Tornado Outbreak Of March 24–27, 2023
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On March 24, 2023, a severe weather and
tornado outbreak A tornado outbreak is the occurrence of multiple tornadoes spawned by the same Synoptic scale meteorology, synoptic scale weather system. The number of tornadoes required to qualify as an outbreak typically are at least six to ten, with at least ...
began across portions of the lower
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in the United States. A slow-moving
trough Trough may refer to: In science * Trough (geology), a long depression less steep than a trench * Trough (meteorology), an elongated region of low atmospheric pressure * Trough (physics), the lowest point on a wave * Trough level (medicine), the l ...
moved eastward across the United States and interacted with a moist and unstable airmass originating from the
Gulf of Mexico The Gulf of Mexico () is an oceanic basin and a marginal sea of the Atlantic Ocean, mostly surrounded by the North American continent. It is bounded on the northeast, north, and northwest by the Gulf Coast of the United States; on the southw ...
, resulting in widespread heavy rainfall, severe thunderstorms, and significant tornadoes over a four-day period. A violent high-end EF4 tornado moved through the towns of Rolling Fork,
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, and Silver City in western
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, causing catastrophic damage and many fatalities. Multiple tornado emergencies were issued for that tornado and two subsequent EF3 tornadoes from the same
supercell A supercell is a thunderstorm characterized by the presence of a mesocyclone, a deep, persistently rotating updraft. Due to this, these storms are sometimes referred to as rotating thunderstorms. Of the four classifications of thunderstorms (su ...
that struck Winona and Amory. Severe weather and tornadic activity continued into the early morning hours of March 25, as a
squall line A squall line, or quasi-linear convective system (QLCS), is a line of thunderstorms, often forming along or ahead of a cold front. In the early 20th century, the term was used as a synonym for cold front (which often are accompanied by abrupt a ...
of severe storms with embedded circulations moved eastward across Tennessee and Alabama. A low-end EF2 tornado within the line killed a person in the northern part of
Hartselle, Alabama Hartselle is the second largest city in Morgan County, Alabama, United States, south of Decatur. It is part of the Decatur Metropolitan Area and the Huntsville-Decatur Combined Statistical Area. As of the 2020 census, the population of ...
. The slow-moving storm system then stalled the following day, producing more severe weather and tornadoes across portions of
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and
Georgia Georgia most commonly refers to: * Georgia (country), a country in the South Caucasus * Georgia (U.S. state), a state in the southeastern United States Georgia may also refer to: People and fictional characters * Georgia (name), a list of pe ...
from March 26 to March 27, including a couple of strong tornadoes. The outbreak also resulted in numerous reports of damaging straight-line winds, hail, and flooding.


Meteorological synopsis


March 24–25

On March 18, the
Storm Prediction Center The Storm Prediction Center (SPC) is a US government agency that is part of the National Centers for Environmental Prediction (NCEP), operating under the control of the National Weather Service (NWS), which in turn is part of the National Oceani ...
(SPC) first indicated the potential for organized severe weather across the Southern Plains in advance of an upper-level
trough Trough may refer to: In science * Trough (geology), a long depression less steep than a trench * Trough (meteorology), an elongated region of low atmospheric pressure * Trough (physics), the lowest point on a wave * Trough level (medicine), the l ...
across the Western United States. Additional risk areas were issued to the east in later outlooks, concurrent with the eastward-moving trough. By March 23, a level 2/Slight risk was hoisted from Texas northeastward into Missouri, primarily for the threat of large
hail Hail is a form of solid Precipitation (meteorology), precipitation. It is distinct from ice pellets (American English "sleet"), though the two are often confused. It consists of balls or irregular lumps of ice, each of which is called a hailsto ...
. Scattered reports of large hail and damaging wind gusts were received from Texas across into the Mid-Atlantic states. In addition, two EF1 tornadoes occurred in
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, during the early morning hours of March 24. Farther to the east across the lower
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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 A supercell is a thunderstorm characterized by the presence of a mesocyclone, a deep, persistently rotating updraft. Due to this, these storms are sometimes referred to as rotating thunderstorms. Of the four classifications of thunderstorms (su ...
thunderstorms capable of large hail, damaging winds, and strong (EF2+) tornadoes. The Enhanced risk was expanded northward the following day, and the original outlined area was upgraded to a level 4/Moderate risk. 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 A high-pressure area, high, or anticyclone, is an area near the surface of a planet where the atmospheric pressure is greater than the pressure in the surrounding regions. Highs are middle-scale meteorological features that result from interpl ...
across the Southeastern United States. Meanwhile, a rapidly deepening
low-pressure area In meteorology, a low-pressure area (LPA), low area or low is a region where the atmospheric pressure is lower than that of surrounding locations. It is the opposite of a high-pressure area. Low-pressure areas are commonly associated with incle ...
was expected to drag a
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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 In the fields of physics, engineering, and earth sciences, advection is the transport of a substance or quantity by bulk motion of a fluid. The properties of that substance are carried with it. Generally the majority of the advected substance is a ...
of moist air from the Gulf of Mexico seemed supportive of
dewpoint The dew point is the temperature the air needs to be cooled to (at constant pressure) in order to produce a relative humidity of 100%. This temperature depends on the pressure and water content of the air. When the air at a temperature above the ...
s in the upper 60's and lower 70's across
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,
Arkansas Arkansas ( ) is a landlocked state in the West South Central region of the Southern United States. It borders Missouri to the north, Tennessee and Mississippi to the east, Louisiana to the south, Texas to the southwest, and Oklahoma ...
, and
Mississippi Mississippi ( ) is a U.S. state, state in the Southeastern United States, Southeastern and Deep South regions of the United States. It borders Tennessee to the north, Alabama to the east, the Gulf of Mexico to the south, Louisiana to the s ...
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 A squall line, or quasi-linear convective system (QLCS), is a line of thunderstorms, often forming along or ahead of a cold front. In the early 20th century, the term was used as a synonym for cold front (which often are accompanied by abrupt a ...
capable of both tornadoes and damaging winds, whereas more discrete supercells would be possible farther south, particularly along north–south oriented confluence bands in the open warm sector. 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. Clusters of storms evolved along these bands in conjunction with improving
wind shear Wind shear (; also written windshear), sometimes referred to as wind gradient, is a difference in wind speed and/or direction over a relatively short distance in the atmosphere. Atmospheric wind shear is normally described as either vertical ...
profiles. However, given their displacement from the surface low and better forcing, there was some uncertainty as to whether they would become better organized. A strengthening low-level jet and surface moisture increased confidence in the maturation of these cells, 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. 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,
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, and Silver City, inflicting catastrophic damage, and causing over a dozen fatalities. Although this supercell became embedded within a line segment, 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. 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 In dynamical systems instability means that some of the outputs or internal states increase with time, without bounds. Not all systems that are not stable are unstable; systems can also be marginally stable or exhibit limit cycle behavior. ...
, 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 Hartselle is the second largest city in Morgan County, Alabama, United States, south of Decatur. It is part of the Decatur Metropolitan Area and the Huntsville-Decatur Combined Statistical Area. As of the 2020 census, the population of ...
. A few lingering severe storms continued into the afternoon hours, resulting in two more weak EF0 tornadoes that occurred in southern Alabama and Georgia.


March 26–27

After the weather system responsible for the outbreak became stalled within the atmospheric region centered around central Mississippi and Alabama throughout March 25, the 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 Louisiana ( ; ; ) is a state in the Deep South and South Central regions of the United States. It borders Texas to the west, Arkansas to the north, and Mississippi to the east. Of the 50 U.S. states, it ranks 31st in area and 25 ...
into western
Georgia Georgia most commonly refers to: * Georgia (country), a country in the South Caucasus * Georgia (U.S. state), a state in the southeastern United States Georgia may also refer to: People and fictional characters * Georgia (name), a list of pe ...
,
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values reaching into the 1500–2000 J/kg range, effective 50-knot
wind shear Wind shear (; also written windshear), sometimes referred to as wind gradient, is a difference in wind speed and/or direction over a relatively short distance in the atmosphere. Atmospheric wind shear is normally described as either vertical ...
, and elevated
dew point The dew point is the temperature the air needs to be cooled to (at constant pressure) in order to produce a relative humidity of 100%. This temperature depends on the pressure and water content of the air. When the air at a temperature above the ...
s 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. 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 Catherine is an unincorporated community and census-designated place in Wilcox County, Alabama, United States. As of the 2020 census, its population was 65. Geography Catherine is located at and has an elevation of . Jake Peavy, the professi ...
. However, these storms did produce widespread large to very large hail up to the size of baseballs () along with dozens of damaging wind reports. 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.


Confirmed tornadoes


March 24 event


March 25 event


March 26 event


March 27 event


Rolling Fork–Midnight–Silver City, Mississippi

This violent, deadly high-end EF4 tornado first touched down in
Issaquena County Issaquena County (, '' ISS-ə-KWEEN-ə'') is a county located in the U.S. state of Mississippi. As of the 2020 Census, its population was 1,338, making it the least populous county in the United States east of the Mississippi River. Its count ...
southeast of Mayersville near the
Mississippi River The Mississippi River is the main stem, primary river of the largest drainage basin in the United States. It is the second-longest river in the United States, behind only the Missouri River, Missouri. From its traditional source of Lake Ita ...
. 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 A tornado emergency is an enhanced version of a tornado warning, which is used by the National Weather Service (NWS) in the United States during imminent, significant tornado occurrences. Although it is not a new warning type from the NWS, issue ...
. 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. 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. 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. The survey team also noted that the tornado may have reached EF5 intensity here based on the damage to the shop, but the neighboring building was only leveled and not swept away, so there was not enough confidence in upgrading the tornado to EF5. Several nearby homes were also obliterated and large metal-framed buildings, including a
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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. 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 of mud. A few of the missing power poles were never found. Southeast of
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, the tornado inflicted EF4-strength damage again to hardwood trees, with most completely mangled or debarked. 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. Beyond this point, the tornado caused widespread EF2 tree damage in wooded areas. It also destroyed a small frame home and a mobile home before regaining low-end EF3 intensity and mowing down large swaths of trees. Maintaining low-end EF3 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
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, 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 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. 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 at an average forward speed of 50.19 mph (80.77 km/h), killing 17 people and injuring 165 others.National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Finalized Information for the 2023 Rolling Fork-Silver City EF4 tornado (By County) * * * *


Black Hawk–Winona, Mississippi

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 afterward, snapping or uprooting many trees as it moved to the northeast. The tornado then struck Black Hawk at mid-range EF3 intensity, 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 about passing southeast of Coila, causing widespread EF2 to EF3 tree damage. A few mobile homes, sheds, and camp houses were damaged or destroyed, including one home that was shifted off its piers and destroyed at mid-range EF3 intensity. Some other structures were damaged in areas that were inaccessible to survey teams due to downed trees. The tornado then caused low-end EF2 damage to another home along Enon Road before producing another swath of EF3-level tree damage as it approached and crossed MS 35. Several mobile homes in this area suffered extensive roof damage or were shifted off their foundations with at least two mobile homes being destroyed. One of the destroyed mobile homes received a high-end EF2 rating after being ripped off its blocks and thrown into a nearby wooded area, obliterating it and killing the three occupants inside. An 18-wheeler tractor-trailer was blown over onto its side, and EF2 damage to trees occurred after the tornado crossed MS 35. Another structure northeast of this area was also destroyed, although it was only viewable through satellite imagery. Beyond this point, the tornado again caused EF2 to EF3 tree damage as it approached
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line. At some point in Carroll County, the tornado reached a peak intensity of high-end EF3, but an exact location for where this occurred was not specified. Continuing northeastward, the tornado moved into Montgomery County and crossed
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, again causing widespread EF2 to EF3 tree damage, although the most intense damage occurred in areas inaccessible to survey teams and could only be seen through satellite imagery. The tornado then weakened slightly but remained strong as it approached Winona, where a
tornado emergency A tornado emergency is an enhanced version of a tornado warning, which is used by the National Weather Service (NWS) in the United States during imminent, significant tornado occurrences. Although it is not a new warning type from the NWS, issue ...
was issued. It then impacted the southern outskirts of town and crossed
US 51 U.S. Route 51 or U.S. Highway 51 (US 51) is a major south–north United States highway that extends from the western suburbs of New Orleans, Louisiana, to within of the Wisconsin–Michigan state line. As most of the United States Numbered Hi ...
and Stafford Wells Road at EF2 intensity. Many large trees were snapped or uprooted in this area and some metal buildings were heavily damaged. The tornado then reached EF3 intensity again along MS 407, where a well-built two-story home had its second floor mostly destroyed, its roof removed, and all of its exterior south-facing walls destroyed. Other homes in the area suffered extensive EF2 roof damage as well. East of the town, the tornado continued to cause EF2 tree damage as it approached
US 82 U.S. Route 82 (US 82) is an east–west United States Numbered Highways, United States highway in the Southern United States. Created on July 1, 1931 across central Mississippi and southern Arkansas, US 82 eventually became a route extend ...
. The tornado briefly reached mid-range EF3 intensity just before crossing the highway, destroying a home before knocking down numerous power lines along US 82 at EF2 intensity. The tornado then briefly reached low-end EF3 intensity for the final time as it crossed the intersection of Bethlehem Community Road and Bethlehem Church Road where numerous trees were uprooted and snapped with some denuding and debarking observed in this area. It also inflicted major roof damage to a home, shifted another home off its foundation, and destroyed three outbuildings, one of which had its concrete foundation lifted upward and pivoted ; this damage was rated EF2. The tornado then steadily weakened to EF1 intensity as it continued northeastward, causing considerable tree damage in wooded areas. As it approached Robinson-Thompson Road at a slightly stronger 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 traveling for at an average forward speed of 58.9 mph (94.7 km/h). Along with the three deaths, five other people were injured. According to the Mississippi Forestry Commission, more than 4,100 acres of forest were damaged or destroyed by this tornado.


Egypt–New Wren–Amory–Smithville, Mississippi

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 Egypt ( , ), officially the Arab Republic of Egypt, is a country spanning the Northeast Africa, northeast corner of Africa and Western Asia, southwest corner of Asia via the Sinai Peninsula. It is bordered by the Mediterranean Sea to northe ...
, New Wren, and Amory in
Mississippi Mississippi ( ) is a U.S. state, state in the Southeastern United States, Southeastern and Deep South regions of the United States. It borders Tennessee to the north, Alabama to the east, the Gulf of Mexico to the south, Louisiana to the s ...
. 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. 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, where several homes suffered significant damage, 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, with two people inside one of them being 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 U.S. Route 45 (US 45) is a major north-south United States highway and a border-to-border route, from Lake Superior to the Gulf of Mexico. A sign at the highway's northern terminus notes the total distance as . US 45 is notable for incorporati ...
at high-end EF2 strength, it reached its peak width of 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 A tornado emergency is an enhanced version of a tornado warning, which is used by the National Weather Service (NWS) in the United States during imminent, significant tornado occurrences. Although it is not a new warning type from the NWS, issue ...
was issued for New Wren and Amory. As the tornado crossed US 45 at the intersection with Whatley Road and passed just south of New Wren, it reached low-end EF3 intensity, inflicting significant damage to numerous structures. One manufactured home was completely destroyed with debris thrown 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, low-end 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 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 U.S. Route 278 (US 278) is a parallel route of US 78. It currently runs for from Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, to Wickes, Arkansas at US 71/ US 59, passing through five states in the process. Landmarks along its route incl ...
near where it intersected the Tennessee Tombigbee Waterway and entered Amory, intensifying to its peak intensity of mid-range EF3 as it crossed over the
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Amory Subdivision line and MS 25.
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chief meteorologist Matt Laubhan prayed for the city in the name of
Jesus Jesus (AD 30 or 33), also referred to as Jesus Christ, Jesus of Nazareth, and many Names and titles of Jesus in the New Testament, other names and titles, was a 1st-century Jewish preacher and religious leader. He is the Jesus in Chris ...
live on TV as the debris signature moved into town. Widespread significant damage was inflicted to homes, businesses, and trees throughout Amory, especially in the northern part of town. An
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gas station, Jack's restaurant, multiple churches, and a
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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. In all, about 115 businesses in Amory were damaged or destroyed. 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 National guard is the name used by a wide variety of current and historical uniformed organizations in different countries. The original National Guard was formed during the French Revolution around a cadre of defectors from the French Guards. ...
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 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 Alabama ( ) is a U.S. state, state in the Southeastern United States, Southeastern and Deep South, Deep Southern regions of the United States. It borders Tennessee to the north, Georgia (U.S. state), Georgia to the east, Florida and the Gu ...
state line. In total, two people were killed and 55 others were injured; all the casualties occurred in Monroe County. The tornado traveled at an average forward speed of . According to the Mississippi Forestry Commission, 975 acres of forest were damaged or destroyed by the tornado.


North West Point–Smiths Mill–Pine Mountain, Georgia

This intense tornado touched down just east of the
Alabama Alabama ( ) is a U.S. state, state in the Southeastern United States, Southeastern and Deep South, Deep Southern regions of the United States. It borders Tennessee to the north, Georgia (U.S. state), Georgia to the east, Florida and the Gu ...
-
Georgia Georgia most commonly refers to: * Georgia (country), a country in the South Caucasus * Georgia (U.S. state), a state in the southeastern United States Georgia may also refer to: People and fictional characters * Georgia (name), a list of pe ...
border in
Troup County Troup County (, ) is a County (United States), county in the West Central Georgia, West Central region of the U.S. state of Georgia (U.S. state), Georgia. As of the 2020 United States census, 2020 census, the population was 69,426.US Census Bur ...
northwest of
West Point, Georgia West Point is a city in Troup and Harris counties in the U.S. state of Georgia. It is located approximately halfway between Montgomery, Alabama and Atlanta along Interstate 85. As of 2020, its population was 3,719. Most of the city is in Tr ...
and moved eastward, damaging trees at EF0 strength. After crossing the
Chattahoochee River The Chattahoochee River () is a river in the Southeastern United States, Southeastern United States. It forms the southern half of the Alabama and Georgia (U.S. state), Georgia border, as well as a portion of the Florida and Georgia border. It ...
, 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 U.S. Route 29 or U.S. Highway 29 (US 29) is a north–south United States Numbered Highway that runs for from Pensacola, Florida, to Ellicott City, Maryland, just west of Baltimore, Maryland, in the Eastern United States, connect ...
/ 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. 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 Interstate 85 (I-85) is a major Interstate Highway in the Southeastern United States. Its southern terminus is at an interchange with I-65 in Montgomery, Alabama; its northern terminus is an interchange with I-95 in Petersburg, Virginia, n ...
, 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. 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. Additional trees were snapped or uprooted an EF1 intensity as it crossed over
US 27 U.S. Route 27 or U.S. Highway 27 (US 27) is a north–south United States Numbered Highway in the Southern and Midwestern U.S. The southern terminus is at US 1 in Miami, Florida. The northern terminus is at Interstate 69 (I ...
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 at an average forward speed of 43.4 mph (69.84 km/h), injuring five people.


Non-tornadic effects

As widespread heavy rainfall associated with the eastward-moving storm system developed,
flash flood watch A flash flood watch ( SAME code: FFA; also referred as a "green box" by meteorologists) is severe weather watch product of the National Weather Service that is issued when conditions are favorable for flash flooding in flood-prone areas, usually ...
es were hoisted for more than 18 million people across 10 states. In Missouri, rainfall accumulations in excess of forced the closure of local highways. Two people in a vehicle were killed near Grovespring when they attempted to cross a bridge over a flooded creek. Meanwhile, another woman in southwestern Missouri went missing when a small river washed her car off the road. To the south and east, severe storms across Mississippi and Tennessee caused more than 55,000 power outages. Further north,
Madison, Wisconsin Madison is the List of capitals in the United States, capital city of the U.S. state of Wisconsin. It is the List of municipalities in Wisconsin by population, second-most populous city in the state, with a population of 269,840 at the 2020 Uni ...
, set a one-day record for March snowfall, at . The winter storm resulted in many downed power lines on
I-39 Interstate 39 (I-39) is a north–south Interstate Highway in Illinois and Wisconsin that runs from an interchange at I-55 in Normal, Illinois, to State Trunk Highway 29 (WIS 29) approximately south of Wausau, Wisconsin. In to ...
, shutting down a portion of the highway.


Aftermath


Political response

Both state and national politicians responded to the devastation in Mississippi. On March 25,
Governor of Mississippi The governor of Mississippi is the head of government of Mississippi and the commander-in-chief of the U.S. state, state's Mississippi National Guard, military forces. The governor has a duty to enforce state laws, and the power to either appro ...
Tate Reeves Jonathan Tate Reeves (born June 5, 1974) is an American politician serving as the 65th List of governors of Mississippi, governor of Mississippi since 2020. A member of the Republican Party (United States), Republican Party, Reeves served as the ...
declared a state of emergency in Sharkey, Humphreys, Carroll, and Monroe counties. Governor Reeves's request for a major disaster declaration was granted by President
Joe Biden Joseph Robinette Biden Jr. (born November 20, 1942) is an American politician who was the 46th president of the United States from 2021 to 2025. A member of the Democratic Party (United States), Democratic Party, he served as the 47th vice p ...
on March 26. President Biden visited Rolling Fork on March 31 and announced that the federal government would fully cover cost of the cleanup. The Mississippi state legislature also later approved approximately $18.5 million in relief funds.


Mississippi


Rolling Fork

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. 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. 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. 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. Influencer and
YouTube YouTube is an American social media and online video sharing platform owned by Google. YouTube was founded on February 14, 2005, by Steve Chen, Chad Hurley, and Jawed Karim who were three former employees of PayPal. Headquartered in ...
r Ryan Hall, Y'all raised $120,000 through social media to give generators out after the storm.


Amory

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. The school district there resumed normal classes on April 11, with 85% attendance. Due to the severe damage inflicted to its athletic facilities, Amory High School's baseball team was forced to play the remainder of its season on the road. Despite this, the team went on to win a state championship for the 2023 season.


See also

*
Weather of 2024 The following is a list of weather events that occurred on Earth in the year 2024. There were several weather events which had a significant impact were blizzards, cold waves, droughts, heat waves, wildfires, floods, tornadoes, and tropical cyclone ...
*
List of North American tornadoes and tornado outbreaks These are some notable tornadoes, tornado outbreaks, and tornado outbreak sequences that have occurred in North America. #''The listing is U.S.-centric, with greater and more consistent information available for U.S. tornadoes. Some North America ...
*
List of F4 and EF4 tornadoes This is a list of tornadoes which have been officially or unofficially labeled as F4, EF4, IF4, or an equivalent rating. These scales – the Fujita scale, the Enhanced Fujita scale, the International Fujita scale, and the TORRO tornado inten ...
** List of F4 and EF4 tornadoes (2020–present) *
Tornadoes of 2024 This page documents Tornado, notable tornadoes and tornado outbreaks worldwide in 2024. Strong and destructive tornadoes form most frequently in the United States, Argentina, South Region, Brazil, Southern Brazil, the Bengal region and China, but ...
* List of United States tornadoes in March 2023


Notes


References


External links


3/24 Tornado Outbreak: Rolling Fork, Silver City, Winona, Amory
*
DEADLY Tornadoes Hit Rolling Fork & Amory, Mississippi - Mar. 24, 2023
{{DEFAULTSORT:2023-03-24 Tornado Outbreak 03-24 03-24 Tornado Outbreak 03-24 Tornado Outbreak 03-24 Tornado Outbreak 03-24 Tornado Outbreak 03-24 Tornado Outbreak 03-24 Tornado Outbreak 24, Tornado Outbreak F4, EF4 and IF4 tornadoes Tornadoes in Alabama Tornadoes in Georgia (U.S. state) Tornadoes in Mississippi Tornadoes in Tennessee Tornadoes in Texas