Enterprise Tornado Map
During the early evening hours of April 27, 2011, an extremely long-tracked and violent EF4 tornado, known officially as the Rose Hill–Enterprise tornado and most commonly known as the Enterprise tornado, struck parts of southeast Mississippi and central Alabama. It caused immense damage, notably in the town of Enterprise, Mississippi. It was the longest tracked tornado of the 2011 Super Outbreak, the largest tornado outbreak ever recorded. The multi-vortex tornado remained on the ground for an incredible 2 hours and 53 minutes, carving a path of 122.04 miles (196.40 km) across Mississippi and Alabama causing 7 deaths, and 17 injuries.
The path of the Enterprise tornado
On the evening of Wednesday, April 27, 2011, a tornado touched down just east of Raleigh. Over the next 122.0 miles it traveled east-northeast across Mississippi and Alabama, passing through Louin, before lifting just northeast of Uniontown.
At its widest the damage path was 1,050 yards (0.6 miles) across. It was rated EF4 on the Enhanced Fujita Scale, a violent tornado. It killed 7 people and injured 17.
The track, widths and figures on this map come from the Storm Prediction Center's survey record, so they can differ slightly from totals published elsewhere.
What was the Enterprise tornado?
The Enterprise tornado was a violent EF4 multi-vortex tornado occurring on April 27, 2011. It struck parts of southeast Mississippi and central Alabama as part of the 2011 Super Outbreak. The storm remained on the ground for 2 hours and 53 minutes. It holds the record as the longest tracked tornado of that specific outbreak.
What was the Enterprise tornado wind speed?
The Enterprise tornado reached maximum wind speeds of 175 mph. These winds classified the system as an EF4 on the Enhanced Fujita scale. Observers noted extreme intensity as the tornado snapped and debarked pine trees. It also leveled frame homes and completely destroyed multiple mobile homes throughout its path.
What was the Enterprise tornado path?
The tornado touched down at 5:42 p.m. CDT near Raleigh, Mississippi. It traveled 122.04 miles across Mississippi and Alabama, moving through seven different counties. The storm tracked northeast through Smith, Jasper, and Clarke counties before crossing into Alabama. It eventually dissipated near Uniontown, Alabama, at 8:35 p.m.
How many people died in the Enterprise tornado?
The Enterprise tornado caused 7 fatalities. Additionally, the event resulted in 17 total injuries. Most of the casualties occurred as the tornado tracked through Mississippi, where it claimed four lives near Snell and Energy. Emergency crews worked to reach victims in damaged areas following the dissipation of the storm.
What did the Enterprise tornado destroy?
The tornado leveled a new home undergoing completion east of Enterprise and swept the foundation clean. It annihilated numerous mobile homes, tossing their frames long distances. Poultry farms and cattle ranches sustained significant damage in Mississippi. The storm also snapped power poles and destroyed several frame houses and outbuildings across Alabama.
What caused the Enterprise tornado?
A powerful supercell thunderstorm generated the tornado after developing southwest of Jackson, Mississippi. Ample moisture from the Gulf of Mexico provided fuel for the storm, with dewpoints reaching 72 degrees Fahrenheit. Surface low pressure and a negatively tilted trough created extreme wind shear. CAPE values reached 3,000 J/kg, which created highly unstable conditions for rotating updrafts.
What happened after the Enterprise tornado?
President Barack Obama declared a state of emergency for the affected regions in Mississippi and Alabama. The Alabama National Guard deployed personnel to assist with security and recovery efforts. Local crews struggled to clear downed trees that blocked access to towns in Smith, Jasper, and Clarke counties. The American Red Cross established local relief centers to assist displaced residents.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Citations
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