkansas, and Mississippi, for supercell thunderstorms capable of large hail, damaging winds, and strong (EF2+) tornadoes.[14] The Enhanced risk was expanded northward the following day, and the original outlined area was upgraded to a level 4/Moderate risk.[15] On the morning of March 24, water vapor imagery depicted a potent mid-level trough over northern portions of the Baja California peninsula. The trough was expected to move quickly eastward, accompanied by strong mid-level winds between the trough and strong high-pressure area across the Southeastern United States. Meanwhile, a rapidly deepening low-pressure area was expected to drag a warm front northward, leading to a broad, unstable air mass to its south. Although some reduction in moisture was expected across Mississippi due to drier air aloft and warm surface temperatures into the 80s °F, continued advection of moist air from the Gulf of Mexico seemed supportive of dewpoints in the upper 60's and lower 70's across Louisiana, Arkansas, and Mississippi by the evening hours. Thus, mixed-layer convective available potential energy was expected to rise into the 1,500–2,000 J/kg range. Initial forecaster thinking was that strong forcing for ascent across Arkansas would lead to an organized squall line capable of both tornadoes and damaging winds, whereas more discrete supercells would be possible farther south,[16] particularly along north–south oriented confluence bands in the open warm sector.[17] A tornado watch was issued shortly thereafter at 5:15 p.m. CDT for portions of eastern Arkansas, northeastern Louisiana, central and northern Mississippi, and western Tennessee. The watch mentioned the possibility of several strong to intense tornadoes with any persistent supercells.[18]

NEXRAD radar loop of the EF4 Rolling Fork–Midnight–Silver City, Mississippi tornado

Clusters of storms evolved along these bands in conjunction with improving wind shear profiles. However, given their displacement from the surface low and better forcing, there was some uncertainty as to whether they would become better organized.[19] A strengthening low-level jet and surface moisture increased confidence in the maturation of these cells,[20] but tornadic development had not yet begun in the area as of 0000 UTC. At their 0100 UTC outlook, the SPC lowered the probability of tornadoes to a 10% hatched tornado area, thus downgrading the moderate risk to an enhanced risk, citing that instability in the area was weaker than expected and that there was increased confidence in only limited buoyancy developing.[21] However, as the update was being issued, a significant supercell evolved across western Mississippi, producing a violent, long-tracked, and deadly high-end EF4 tornado that struck Rolling Fork, Midnight, and Silver City, inflicting catastrophic damage, and causing over a dozen fatalities.[22][23] Although this supercell became embedded within a line segment,[24] it soon produced another deadly tornado of EF3 strength that impacted Black Hawk and Winona, followed by another deadly EF3 tornado that struck New Wren and Amory.[25][26] To the north, an organized line of convection with embedded supercells moved across Tennessee and Alabama, and although its strength was inhibited by lower moisture and a lack of robust instability, it still produced damaging winds and several additional tornadoes into the early morning hours of March 25, including a low-end EF2 tornado that caused a fatality in the northern part of Hartselle, Alabama. A few lingering severe storms continued into the afternoon hours, resulting in two more weak EF0 tornadoes that occurred in southern Alabama and Georgia.

After the weather system responsible for the outbreak became stalled within the atmospheric region centered around central Mississippi and Alabama throughout March 25, focus shifted to a new corridor for severe weather potential setting up across many of the same areas on March 26. In this corridor, which extended from Louisiana into western Georgia, CAPE values reaching into the 1500–2000 J/kg range, effective 50-knot wind shear, and elevated dew points were present, allowing for a favorable environment for the re-intensification of the system, and its segmentation into individual supercells. As such, the SPC issued a 4/5 moderate risk for this corridor at their 1630 UTC outlook, driven by both a 15%, hatched contour for strong (EF2+) tornadoes for the strongest cells and a 45%, hatched contour for very large (2+ inch diameter) hail. A 30% risk of damaging winds was specified in this outlook.[27] On the morning of March 26, supercells quickly developed, one of which produced an EF3 tornado that caused major damage in North West Point, Georgia. Additional significant tornadoes were expected to occur across portions of the threat area farther west, though mostly isolated weak tornadoes occurred. One EF2 tornado caused significant tree damage as it passed near Catherine, Alabama. A few additional isolated supercells continued into the early morning hours of March 27, one of which produced an EF2 tornado that struck Milstead, Alabama. A couple of additional weak tornadoes touched down before the outbreak came to an end.

Rolling Fork–Midnight–Silver City, Mississippi

A home that was completely destroyed at EF4 intensity in Rolling Fork
Meteorological history
Duration	71 minutes
Formed	March 24, 2023, 7:57 p.m. CDT (UTC−05:00)
Dissipated	March 24, 2023, 9:08 p.m. CDT (UTC−05:00)
EF4 tornado
on the Enhanced Fujita scale
Highest winds	195 mph (314 km/h)
Overall effects
Fatalities	17
Injuries	165

This violent, deadly high-end EF4 tornado first touched down in Issaquena County southeast of Mayersville near the Mississippi River. It tracked northeastward over the Steele Bayou Canal and into Sharkey County, producing EF0 to EF1 damage to trees, power poles, and some outbuildings. The tornado then rapidly grew in size and reached EF2 strength as it approached Rolling Fork from the southwest, prompting the issuance of a tornado emergency. The tornado then became violent and reached EF4 intensity as it entered Rolling Fork, producing catastrophic damage throughout much of the town. Frame homes and duplexes were completely leveled or swept from their foundations, approximately 30 manufactured homes were obliterated, and copious amounts of structural debris was scattered throughout the community.[40][43] Several structures at an agriculture business, were completely flattened, the local library was completely destroyed, the Rolling Fork Police Department was nearly destroyed, while the fire station, post office, city hall, Rolling Fork Elementary School, South Delta High School were significantly damaged.[40][43] Multiple older brick buildings in downtown Rolling Fork also had major structural damage, with some well-built businesses and structures completely leveled with only piles of debris remaining. One of the town's water towers was toppled when flying debris compromised its base, leaving a crater where it impacted the ground. Some of the most violent damage occurred in the northeastern part of town, where a flower shop housed in a well-built brick building was completely leveled at high-end EF4 strength, with its concrete foundation slab being partially swept clean of debris. Several nearby homes were also obliterated and large metal-framed buildings, including a Family Dollar store, were completely flattened as well. Many vehicles were also thrown through the air and mangled, and numerous large trees in and around Rolling Fork were denuded and debarked, and a few of them were completely stripped clean of all bark.[44][45]

High-end EF4 damage to a flower shop along Walnut Street in Rolling Fork

After exiting Rolling Fork, the tornado remained violent as it moved across several open fields, where severe ground scouring occurred and debris from the town was scattered long distances to the northeast. Several utility poles were snapped off at the base or pulled out of the ground, and some were left covered in up to 1–2 in (2.5–5.1 cm) of mud. A few of the missing power poles were never found. Southeast of Anguilla, the tornado inflicted EF4-strength damage again to hardwood trees, with most completely mangled or debarked.[43] A mobile home was swept away and obliterated with very little debris remaining, and a bus on the property was tossed into trees. Aerial imagery of this area also revealed ground scouring and the presence of cycloidal marks in open fields.[43][40]

Maintaining EF2 strength, the tornado then crossed into Humphreys County. The tornado briefly strengthened to high-end EF3 strength as it completely leveled a small brick home, and overturned a nearby grain loader. Grain bins were heavily damaged in this area as well, debris was scattered for hundreds of yards into a field, and a grain cart was thrown into the field as well. Passing through the small community of Midnight, the tornado produced EF2 damage as a home, a brick building sustained damage and trees and power poles were snapped. The tornado then moved northeast as it approached Silver City from the southwest. A mobile home was completely destroyed after being thrown 75 ft (23 m) into a nearby field, with only the porch being left behind. A portion of the roof was blown off a school, and two metal buildings were destroyed with large support beams bent and debris scattered across fields. Large areas of hardwood trees were snapped and uprooted.[43][40]

The tornado then weakened some but continued causing significant damage as it moved into Silver City, where multiple apartment buildings suffered heavy roof damage, including some that had portions of their roofs removed and one that had its walls partially collapsed. Many homes throughout the town had extensive roof damage, some were completely unroofed, and a few sustained collapse of one or more exterior walls. Four manufactured homes were completely destroyed in the center of town, a church sustained roof damage, a large number of old hardwood trees were also snapped or uprooted, and power lines were downed as well. Damage in Silver City was rated EF1 to EF2 in intensity. After passing through Silver City, the tornado weakened and dissipated while causing EF1 to EF0 damage. In total, it traveled 59.4 miles (95.6 km), killing 17 people and injuring 165 others.[40][43][46][47][1][48]

Black Hawk–Winona, Mississippi

EF3 damage to a parsonage in Black Hawk.
Meteorological history
Duration	25 minutes
Formed	March 24, 2023, 9:12 p.m. CDT (UTC−05:00)
Dissipated	March 24, 2023, 9:37 p.m. CDT (UTC−05:00)
EF3 tornado
on the Enhanced Fujita scale
Highest winds	155 mph (249 km/h)
Overall effects
Fatalities	3
Injuries	5

Another intense, long-tracked, and extremely fast-moving tornado quickly formed after the Rolling Fork EF4 tornado dissipated, first touching down in Carroll County in a wooded area southwest of Black Hawk. It quickly intensified to low-end EF2 intensity shortly afterwards, snapping or uprooting many trees as it moved to the northeast. The tornado then struck Black Hawk at its peak intensity of mid-range EF3, crossing MS 430, County Road 235, and MS 17. Multiple residences in town sustained major structural damage, including a few homes that had their roofs torn off and exterior walls collapsed, while several other homes had extensive roof damage. The historic Blackhawk School was completely destroyed, and the nearby Black Hawk Independent Church was also destroyed, which had only portions of a few exterior walls left intact. The church's steeple was blown away, with the bell being thrown and not found, and a parsonage on the property was partially destroyed as well. A nearby well-built cinder block masonry building also suffered minor roof and doorway damage. A shed and an equipment trailer were rolled, and many trees were snapped or uprooted. The tornado then exited Black Hawk and continued northeastward through densely forested areas for 11 miles (18 km), causing widespread EF2 to EF3 tree damage. Some structures were also damaged, although they were inaccessible to the survey team. It then damaged a home as it crossed Enon Road, before striking multiple mobile homes at high-end EF2 strength as it moved over MS 35. A mobile home in this area was completely destroyed after being ripped off its blocks and thrown 50 yards (46 m) into a nearby wooded area, killing the three occupants inside. Another mobile home was also destroyed, others suffered roof damage or were shifted off their foundations, an 18-wheeler tractor-trailer was blown over onto its side, and many trees were snapped. Another structure northeast of this area was also destroyed, although it was only viewable through satellite imagery.[40][49]

NEXRAD radar scan of the tornado as it approached Winona.

Continuing to cause widespread tree damage, the tornado weakened to EF1 intensity as it moved northeastward into Montgomery County and crossed I-55. It then became strong again as it approached Winona, where a tornado emergency was issued. The tornado impacted the southern outskirts of town and crossed US 51, Stafford Wells Road, and MS 407 at EF2 intensity. Many large trees were snapped or uprooted in this area, some metal buildings were heavily damaged, a house had a large portion of its roof torn off, and another house sustained roof damage. East of the town, the tornado produced damage ranging from EF1 to EF2 as it snapped multiple power poles and trees along US 82, and also destroyed an outbuilding. The tornado then crossed the intersection of Bethlehem Community Road and Bethlehem Church Road at EF2 intensity, destroying three outbuildings, inflicting major roof damage to a home, and shifting another home off its foundation. The tornado then continued northeastward, causing major tree damage in wooded areas. As it approached Robinson-Thompson Road at low-end EF2 intensity, the tornado destroyed an outbuilding and inflicted minor to moderate roof and siding damage to a 100-year-old home. It then abruptly weakened and dissipated as it crossed the road well southwest of Lodi after travelling for 29.2 miles (47.0 km). Along with the three deaths, five other people were injured.[40][50][51][52][49]

Egypt–New Wren–Amory–Smithville, Mississippi

Shredded trees and remains of a mobile home that was obliterated at EF3 intensity near New Wren.
Meteorological history
Duration	31 minutes
Formed	March 24, 2023, 10:38 p.m. CDT (UTC−05:00)
Dissipated	March 24, 2023, 11:09 p.m. CDT (UTC−05:00)
EF3 tornado
on the Enhanced Fujita scale
Highest winds	>155 mph (249 km/h)[note 2]
Overall effects
Fatalities	2
Injuries	55
Damage	$80.045 million [53][54][55]

An intense, long-tracked, and extremely fast-moving EF3 tornado, which came from the same storm that produced the Rolling Fork EF4 and Black Hawk EF3 tornadoes, caused major damage in or near the communities of Egypt, New Wren, and Amory in Mississippi. The tornado first touched down southwest of Egypt in far eastern Chickasaw County. As the tornado travelled northeast across County Road 179 and US 45 Alternate, it produced EF0 to EF1 damage, snapping and uprooting numerous trees and overturning a metal carport. The tornado entered Monroe County and intensified to EF2 strength as it passed east of Egypt, destroying several single-wide mobile homes. Numerous utility poles and trees were snapped, cars were overturned, and a few other homes also suffered roof damage as well.[56] Several injuries occurred in this area. The tornado remained at EF2 strength while continuing northeast of Egypt, snapping numerous additional trees and power poles, destroying an outbuilding, and inflicting roof damage to several homes. The tornado then began to intensify further, attaining high-end EF2 intensity as it reached McAllister Road and Herndon Lane, inflicting significant damage to several homes, including a few that had roofs ripped off and some exterior walls collapsed. Multiple single and double-wide manufactured homes in this area were obliterated, two people inside one of them were killed, and several people suffered significant injuries as well. In addition, many hardwood trees were snapped or uprooted in this area. As the tornado continued toward US 45 at high-end EF2 strength, it reached its peak width of 1,600 yards (1,500 m) and caused widespread damage to trees and homes along the west side of Whatley Road, including a mobile home that was destroyed and a frame home that was shifted off its foundation. Around this time, a tornado emergency was issued for New Wren and Amory.[40][28]

NEXRAD radar scan of the tornado as it approached Amory.

As the tornado crossed US 45 at the intersection with Whatley Road and passed just south of New Wren, it reached EF3 intensity, inflicting significant damage to numerous structures. One manufactured home was completely destroyed with debris thrown 200 yards (180 m) away, a nearby church was demolished, and some other homes sustained significant damage. In addition, power poles were snapped, some barns were heavily damaged, and residences along the outer edge of the damage path had more minor damage. Just beyond this point along Little Coontail Road, EF3 damage continued as a house had its roof torn off and exterior walls collapsed, another home was largely leveled, and multiple manufactured homes were obliterated. A boat was tossed over 50 yards (46 m) and an SUV was thrown into a tree as well. The tornado then weakened slightly but remained strong, continuing northeastward at EF2 intensity and approaching the city of Amory. Severe tree damage continued to occur along this segment of the path, and some homes also sustained mainly minor roof damage as well.

The tornado then crossed over US 278 near where it intersected the Tennessee Tombigbee Waterway and entered Amory, intensifying back to EF3 strength as it crossed over the BNSF Railway Amory Subdivision line and MS 25. WTVA chief meteorologist Matt Laubhan prayed for the city in the name of Jesus live on TV as the debris signature moved into town.[57][58] Widespread significant damage was inflicted to homes, businesses, and trees throughout Amory, especially in the northern part of town. An Exxon gas station, Jack's restaurant, multiple churches, and a Piggly Wiggly grocery store all suffered major structural damage or were destroyed, along with other commercial buildings and businesses in town. Homes had roofs and exterior walls torn off, mobile homes were completely destroyed, apartment buildings were partially unroofed, a cell tower was blown over, and many trees and power poles were snapped. Some self-storage garages and metal industrial buildings were damaged or destroyed as well, and Amory High School had significant damage to its athletic fields. The tornado then weakened slightly but remained strong as it continued northeastward at EF2 strength, causing severe damage to a few homes and a National Guard armory near the Amory Golf Course as it exited town. Continuing to the northeast at EF2 strength, the tornado impacted trees, a few homes, and some other structures as it moved though rural areas. Near Parham Store Road, a trailer was thrown 250 yards (230 m) into a field, and a few homes sustained significant roof damage. Just beyond this point, the tornado weakened to EF1 intensity as it passed to the southeast of Smithville, inflicting roof damage to a couple of homes, damaging some outbuildings, and downing trees. The tornado continued to weaken and narrow as it approached and entered Itawamba County, causing only intermittent EF0 to EF1 tree damage before dissipating as it approached Wilson Road just west of the Alabama state line. In total, two people were killed and numerous others were injured. The tornado traveled 36.91 miles (59.40 km) at an average forward speed of 71.4 mph (114.9 km/h).[40][28] No one was killed in Amory itself, but there were two deaths and a serious injury in Monroe County near the community of New Wren.[59][60]

North West Point–Smiths Mill–Pine Mountain, Georgia

A poorly anchored home that was leveled at EF3 intensity in North West Point
Meteorological history
Duration	30 minutes
Formed	March 26, 2023, 6:49 a.m. EDT (UTC−04:00)
Dissipated	March 26, 2023, 7:19 a.m. EDT (UTC−04:00)
EF3 tornado
on the Enhanced Fujita scale
Highest winds	150 mph (240 km/h)
Overall effects
Fatalities	0
Injuries	5

This intense tornado touched down just east of the Alabama-Georgia border in Troup County northwest of West Point, Georgia and moved eastward, damaging trees at EF0 strength. After crossing the Chattahoochee River, the tornado rapidly intensified, producing major damage as it moved into the community of North West Point, and quickly reaching its peak intensity as it crossed US 29/SR 14. Four homes in this area were completely leveled, although they were anchored with nails rather than bolts, earning only a mid-range EF3 rating. Other homes in the area also sustained major structural damage, some of which had their roofs torn off or were left with only interior walls standing, and a manufactured home was completely destroyed. Numerous large trees in North West Point were uprooted, snapped, or sustained partial debarking, Bethel Baptist Church was partially destroyed, a small motel and several vehicles were heavily damaged, and debris was scattered throughout the area.[61][62] Still continuing eastward, the tornado exited North West Point and crossed over a CSX railway line into forested areas, snapping or uprooting a large swath of trees. After crossing Kia Parkway and I-85, the tornado weakened to EF1 strength as it moved along Lower Lovelace Road and crossed Johns Road, with damage in this area consisting of trees that were snapped or uprooted, and damage to an outbuilding. The tornado began to strengthen again as it crossed nearby Billings Road, causing up to EF2 damage as a home suffered major roof damage, and a masonry building sustained total destruction of its second floor. A manufactured home in this area also had its roof heavily damaged and was shifted off its foundation. The tornado strengthened further as it crossed Shoemaker Road, where three homes were largely destroyed with all of their exterior walls knocked down. One of the homes received a low-end EF3 rating while the other two were rated high-end EF2. The tornado then weakened and crossed Adams Road and Jarrell Hogg Road at EF1 intensity. Along this portion of the path, several homes and outbuildings were damaged, and many trees were snapped or uprooted.[40][39]

NEXRAD radar scan of the EF3 tornado near West Point.

Still continuing eastward, the tornado reached EF2 intensity again as it crossed Whitesville Road near its intersection of Ely Callaway Road. A house was completely unroofed, another house had extensive roof damage, and a more concentrated area of snapped and uprooted trees was noted. To the east, the tornado weakened back to EF1 strength as it passed south of the Smiths Mill community and moved across I-185. Damage along this segment of the path consisted almost entirely of downed trees, though there was minor damage to a few homes and outbuildings. Briefly strengthening back to EF2 intensity, the tornado snapped large tree trunks as it crossed Oak Grove Road, and also caused EF1 damage to two residences. It also caused damage at the Pine Mountain Wild Animal Safari in this area, where several animal enclosures were breached. Two tigers briefly escaped from one of the enclosures, but they were quickly found, tranquilized, and safely returned.[63] Additional trees were snapped or uprooted an EF1 intensity as it crossed over US 27 and Old Chipley Road. As the tornado neared the Meriwether County line, it produced one last area of EF2 damage at the Cherokee Resort Club, where more than 40 cabins sustained damage and several were destroyed. After moving into Meriwether County, the tornado began a rapid weakening trend, causing only EF0 tree damage. The last area of damage that was found was at Robert Williams Road northeast of Pine Mountain, where a couple of trees were snapped. The tornado dissipated at this point just before crossing SR 18 west-southwest of Durand. In all, 146 homes were impacted by this tornado in Troup County; 23 of them were destroyed, 26 sustained major damage and 41 sustained minor damage. Additionally, several businesses were also heavily damaged or destroyed. The tornado remained on the ground for 21.7 mi (34.9 km) and injured five people.[40][39][64]

Both state and national politicians responded to the devastation in Mississippi. On March 25, Governor of Mississippi Tate Reeves declared a state of emergency in Sharkey, Humphreys, Carroll, and Monroe counties.[69] Governor Reeves's request for a major disaster declaration was granted by President Joe Biden on March 26.[70] President Biden visited Rolling Fork on March 31 and announced that the federal government would fully cover cost of the cleanup.[71] The Mississippi state legislature also later approved approximately $18.5 million in relief funds.[47]

Rolling Fork's funeral director and mayor, Eldridge Walker, said on March 27 that search-and-rescue efforts were "pretty close" to finished and authorities believe everyone has been accounted for.[72][73] Following major damage to the Sharkey Issaquena Community Hospital and the Delta Health Center, both based in Rolling Fork, the University of Mississippi Medical Center partnered with state agencies to establish a temporary field hospital at the town's National Guard Armory.[74] The Mississippi Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) contracted with the Red Cross to provide survivors with meals and lodging in hotel rooms for up to six months.[75] By April 11, Mayor Walker said that 500 people, approximately a third of the town's population, remained displaced. To dispose of debris and waste from the tornado's damage, Sharkey County established a burn site on the town's outskirts. On April 10 alone, 260 truckloads of debris made the trip to the burn site.[76] Influencer and YouTuber Ryan Hall, Y'all raised $120,000 through social media to give generators out after the storm.[77]

A curfew between 8:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. was instituted in Amory, as well as a notice to boil water, following the city's water department taking a hit from the Rolling Fork storm's third tornado.[78] The school district there resumed normal classes on April 11, with 85% attendance.[79]