Wikipedia

Tornado outbreak of March 16–18, 2021

A tornado outbreak occurred on Saint Patrick's Day in the Deep South. Mississippi and Alabama were greatly affected, with numerous tornadoes being confirmed, including four that were rated EF2. Six people were injured by four different tornadoes across Alabama during the outbreak. A non-tornadic fatality also occurred due to a car crash near Natchez, Mississippi. The outbreak began the day before, with a couple tornadoes in Mississippi, and continued over the next two days. The storm moved eastward and affected portions of Florida, Georgia, the Carolinas, and Virginia on March 18, spawning more tornadoes and causing wind damage before the storms pushed offshore that night. In total, 51 tornadoes were confirmed during the event, including 25 in Alabama, making it the sixth-largest tornado event in the state's history, and is sometimes locally referred to as the Saint Patrick's Day tornado outbreak of 2021.[4] The same areas would be hit again by a more significant and destructive tornado outbreak sequence one week later.

Tornado outbreak of March 16–18, 2021
Map of confirmed tornadoes and tornado warnings received by the Storm Prediction Center
TypeExtratropical cyclone
Tornado outbreak
Blizzard
DurationMarch 16–18, 2021
Highest winds
Tornadoes
confirmed		51
Max. rating1EF2 tornado
Duration of
tornado outbreak2		49 hours and 28 minutes
Largest hail2.75 in (7.0 cm) diameter in Gordo, Alabama on March 17
Maximum snowfall
or ice accretion		Snow – 6.2 in (16 cm) at Borger, Texas[1]
Fatalities1 non-tornadic fatality,[3]
6 tornadic injuries[note 1]
Damage$500 million (2021 USD)[2]
Power outages> 103,000
Areas affectedSoutheastern United States, Southern Plains

1Most severe tornado damage; see Enhanced Fujita scale
2Time from first tornado to last tornado

The extratropical cyclone responsible for the tornado outbreak also resulted in a severe late-season blizzard in parts of the Southern Plains, particularly in the Texas and Oklahoma panhandles. Zero visibility was reported in much of the area for hours in a row on the morning of March 17, due to extremely heavy snowfall rates as well as wind gusts over 60 mph (97 km/h).

Meteorological synopsis

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Storm Prediction Center (SPC) outlook issued at 11:30 a.m. CDT (16:30 UTC) on March 17

On March 16, an enhanced risk for severe weather was issued for northeastern Texas Panhandle northeastward into south central Kansas for the possibility of very large hail. Slight and marginal risk areas, however, covered a much larger area, covering most of the Southern Plains and eastward into Georgia. This included a large 5% tornado risk stretching from the eastern Texas Panhandle into western Mississippi Widespread strong to severe thunderstorms affected areas from Texas and Kansas to Alabama. In southern Mississippi, a cluster of storms bought wind, hail, and tornado damage to Copiah and Simpson Counties. Another cluster of supercells and multi-cell clusters formed in the Texas Panhandle and moved northeastward through western and northern Oklahoma. A tornado was reported on the south side of Hobart, although it was later determined to be a gustnado instead.[5] As the night progressed, a squall line developed in Western Texas and steadily organized as it moved eastward overnight producing more severe weather.[6]

The main day of the outbreak was March 17. It was forecasted well in advance; on March 13, the Storm Prediction Center highlighted a large area of severe potential, including all of Mississippi.[7] By March 14, the entire state and the surrounding areas were contained within a 30% risk contour.[8] Two days later, the SPC upgraded portions of Arkansas, Mississippi, Tennessee, and Alabama to a Moderate risk for severe weather, including a 15% risk area for tornadoes. Early on March 17, the SPC issued a high risk, the first such outlook in two years, for portions of Mississippi, Alabama, and Louisiana.[9] By 12:30 p.m CDT, the high risk area included a 45% risk area for tornadoes across a small portion of the Mississippi–Alabama state line.[10]

Throughout the day, the Storm Prediction Center issued three particularly dangerous situation (PDS) tornado watches for areas of Alabama and Mississippi. These included much of central Alabama and Mississippi at 11:35 a.m. CDT;[11] northern Louisiana, many of the remaining counties in Mississippi, and a handful of counties in Arkansas at 11:55 a.m. CDT;[12] and then a second PDS watch for eastern Mississippi and much of Alabama at 6:45 p.m. CDT.[13] There were 10 other tornado watches issued throughout the day as well.[14]

The first tornado of the day, rated EF2, touched down west of Waynesboro, Mississippi just after 12:00 p.m. CDT on March 17, causing major damage to chicken houses and trees.[15] In the Burnsville, Alabama, area another strong EF2 tornado destroyed multiple mobile homes, heavily damaged a frame home, and injured two people. The strongest tornado of the day was a high-end EF2 tornado that damaged or destroyed multiple homes and mobile homes, and also tossed vehicles near Billingsley, Alabama. Another EF2 tornado struck Silas, snapping numerous trees in and around town. Despite the high potential for long-tracked and violent tornadoes, the four EF2 tornadoes were the only strong (EF2+) tornadoes that were confirmed. In all, 33 tornadoes were confirmed that day.[15]

More severe and tornadic weather was expected on March 18 along the Atlantic coast from Florida to Southern Maryland and a moderate risk was issued from eastern Georgia to north central North Carolina on March 17.[16] The moderate risk was downgraded to enhanced on March 18 due to a lack of buoyancy in the atmosphere, but numerous strong to severe thunderstorms still tracked through the area during the afternoon.[17][18] Dozens of weak tornadoes were confirmed before the storms moved offshore that evening.[18]

Confirmed tornadoes

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Confirmed tornadoes by Enhanced Fujita rating
EFU EF0 EF1 EF2 EF3 EF4 EF5 Total
0 24 23 4 0 0 0 51

March 16 event

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List of confirmed tornadoes – Tuesday, March 16, 2021[note 2]
EF# Location County / Parish State Start Coord. Time (UTC) Path length Max width Summary
EF1 N of Sand Hill Copiah MS 31°45′40″N 90°20′58″W / 31.7611°N 90.3494°W / 31.7611; -90.3494 (Beauregard (March 16, EF1)) 00:03–00:06 1.39 mi (2.24 km) 100 yd (91 m) Trees were snapped or uprooted, large tree branches were broken off, and a few power lines were downed.[19]
EF0 NNE of New Hebron Simpson MS 31°46′29″N 89°57′40″W / 31.7748°N 89.9611°W / 31.7748; -89.9611 (New Hebron (March 16, EF0)) 00:58–00:59 0.52 mi (0.84 km) 50 yd (46 m) A house and barn sustained minor roof damage, and a few trees were downed.[20]

March 17 event

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List of confirmed tornadoes – Wednesday, March 17, 2021[note 2]
EF# Location County / Parish State Start Coord. Time (UTC) Path length Max width Summary
EF2 N of Strengthford to NW of Waynesboro Wayne MS 31°38′57″N 88°54′24″W / 31.6491°N 88.9066°W / 31.6491; -88.9066 (Strengthford (March 17, EF2)) 17:03–17:22 13.1 mi (21.1 km) 325 yd (297 m) Several chicken houses were destroyed, a mobile home sustained roof damage, and many trees were downed, including numerous large pine trees.[21] In November 2023, this tornado was reanalyzed and had its track receive cosmetic updates based on Worldview satellite imagery.[22]
EF0 Intercourse Sumter AL 32°24′48″N 88°14′32″W / 32.4134°N 88.2421°W / 32.4134; -88.2421 (Intercourse (March 17, EF0)) 17:31–17:32 0.35 mi (0.56 km) 70 yd (64 m) A brief tornado ripped shingles from a home, uprooted trees, and snapped large tree limbs.[23]
EF2 E of Selma to Burnsville Dallas AL 32°25′26″N 86°57′15″W / 32.4240°N 86.9542°W / 32.4240; -86.9542 (Burnsville (March 17, EF2)) 17:32–17:45 5.08 mi (8.18 km) 1,000 yd (910 m) Most of the damage associated with this low-end EF2 tornado occurred in the Burnsville area. A well built home sustained loss of its carport, roof damage, broken windows, and partial loss of one wall. An unanchored manufactured home was completely destroyed, with remnants blown across a road and scattered over 100 yards (91 m), and a vehicle at this residence was rolled and damaged. A second manufactured home with some anchors was rolled and blown apart, with two people inside sustaining minor injuries. Several more homes sustained roof damage, and a two-story home sustained structural damage both from wind and from falling trees. Many trees and several power lines were downed along the path.[24]
EF1 SE of Livingston to SE of Epes Sumter AL 32°32′20″N 88°08′03″W / 32.5390°N 88.1341°W / 32.5390; -88.1341 (Livingston (March 17, EF1)) 17:57–18:15 9.78 mi (15.74 km) 475 yd (434 m) A mobile home was shifted from its blocks, outbuildings were destroyed, and several structures sustained roof damage. Numerous trees were snapped or uprooted.[25]
EF1 NE of Brookhaven Lincoln MS 31°35′25″N 90°19′18″W / 31.5903°N 90.3218°W / 31.5903; -90.3218 (Brookhaven (March 17, EF1)) 18:16–18:27 6.16 mi (9.91 km) 120 yd (110 m) One house lost half its roof, a couple mobile homes had the skirting blown off, and several sheds were damaged. Many trees were downed along the path.[26]
EF1 ENE of Billingsley Autauga AL 32°39′44″N 86°41′31″W / 32.6621°N 86.6920°W / 32.6621; -86.6920 (Billingsley (March 17, EF1)) 18:24–18:27 2.87 mi (4.62 km) 150 yd (140 m) One home sustained minor roof damage, and numerous trees were downed, a few of which caused roof and porch damage to a second home.[27]
EF1 E of Clanton Chilton AL 32°48′59″N 86°33′14″W / 32.8165°N 86.5539°W / 32.8165; -86.5539 (Clanton (March 17, EF1)) 18:56–19:03 3.04 mi (4.89 km) 500 yd (460 m) Farm buildings and an outbuilding were damaged, and several trees were downed.[28]
EF0 W of Demopolis Marengo AL 32°30′42″N 87°53′12″W / 32.5117°N 87.8866°W / 32.5117; -87.8866 (Demopolis (March 17, EF0)) 19:03–19:05 0.83 mi (1.34 km) 175 yd (160 m) A couple of buildings sustained minor damage, and several trees were downed.[29]
EF1 NNW of Akron to E of Stokes Hale, Tuscaloosa AL 32°54′29″N 87°45′30″W / 32.9081°N 87.7584°W / 32.9081; -87.7584 (Moundville (March 17, EF1)) 19:12–19:55 22.03 mi (35.45 km) 550 yd (500 m) Numerous homes and other structures, including a post office, an apartment building, and a church, were damaged in Moundville. To the south and southeast of Tuscaloosa, a few mobile homes were destroyed and campers were flipped. Many trees were downed along the path.[30]
EF1 SW of Sweet Water Marengo AL 32°04′04″N 87°54′05″W / 32.0678°N 87.9015°W / 32.0678; -87.9015 (Sweetwater (March 17, EF1)) 19:22–19:27 2.77 mi (4.46 km) 500 yd (460 m) Numerous trees were snapped along the path.[31]
EF1 W of Farmerville Union LA 32°45′51″N 92°29′59″W / 32.7643°N 92.4998°W / 32.7643; -92.4998 (Lake D'Arbonne State Park (March 17, EF1)) 19:26–19:33 2.64 mi (4.25 km) 766 yd (700 m) A chicken house and a picnic pavilion were damaged, and many trees were snapped or uprooted, especially as the tornado moved through Lake D'Arbonne State Park. Several trees fell on homes and vehicles.[32]
EF0 Unity Coosa AL 33°00′23″N 86°21′08″W / 33.0063°N 86.3522°W / 33.0063; -86.3522 (Unity (March 17, EF0)) 19:29–19:31 0.13 mi (0.21 km) 25 yd (23 m) A brief tornado uprooted a pine tree and snapped several tree branches in the rural community of Unity.[33]
EF1 NW of Coaling Tuscaloosa AL 33°11′27″N 87°22′46″W / 33.1907°N 87.3795°W / 33.1907; -87.3795 (Lake Wildwood (March 17, EF1)) 20:09–20:11 0.53 mi (0.85 km) 150 yd (140 m) This tornado produced damage around Lake Wildwood, consisting of downed trees and minor structural damage.[34]
EF1 NNE of Brookwood Tuscaloosa AL 33°17′19″N 87°17′59″W / 33.2887°N 87.2997°W / 33.2887; -87.2997 (Brookwood (March 17, EF1)) 20:25–20:34 3.51 mi (5.65 km) 650 yd (590 m) The same supercell responsible for producing the Moundville and Lake Wildwood tornadoes produced a third tornado, which damaged a metal warehouse, with roofing and siding being thrown. Antennas were bent on a communications tower, and many trees were downed as well.[35]
EF2 E of Waynesboro, MS to ESE of Putnam, AL Wayne (MS), Choctaw (AL), Clarke (AL), Marengo (AL) MS, AL 31°41′03″N 88°29′08″W / 31.6842°N 88.4855°W / 31.6842; -88.4855 (Waynesboro (March 17, EF2)) 20:44–21:40 36.59 mi (58.89 km) 500 yd (460 m) The tornado quickly moved into Alabama after touching down just west of the Mississippi state line, where damage was limited to downed trees. In Choctaw County, several chicken houses were severely damaged, and many softwood and hardwood trees were snapped or uprooted. The tornado then struck Silas, where trees were downed, and outbuildings and homes sustained minor damage. The tornado reached peak intensity as it approached the Tombigbee River and crossed into Clarke County, where a large swath of significant tree damage occurred. Some river camp homes in the area sustained roof damage, mobile homes were damaged, and an older, site-built home was heavily damaged, with two people inside being injured. The tornado weakened and continued into Marengo County, where it snapped and uprooted numerous trees as it crossed SR 69 before dissipating.[36] In November 2023, this tornado was reanalyzed and had its track receive cosmetic updates based on Planet satellite imagery.[37]
EF1 Kellerman to SW of Oak Grove Tuscaloosa, Jefferson AL 33°20′13″N 87°18′35″W / 33.3369°N 87.3097°W / 33.3369; -87.3097 (Kellerman (March 17, EF1)) 20:54–21:06 5.81 mi (9.35 km) 650 yd (590 m) Numerous trees were snapped or uprooted by this high-end EF1 tornado. The tornado dissipated just after crossing the county line.[38]
EF0 W of Safford Dallas AL 32°17′06″N 87°25′41″W / 32.2850°N 87.4280°W / 32.2850; -87.4280 (Safford (March 17, EF0)) 21:11–21:13 1.07 mi (1.72 km) 75 yd (69 m) Trees and tree branches were downed.[39]
EF1 Maytown Jefferson AL 33°32′14″N 87°01′18″W / 33.5371°N 87.0217°W / 33.5371; -87.0217 (Maytown (March 17, EF1)) 21:30–21:38 2.77 mi (4.46 km) 650 yd (590 m) Structures sustained minor damage in the town of Maytown, and several trees were snapped or uprooted as well.[40]
EF0 SE of McGehee Desha AR 33°37′12″N 91°22′47″W / 33.6201°N 91.3797°W / 33.6201; -91.3797 (McGehee (March 17, EF0)) 21:37–21:38 0.1 mi (0.16 km) 10 yd (9.1 m) The brief tornado touched down in an empty farm field causing no damage. The tornado was rated based on radar data, video from a storm chaser, and photographs.[41]
EF0 Sweet Water Marengo AL 32°05′32″N 87°52′12″W / 32.0921°N 87.8699°W / 32.0921; -87.8699 (Sweetwater (March 17, EF0)) 21:54–21:58 1.75 mi (2.82 km) 75 yd (69 m) Large tree branches were snapped in Sweet Water.[42]
EF0 NNW of Gardendale Jefferson AL 33°39′43″N 86°51′12″W / 33.6619°N 86.8534°W / 33.6619; -86.8534 (Gardendale (March 17, EF0)) 21:56–22:04 3.46 mi (5.57 km) 660 yd (600 m) Numerous trees were downed, some of which caused minor damage to homes and vehicles. One person was injured.[43]
EF0 SSE of Doloroso Wilkinson MS 31°13′59″N 91°18′41″W / 31.2330°N 91.3113°W / 31.2330; -91.3113 (Doloroso (March 17, EF0)) 22:06–22:07 0.84 mi (1.35 km) 100 yd (91 m) Trees were damaged and uprooted, with large branches broken.[44]
EF2 N of Billingsley Chilton AL 32°40′29″N 86°44′11″W / 32.6746°N 86.7364°W / 32.6746; -86.7364 (Pools Crossroads (March 17, EF2)) 22:12–22:23 5.84 mi (9.40 km) 400 yd (370 m) A high-end EF2 tornado struck just south of Pools Crossroads, where an unanchored home was shifted off its foundation, a double-wide mobile home and a large outbuilding were completely destroyed, some exterior walls of a brick house were collapsed, and outbuildings were damaged. Additionally, another home sustained roof damage, a vehicle was moved 15 feet (4.6 m), and many trees were snapped or uprooted.[45]
EF1 SE of Cassville to ESE of Crane Barry, Stone MO 36°36′N 93°49′W / 36.6°N 93.82°W / 36.6; -93.82 (Cassville (March 17, EF1)) 22:30–23:30 23.73 mi (38.19 km) 75 yd (69 m) Shingles were removed from a mobile home, outbuildings were destroyed, and many trees were downed along an intermittent path.[46]
EF1 SW of Rosa to S of Susan Moore Blount AL 33°55′22″N 86°33′31″W / 33.9227°N 86.5587°W / 33.9227; -86.5587 (Rosa (March 17, EF1)) 22:43–23:05 12.89 mi (20.74 km) 300 yd (270 m) An outbuilding was destroyed, a porch was blown off a mobile home, and many trees were snapped and uprooted.[47]
EF0 W of Purvis Lamar MS 31°09′12″N 89°36′47″W / 31.1532°N 89.6130°W / 31.1532; -89.6130 (Purvis (March 17, EF0)) 23:16–23:17 1.42 mi (2.29 km) 300 yd (270 m) A house lost most of its roof, a couple sheds were destroyed, and several trees were downed, one of which fell through a mobile home.[48]
EF0 SW of Okolona Chickasaw MS 33°57′07″N 88°48′58″W / 33.9519°N 88.8160°W / 33.9519; -88.8160 (Okolona (March 17, EF0)) 00:25–00:26 0.5 mi (0.80 km) 50 yd (46 m) A barn sustained roof damage, and several trees were downed.[49]
EF0 NW of Okolona Chickasaw MS 34°01′47″N 88°48′15″W / 34.0296°N 88.8041°W / 34.0296; -88.8041 (Okolona (March 17, EF0)) 00:31–00:34 1.36 mi (2.19 km) 100 yd (91 m) An outbuilding was destroyed and several trees were downed.[50]
EF0 Nettleton Monroe, Lee MS 34°04′42″N 88°37′46″W / 34.0783°N 88.6295°W / 34.0783; -88.6295 (Nettleton (March 17, EF0)) 00:39–00:47 4.86 mi (7.82 km) 60 yd (55 m) A structure sustained roof damage, and several trees were downed along an intermittent path from Nettleton to northeast of town.[51]
EF0 W of Porterville Kemper MS 32°41′20″N 88°31′20″W / 32.689°N 88.5223°W / 32.689; -88.5223 (Porterville (March 17, EF0)) 00:56–00:57 0.24 mi (0.39 km) 80 yd (73 m) Trees were uprooted and tree branches were broken.[52]
EF0 WSW of Oak Grove Autauga AL 32°36′01″N 86°36′36″W / 32.6004°N 86.6099°W / 32.6004; -86.6099 (Oak Grove (March 17, EF0)) 01:35–01:36 0.13 mi (0.21 km) 75 yd (69 m) A brief tornado destroyed a metal outbuilding. A carport was lofted, landing in an open field. Trees and tree branches were snapped.[53]
EF1 SW of Fairview to NW of Baileyton Cullman AL 34°11′59″N 86°45′08″W / 34.1997°N 86.7521°W / 34.1997; -86.7521 (Fairview (March 17, EF1)) 02:31–02:43 8.47 mi (13.63 km) 150 yd (140 m) Several sheds were either damaged or destroyed, a garage was severely damaged, several large farm sheds were demolished, and two houses sustained partial roof loss. Additionally, several chicken houses had roofing and siding removed, large outbuildings sustained roof damage, and numerous trees were downed.[54]
EF0 NNW of Pine Level Montgomery AL 32°07′40″N 86°04′47″W / 32.1279°N 86.0797°W / 32.1279; -86.0797 (Pine Level (March 17, EF0)) 03:43–03:44 0.3 mi (0.48 km) 140 yd (130 m) A farmhouse sustained roof damage, both from wind and from a falling tree. A playhouse and a trampoline were destroyed, a fence sustained minor damage, and several trees were snapped or uprooted.[55]

March 18 event

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List of confirmed tornadoes – Thursday, March 18, 2021[note 2]
EF# Location County / Parish State Start Coord. Time (UTC) Path length Max width Summary
EF1 NE of Brantley Crenshaw AL 31°35′31″N 86°14′37″W / 31.5920°N 86.2435°W / 31.5920; -86.2435 (Brantley (March 18, EF1)) 09:08–09:10 0.52 mi (0.84 km) 150 yd (140 m) Numerous trees were downed, and the roof was removed from an outbuilding.[56]
EF1 W of Dothan Houston AL 31°12′45″N 85°33′10″W / 31.2125°N 85.5527°W / 31.2125; -85.5527 (Dothan (March 18, EF1)) 10:27–10:37 5.24 mi (8.43 km) 150 yd (140 m) A double-wide mobile home sustained significant roof loss, a large carport over an RV was completely destroyed, and an outbuilding lost most of its roof and had some walls partially collapsed. Several farm structures sustained mostly roof damage, two homes sustained roof damage, and one had partial roof loss on the second story. A boat and trailer were picked up and rolled/rotated 180 degrees, being left 75–100 yards (69–91 m) away. Numerous trees were downed along the path, and one person was injured.[57]
EF0 NW of Kinsey Houston, Henry AL 31°18′17″N 85°22′57″W / 31.3047°N 85.3825°W / 31.3047; -85.3825 (Kinsey (March 18, EF0)) 10:49–10:52 2.08 mi (3.35 km) 50 yd (46 m) A carport was damaged, and small trees and limbs were snapped.[58]
EF0 ENE of Ebro Washington FL 30°28′N 85°49′W / 30.47°N 85.81°W / 30.47; -85.81 (Ebro (March 18, EF0)) 11:02–11:04 1.56 mi (2.51 km) 25 yd (23 m) A TDS appeared on radar in a forested area. Tree damage was found, but no structural damage was reported.[59]
EF0 Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport Bay FL 30°20′14″N 85°48′30″W / 30.3373°N 85.8082°W / 30.3373; -85.8082 (Northwest Florida Beaches Int'l Airport (March 18, EF0)) 11:03–11:04 3.94 mi (6.34 km) 100 yd (91 m) Buildings sustained minor damage at the airport, and trees were downed.[60]
EF1 Bayou George Bay FL 30°15′47″N 85°31′46″W / 30.2631°N 85.5294°W / 30.2631; -85.5294 (Bayou George (March 18, EF1)) 11:25–11:26 0.37 mi (0.60 km) 50 yd (46 m) Several homes were damaged in Bayou George, and trees were downed.[61]
EF0 E of Blakely Early GA 31°22′N 84°53′W / 31.36°N 84.88°W / 31.36; -84.88 (Blakely (March 18, EF0)) 11:44–11:50 3.14 mi (5.05 km) 50 yd (46 m) A TDS appeared on radar in a forested area. Tree damage was found, but no structural damage was reported.[62]
EF0 ENE of Woods Liberty FL 30°22′N 84°54′W / 30.36°N 84.9°W / 30.36; -84.9 (Woods (March 18, EF0)) 12:40 0.01 mi (0.016 km) 25 yd (23 m) A brief TDS appeared on radar in a forested area. Tree damage was found, but no structural damage was reported.[63]
EF1 S of Sasser Terrell GA 31°40′27″N 84°22′45″W / 31.6743°N 84.3793°W / 31.6743; -84.3793 (Sasser (March 18, EF1)) 12:49–12:52 3.99 mi (6.42 km) 200 yd (180 m) A house sustained roof damage, and numerous trees were snapped or uprooted.[64]
EF1 S of Leesburg to W of Oakfield Lee GA 31°40′45″N 84°10′19″W / 31.6791°N 84.172°W / 31.6791; -84.172 (Leesburg (March 18, EF1)) 13:06–13:17 10.42 mi (16.77 km) 50 yd (46 m) Over half the roof was removed from a home and an attached carport was ripped off and thrown several feet. A shed was destroyed, the wall of a large garage was bowed outward, and a trampoline was tossed a short distance. Many trees were snapped or uprooted, including several large pines and a large oak that fell on another home.[65]
EF0 N of Bristol Pierce GA 31°28′17″N 82°12′24″W / 31.4715°N 82.2066°W / 31.4715; -82.2066 (Bristol (March 18, EF0)) 17:38–17:40 0.1 mi (0.16 km) 5 yd (4.6 m) A brief tornado spotted by emergency management downed four trees.[66]
EF0 NW of Trenton to Alachua Gilchrist, Alachua FL 29°43′31″N 82°40′30″W / 29.7254°N 82.6750°W / 29.7254; -82.6750 (Alachua (March 18, EF0)) 18:46–19:05 12.5 mi (20.1 km) 100 yd (91 m) A barn collapsed onto a tractor near the beginning of the path. A carport sustained roof damage in Alachua and multiple trees were downed, including one that fell on a car.[67]
EF1 NNW of Archdale Guilford NC 35°56′N 79°59′W / 35.93°N 79.99°W / 35.93; -79.99 (Archdale (March 18, EF1)) 21:01–21:10 2.63 mi (4.23 km) 500 yd (460 m) Numerous homes and businesses sustained minor to moderate damage, and trees were downed.[68]
EF1 Whitsett to S of Elon Guilford, Alamance NC 36°03′46″N 79°32′55″W / 36.0629°N 79.5485°W / 36.0629; -79.5485 (Whitsett (March 18, EF1)) 21:38–21:44 2.52 mi (4.06 km) 200 yd (180 m) The roofs were blown off multiple houses. Numerous trees and power lines were downed.[69]
EF1 SW of Carr to NW of McDade Orange NC 36°10′12″N 79°14′56″W / 36.17°N 79.249°W / 36.17; -79.249 (Carr (March 18, EF1)) 22:04–22:10 4.25 mi (6.84 km) 200 yd (180 m) Numerous trees and power lines were downed. The roof was blown off a house.[70]
EF0 Walters Isle of Wight VA 36°45′35″N 76°51′24″W / 36.7597°N 76.8566°W / 36.7597; -76.8566 (Walters (March 18, EF0)) 01:27–01:31 4.18 mi (6.73 km) 150 yd (140 m) A pole barn was knocked down, a garage was destroyed, a house sustained roof damage, and a church lost most of its roof. Trees and tree limbs were downed along the path.[71]

Impact

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Southeastern United States

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More than 40,000 homes and businesses were without electricity across Louisiana, Alabama and Mississippi.[3] Two people were injured when a home was destroyed in Clarke County, Alabama. Four other homes were also destroyed, and some chicken farms.[3] A car crash in Mississippi along U.S. Highway 61 resulted in a non-tornadic fatality. [3]

In Mississippi's largest city of Jackson, ABC station WAPT was knocked off the air due to a 2-hour power outage caused by lightning, that caused alarm systems to go off in the studio.[72]

Southern Plains

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See also: 2020–21 North American winter § March 16–17 blizzard

In parts of the Southern Plains, the large extratropical cyclone associated with the tornado outbreak also resulted in a severe blizzard early on March 17. Blizzard Warnings were issued across most of the Texas and Oklahoma panhandles, including the Amarillo area, late on March 16.[73][74][75] Zero visibility was reported in much of the area under a Blizzard Warning.[76] Extremely heavy snowfall rates and wind gusts of over 60 mph (97 km/h) resulted in long-duration blizzard conditions as well. Numerous crashes occurred on major roadways, and several highways, including I-40 and US-287 had to be closed.[77] Amarillo, Texas saw almost 6 inches (15 cm) of snow, and nearby areas saw even more.[1] The blizzard was also followed by a flash freeze overnight on March 17, resulting in a freeze-up of snow-covered roadways and more crashes overnight.[78]

See also

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Notes

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  1. ^ Fatality due to car crash in Mississippi; Injuries: 2 near Burnsville, Alabama, 2 near Morvin, Alabama, 1 near Gardendale, Alabama, and 1 near Dothan, Alabama
  2. ^ a b c All dates are based on the local time zone where the tornado touched down; however, all times are in Coordinated Universal Time for consistency.

References

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  1. ^ a b NWS Amarillo [@NWSAmarillo] (March 18, 2021). "Here are the preliminary snowfall totals from Wednesday March 17th, 2021 across the Panhandles. You can get our latest winter weather information by visiting our website's winter weather page: https://t.co/RLQWyUiILL #phwx #okwx #txwx https://t.co/Zu27cA22Jh" (Tweet). Archived from the original on March 18, 2021. Retrieved December 29, 2022 – via Twitter.
  2. ^ Global Catastrophe Recap: October 2021 (PDF) (Report). Aon Benfield Inc. October 2021. Archived (PDF) from the original on November 11, 2021. Retrieved November 28, 2021.
  3. ^ a b c d "Tornadoes slam US South, leave 1 dead". Fox News. March 19, 2021. Retrieved March 22, 2021.
  4. ^ Sebree, Tyler. "St. Patrick's Day tornadoes: 6th-biggest tornado event in AL history". WSFA. Retrieved March 25, 2021.
  5. ^ "Oklahoma Event Report: 60 kts Thunderstorm Winds". National Centers for Environmental Information. National Weather Service. Retrieved July 28, 2021.
  6. ^ "SPC Severe Weather Event Review for Tuesday March 16, 2021". www.spc.noaa.gov. Retrieved March 23, 2021.
  7. ^ "Storm Prediction Center Mar 13, 2021 Day 4-8 Convective Outlook". www.spc.noaa.gov. Retrieved March 17, 2021.
  8. ^ "Storm Prediction Center Mar 14, 2021 Day 4-8 Convective Outlook". www.spc.noaa.gov. Retrieved March 17, 2021.
  9. ^ "Storm Prediction Center Mar 16, 2021 0600 UTC Day 2 Convective Outlook". www.spc.noaa.gov. Retrieved March 17, 2021.
  10. ^ "Storm Prediction Center Mar 17, 2021 1300 UTC Day 1 Convective Outlook". www.spc.noaa.gov. Retrieved March 17, 2021.
  11. ^ "Storm Prediction Center 2021 Tornado Watch #29". Retrieved March 17, 2021.
  12. ^ "Storm Prediction Center 2021 Tornado Watch #32". Retrieved March 17, 2021.
  13. ^ "Storm Prediction Center 2021 Tornado Watch #36". Retrieved March 17, 2021.
  14. ^ "SPC Severe Weather Event Review for Wednesday March 17, 2021". www.spc.noaa.gov. Retrieved March 18, 2021.
  15. ^ a b [httpes://www.spc.noaa.gov/climo/reports/210317_rpts.html "Storm Prediction Center Storm Reports for 3/17/21"]. www.spc.noaa.gov. Retrieved March 17, 2021.
  16. ^ "Storm Prediction Center Mar 17, 2021 0600 UTC Day 2 Convective Outlook". www.spc.noaa.gov. Retrieved March 18, 2021.
  17. ^ "Storm Prediction Center Mar 18, 2021 1630 UTC Day 1 Convective Outlook". www.spc.noaa.gov. Retrieved March 18, 2021.
  18. ^ a b "Storm Prediction Center Storm Reports for 3/17/21". www.spc.noaa.gov. Retrieved March 18, 2021.
  19. ^ "Mississippi Event Report: EF1 Tornado". National Centers for Environmental Information. National Centers for Environmental Information. Retrieved June 21, 2021.
  20. ^ "Mississippi Event Report: EF0 Tornado". National Centers for Environmental Information. National Centers for Environmental Information. Retrieved June 21, 2021.
  21. ^ "Mississippi Event Report: EF2 Tornado". National Centers for Environmental Information. National Centers for Environmental Information. Retrieved June 21, 2021.
  22. ^ National Weather Service in Mobile, Alabama (2024). Local Tornado Reanalysis Project (Report). weather.gov. Retrieved January 25, 2024.
  23. ^ "Alabama Event Report: EF0 Tornado". National Centers for Environmental Information. National Centers for Environmental Information. Retrieved June 21, 2021.
  24. ^ "Alabama Event Report: EF2 Tornado". National Centers for Environmental Information. National Centers for Environmental Information. Retrieved June 21, 2021.
  25. ^ "Alabama Event Report: EF1 Tornado". National Centers for Environmental Information. National Centers for Environmental Information. Retrieved June 21, 2021.
  26. ^ "Mississippi Event Report: EF1 Tornado". National Centers for Environmental Information. National Centers for Environmental Information. Retrieved June 21, 2021.
  27. ^ "Alabama Event Report: EF1 Tornado". National Centers for Environmental Information. National Centers for Environmental Information. Retrieved June 21, 2021.
  28. ^ "Alabama Event Report: EF1 Tornado". National Centers for Environmental Information. National Centers for Environmental Information. Retrieved June 21, 2021.
  29. ^ "Alabama Event Report: EF0 Tornado". National Centers for Environmental Information. National Centers for Environmental Information. Retrieved June 21, 2021.
  30. ^ "Alabama Event Report: EF1 Tornado". National Centers for Environmental Information. National Centers for Environmental Information. Retrieved June 21, 2021."Alabama Event Report: EF1 Tornado". National Centers for Environmental Information. National Centers for Environmental Information. Retrieved June 21, 2021.
  31. ^ "Alabama Event Report: EF1 Tornado". National Centers for Environmental Information. National Centers for Environmental Information. Retrieved June 21, 2021.
  32. ^ "Louisiana Event Report: EF1 Tornado". National Centers for Environmental Information. National Centers for Environmental Information. Retrieved June 21, 2021.
  33. ^ "Alabama Event Report: EF0 Tornado". National Centers for Environmental Information. National Centers for Environmental Information. Retrieved June 21, 2021.
  34. ^ "Alabama Event Report: EF1 Tornado". National Centers for Environmental Information. National Centers for Environmental Information. Retrieved June 21, 2021.
  35. ^ "Alabama Event Report: EF1 Tornado". National Centers for Environmental Information. National Centers for Environmental Information. Retrieved June 21, 2021.
  36. ^ "Mississippi Event Report: EF1 Tornado". National Centers for Environmental Information. National Centers for Environmental Information. Retrieved June 21, 2021."Alabama Event Report: EF2 Tornado". National Centers for Environmental Information. National Centers for Environmental Information. Retrieved June 21, 2021."Alabama Event Report: EF2 Tornado". National Centers for Environmental Information. National Centers for Environmental Information. Retrieved June 21, 2021."Alabama Event Report: EF1 Tornado". National Centers for Environmental Information. National Centers for Environmental Information. Retrieved June 21, 2021.
  37. ^ National Weather Service in Mobile, Alabama (2024). Local Tornado Reanalysis Project (Report). weather.gov. Retrieved January 25, 2024.
  38. ^ "Alabama Event Report: EF1 Tornado". National Centers for Environmental Information. National Centers for Environmental Information. Retrieved June 21, 2021."Alabama Event Report: EF1 Tornado". National Centers for Environmental Information. National Centers for Environmental Information. Retrieved June 21, 2021.
  39. ^ "Alabama Event Report: EF0 Tornado". National Centers for Environmental Information. National Centers for Environmental Information. Retrieved June 21, 2021.
  40. ^ "Alabama Event Report: EF1 Tornado". National Centers for Environmental Information. National Centers for Environmental Information. Retrieved June 21, 2021.
  41. ^ "Arkansas Event Report: EF0 Tornado". National Centers for Environmental Information. National Centers for Environmental Information. Retrieved June 21, 2021.
  42. ^ "Alabama Event Report: EF0 Tornado". National Centers for Environmental Information. National Centers for Environmental Information. Retrieved June 21, 2021.
  43. ^ "Alabama Event Report: EF0 Tornado". National Centers for Environmental Information. National Centers for Environmental Information. Retrieved June 21, 2021.
  44. ^ "Mississippi Event Report: EF1 Tornado". National Centers for Environmental Information. National Centers for Environmental Information. Retrieved June 21, 2021.
  45. ^ "Alabama Event Report: EF2 Tornado". National Centers for Environmental Information. National Centers for Environmental Information. Retrieved June 21, 2021.
  46. ^ "Missouri Event Report: EF1 Tornado". National Centers for Environmental Information. National Centers for Environmental Information. Retrieved June 21, 2021."Missouri Event Report: EF1 Tornado". National Centers for Environmental Information. National Centers for Environmental Information. Retrieved June 21, 2021.
  47. ^ "Alabama Event Report: EF1 Tornado". National Centers for Environmental Information. National Centers for Environmental Information. Retrieved June 21, 2021.
  48. ^ "Mississippi Event Report: EF0 Tornado". National Centers for Environmental Information. National Centers for Environmental Information. Retrieved June 21, 2021.
  49. ^ "Mississippi Event Report: EF0 Tornado". National Centers for Environmental Information. National Centers for Environmental Information. Retrieved June 21, 2021.
  50. ^ "Mississippi Event Report: EF1 Tornado". National Centers for Environmental Information. National Centers for Environmental Information. Retrieved June 21, 2021.
  51. ^ "Mississippi Event Report: EF0 Tornado". National Centers for Environmental Information. National Centers for Environmental Information. Retrieved June 21, 2021."Mississippi Event Report: EF0 Tornado". National Centers for Environmental Information. National Centers for Environmental Information. Retrieved June 21, 2021.
  52. ^ "Mississippi Event Report: EF1 Tornado". National Centers for Environmental Information. National Centers for Environmental Information. Retrieved June 21, 2021.
  53. ^ "Alabama Event Report: EF0 Tornado". National Centers for Environmental Information. National Centers for Environmental Information. Retrieved June 21, 2021.
  54. ^ "Alabama Event Report: EF1 Tornado". National Centers for Environmental Information. National Centers for Environmental Information. Retrieved June 21, 2021.
  55. ^ "Alabama Event Report: EF0 Tornado". National Centers for Environmental Information. National Centers for Environmental Information. Retrieved June 21, 2021.
  56. ^ "Alabama Event Report: EF1 Tornado". National Centers for Environmental Information. National Centers for Environmental Information. Retrieved June 22, 2021.
  57. ^ "Alabama Event Report: EF1 Tornado". National Centers for Environmental Information. National Centers for Environmental Information. Retrieved June 22, 2021.
  58. ^ "Alabama Event Report: EF0 Tornado". National Centers for Environmental Information. National Centers for Environmental Information. Retrieved June 22, 2021."Alabama Event Report: EF0 Tornado". National Centers for Environmental Information. National Centers for Environmental Information. Retrieved June 22, 2021.
  59. ^ "Florida Event Report: EF0 Tornado". National Centers for Environmental Information. National Centers for Environmental Information. Retrieved June 16, 2021.
  60. ^ "Florida Event Report: EF0 Tornado". National Centers for Environmental Information. National Centers for Environmental Information. Retrieved June 22, 2021.
  61. ^ "Florida Event Report: EF1 Tornado". National Centers for Environmental Information. National Centers for Environmental Information. Retrieved June 22, 2021.
  62. ^ "Georgia Event Report: EF0 Tornado". National Centers for Environmental Information. National Centers for Environmental Information. Retrieved June 16, 2021.
  63. ^ "Florida Event Report: EF0 Tornado". National Centers for Environmental Information. National Centers for Environmental Information. Retrieved June 22, 2021.
  64. ^ "Georgia Event Report: EF1 Tornado". National Centers for Environmental Information. National Centers for Environmental Information. Retrieved June 22, 2021.
  65. ^ "Georgia Event Report: EF1 Tornado". National Centers for Environmental Information. National Centers for Environmental Information. Retrieved June 22, 2021.
  66. ^ "Georgia Event Report: EF0 Tornado". National Centers for Environmental Information. National Centers for Environmental Information. Retrieved June 22, 2021.
  67. ^ "Florida Event Report: EF0 Tornado". National Centers for Environmental Information. National Centers for Environmental Information. Retrieved June 22, 2021.
  68. ^ "North Carolina Event Report: EF1 Tornado". National Centers for Environmental Information. National Centers for Environmental Information. Retrieved June 22, 2021.
  69. ^ "North Carolina Event Report: EF1 Tornado". National Centers for Environmental Information. National Centers for Environmental Information. Retrieved June 22, 2021."North Carolina Event Report: EF1 Tornado". National Centers for Environmental Information. National Centers for Environmental Information. Retrieved June 22, 2021.
  70. ^ "North Carolina Event Report: EF1 Tornado". National Centers for Environmental Information. National Centers for Environmental Information. Retrieved June 22, 2021.
  71. ^ "Virginia Event Report: EF0 Tornado". National Centers for Environmental Information. National Centers for Environmental Information. Retrieved June 22, 2021.
  72. ^ "Lightning strikes take 16 WAPT off the air". WAPT. March 17, 2021. Retrieved March 18, 2021.
  73. ^ National Weather Service [@NWS] (March 17, 2021). "Blizzard Warnings (red) in effect on Wednesday for portions of Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas and Colorado. https://t.co/VyWINDBEpn for more. https://t.co/tsJgmGPC8u" (Tweet). Archived from the original on December 21, 2022. Retrieved December 29, 2022 – via Twitter.
  74. ^ "Blizzard warning, winter weather advisory issued for parts of Oklahoma". March 17, 2021.
  75. ^ "FIRST ALERT: Blizzard conditions coming to an end". March 17, 2021.
  76. ^ NWS Amarillo [@NWSAmarillo] (March 17, 2021). "Heavy band of snow over Amarillo right now and heading for Panhandle and Pampa soon. Zero visibility with this band. Stay off the roads. #phwx #txwx #okwx" (Tweet). Archived from the original on March 17, 2021. Retrieved December 29, 2022 – via Twitter.
  77. ^ NWS Amarillo [@NWSAmarillo] (March 17, 2021). "Getting reports from the public: Hwy 70 going to Pampa from I-40 at a stand still with semi trucks jack-knifed. #phwx #txwx" (Tweet). Archived from the original on March 17, 2021. Retrieved December 29, 2022 – via Twitter.
  78. ^ NWS Amarillo [@NWSAmarillo] (March 17, 2021). "3/17: We will see overnight temps drop into the 20s for most areas. Any areas that still have snow on the ground will see re-freeze, creating slick spots overnight and in the morning. #phwx https://t.co/KNRrvYrNzj" (Tweet). Archived from the original on April 17, 2021. Retrieved December 29, 2022 – via Twitter.
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