Smithville tornado
In the afternoon hours of April 27, 2011, an extremely violent and fast-moving EF5 tornado, known most commonly as the Smithville tornado, devastated areas of rural Mississippi and Alabama, including the town of Smithville, Mississippi, resulting in catastrophic damage and 23 fatalities. This tornado was a part of the 2011 Super Outbreak, the largest tornado outbreak in United States history, and the third of four EF5 tornadoes to touch down on April 27, 2011, during the outbreak's most prolific day for tornadoes. The tornado reached an estimated maximum width of 3⁄4 mile (1.2 km) with estimated wind speeds of 205 mph (330 km/h).
What was the Smithville tornado?
The Smithville tornado functioned as an extremely violent EF5 tornado on April 27, 2011. It formed part of the historic 2011 Super Outbreak. The storm devastated rural Mississippi and Alabama, centered on the town of Smithville. It reached catastrophic intensity during the afternoon hours. This event ranks as one of four EF5 tornadoes occurring that day.
What was the Smithville tornado wind speed?
The Smithville tornado reached estimated maximum wind speeds of 205 mph (330 km/h). Meteorologists determined this intensity based on damage assessments conducted after the event. These winds allowed the vortex to perform extreme feats, such as throwing a Ford Explorer into a water tower. This velocity confirmed its classification as an EF5 event.
What was the Smithville tornado path?
The tornado touched down at 3:42 p.m. CDT three miles west-southwest of Smithville near the Tennessee-Tombigbee Waterway. It moved northeast for 37.3 miles, tracking along Highway 25. The path crossed the Alabama state line into Marion and Franklin Counties. It finally dissipated near the town of Hodges at 4:23 p.m. CDT. The damage path reached a maximum width of 3/4 mile.
How many people died in the Smithville tornado?
The Smithville tornado caused 23 fatalities along its 37.3-mile path. In addition to these deaths, the storm injured 137 people. Seven of the fatalities occurred specifically in the Shottsville community of Alabama. The first victim died near the initial touchdown point where a bed and breakfast structure collapsed. Rescue efforts followed as survivors dealt with these high casualties.
What did the Smithville tornado destroy?
The tornado destroyed 117 structures in Smithville and damaged 50 others. Notable losses included the city hall, the post office, four churches, and the local medical clinic. It also leveled the E.E. Pickle Funeral Home, leaving only a bare concrete slab. The storm obliterated 14 mobile homes and mangled numerous vehicles. It effectively stripped infrastructure in the town down to foundations.
What caused the Smithville tornado?
A powerful supercell thunderstorm generated the Smithville tornado amidst the 2011 Super Outbreak. Atmospheric conditions included CAPE values between 2,500 and 3,000 J/kg and dewpoints reaching 72 degrees Fahrenheit. Strong southwesterly surface jets provided extreme wind shear, resulting in storm-relative helicity values exceeding 500 m2s-2. The supercell moved along an east-west outflow boundary left by morning storms, which locally enhanced the tornado potential.
What happened after the Smithville tornado?
Mississippi Governor Haley Barbour visited the devastated town to survey the destruction. Relief organizations, including the Red Cross, provided immediate aid to the survivors. Researchers later debunked internet rumors regarding the alleged extraction of a steel drainage pipe. The recovery period involved massive cleanup of debris scattered across the affected path in both Mississippi and Alabama. Residents faced long-term rebuilding efforts.
Smithville Tornado Track
The mapped ground track below shows the surveyed touchdown point, damage corridor, and dissipation coordinates recorded by NWS field crews. The Smithville tornado traveled 37.3 miles across Mississippi, Alabama, Marion County, Franklin County. Coordinates are derived from the official SPC historical tornado database.
Did the Smithville tornado reach EF5 status?
Yes, the Smithville tornado produced damage consistent with EF5 ratings, including wind speeds of 205 mph.
How long was the Smithville tornado on the ground?
The tornado maintained a path length of 37.3 miles from its 3:42 p.m. touchdown to its 4:23 p.m. dissipation.
How many people were injured by the Smithville tornado?
The tornado injured 137 people during its trajectory through Mississippi and Alabama.
Was the Smithville tornado part of the 2011 Super Outbreak?
Yes, it acted as one of four EF5 tornadoes that struck on April 27, 2011, during the largest tornado outbreak in United States history.