:Tornado outbreak of May 6–10, 2024
{{Short description|2024 tornado outbreak in the Southern and Central United States}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=February 2025}}
{{Infobox weather event
| image = Tornado outbreak of May 6–9, 2024.png
| alt = A detailed map of combined day 1 Storm Prediction Center convective outlooks, tornado warnings, and confirmed tornadoes during the May 6–10, 2024 tornado outbreak
| caption = Map of tornado warnings and confirmed tornadoes from the outbreak
| duration = May 6–10, 2024
}}{{Infobox weather event/Tornado outbreak
| tornadoes = 179
| fujita-scale = EF4
| duration = 3 days, 2 hours and 20 minutes
| winds = Tornadic – {{convert|180|mph|km/h|abbr=on}}
(Barnsdall, Oklahoma EF4 on May 6)
| gusts = Non-tornadic – >{{convert|100|mph|km/h|abbr=on}} near Tallahassee, Florida on May 10
| largest hail = {{convert|6.25|in|cm|abbr=on}} – Johnson City, Texas on May 9
| fujita-ref =
}}{{Infobox weather event/Extratropical
| pressure = 980
| pressure-suffix =
}}{{Infobox weather event/Effects
| outages = >201,000
| fatalities = 5 (+3 non-tornadic){{cite web|url=https://www.fox35orlando.com/news/tallahassee-florida-deadly-tornadoes-2024|title=At least 1 killed after possible tornadoes slam Florida city, officials say|access-date=May 10, 2024|website=WOFL|date=10 May 2024 }}
| injuries = 88–92+{{cite web|last=Sharfman|first=Alexandra|date=May 9, 2024|title=Update on storm-related deaths and injuries from April and May severe storms|url= https://okcfox.com/news/local/update-on-storm-related-deaths-and-injuries-from-april-and-may-severe-storms|access-date=May 9, 2024|website=KOKH-TV}}{{cite web|last=Andrews|first=Hillary|date=May 8, 2024|title=Survivors of Portage tornado recount panic, fear during twister that devastated Michigan city|url=https://www.foxweather.com/weather-news/portage-michigan-tornado-may-2024|access-date=May 8, 2024|website=FOX Weather}}{{cite web|last1=Burlew|first1=Jeff|last2=Hatfield|first2=William F.|date=May 10, 2024|title=Tallahassee tornado live updates: Woman killed, 80,000 without power amid widespread damage|url=https://www.tallahassee.com/story/news/2024/05/10/leon-county-under-tornado-warnings-as-severe-storms-sweep-across-area-tallahassee-weather/73638607007/|access-date=May 10, 2024|website=Tallahassee Democrat}}
| missing = 1{{cite web|last=Olivas|first=Kaylee|date=May 8, 2024|title='We're going to see him again': 81-year-old man missing after EF4 tornado demolishes his Barnsdall home|url=https://kfor.com/news/were-going-to-see-him-again-81-year-old-man-missing-after-ef4-tornado-demolishes-his-barnsdall-home/|access-date=May 8, 2024|website=KFOR-TV}}
| damages = $6.1 billion (2024 USD){{cite web |author1=National Centers for Environmental Information |title=U.S. Billion-Dollar Weather and Climate Disasters |url=https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/access/billions/events/US/1980-2024 |website=Events |publisher=National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration |access-date=15 April 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240415154722/https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/access/billions/events/US/1980-2024 |archive-date=15 April 2024 |location=Asheville, North Carolina, United States |format=Press release |date=April 2024 |url-status=live}}
| affected = Midwestern, Southern United States, Great Plains, Ohio Valley, New England
}}{{Infobox weather event/Footer
| season = Tornadoes of 2024
}}
A major tornado outbreak occurred across the Central and Southern United States between May 6 and 10, 2024, as a result of a slow-moving trough that was moving across the country. The Storm Prediction Center (SPC) issued a tornado-driven high risk convective outlook for portions of central Oklahoma and extreme southern Kansas early on May 6. Millions of people were put under a particularly dangerous situation (PDS) tornado watch later that evening, as many tornadoes were reported across the region, particularly in Oklahoma, where a violent EF4 tornado struck the towns of Barnsdall and Bartlesville, Oklahoma. Severe and tornadic weather spread eastward over the Mississippi, Ohio, and Tennessee Valleys over the next two days, with a nocturnal outbreak occurring in the latter on May 8, as tornadic supercell thunderstorms produced many tornadoes across the states of Tennessee, northern Alabama and western Georgia. The system responsible for the outbreak finally moved offshore by May 10 after producing several more tornadoes across the Southeast, including two EF2 tornadoes and hurricane-strength straight-line winds that moved through Tallahassee.{{cite report|author=National Weather Service in Tallahassee, Florida |title=NWS Damage Survey for the May 10, 2024 Tornado Event |url=https://mesonet.agron.iastate.edu/wx/afos/p.php?pil=PNSTAE&e=202405122206|publisher=Iowa Environmental Mesonet |date=May 12, 2024 |access-date=May 12, 2024}} This large outbreak came less than two weeks after a similarly large and deadly outbreak occurred across most of the same regions.
Five fatalities directly linked to the tornadoes were confirmed from the outbreak: two in Oklahoma on May 6, one in Tennessee on May 8, and two in Florida on May 10. Three non-tornadic deaths related to straight-line winds also occurred. In addition, during the outbreak, tornado emergencies were issued for three consecutive days between May 6–8 for damaging tornadoes; the last time that this phenomenon had occurred was exactly 21 years prior, when tornado emergencies were issued for four consecutive days between May 6–9, 2003, during a similarly large outbreak.{{cite web |title=Yesterday marked the 3rd consecutive day a #Tornado Emergency—a rare class of Tornado Warning that is reserved only for strong/violent twisters capable of catastrophic destruction—was issued. The last time such a streak occurred was May 6–9, 2003. This continues 2024's near-historic level of severe weather activity that has so far plagued every state from Nebraska to Alabama with powerful tornadoes and tenacious, springtime thunderstorms. (Sat-image credit: tropicaltidbits) |url=https://twitter.com/BackpirchCrew/status/1788476683047059810 |website=twitter.com |publisher=X (formerly Twitter) |access-date=May 9, 2024}}
Overall, 179 tornadoes were confirmed from the outbreak, most of which were clustered around Oklahoma, Michigan, Tennessee, and Alabama, earning 51 points on the outbreak intensity score.https://x.com/sigtor2019/status/1790050762174636255?s=46&t=qS0n16XhYMOv-kF6m_Tg1g
Meteorological synopsis
=May 6=
File:May 6, 2023 1300Z Storm Prediction Center Day 1 convective outlook.gif issued by the Storm Prediction center at 13:00 UTC on May 6]]
Starting April 30, the Storm Prediction Center noted that certain models, including the ECMWF, forecasted a multi-day period of high instability and supportive wind shear across the Southern and Central Plains,{{Cite web |url=https://www.spc.noaa.gov/products/exper/day4-8/archive/2024/day4-8_20240430.html |publisher=Storm Prediction Center |date=30 April 2024 |title=Day 4–8 Severe Weather Outlook Issued on Apr 30, 2024 }} and by May 1, a 15% risk was added across Nebraska, Kansas, Oklahoma, and northern Texas.{{Cite web |url=https://www.spc.noaa.gov/products/exper/day4-8/archive/2024/day4-8_20240501.html |publisher=Storm Prediction Center |date=1 May 2024 |title=Day 4–8 Severe Weather Outlook Issued on May 1, 2024 }} On May 3, as confidence in a significant tornado outbreak increased, a 30% risk zone was introduced in far northern Oklahoma, central Kansas, and far southern Nebraska,{{Cite web |url=https://www.spc.noaa.gov/products/exper/day4-8/archive/2024/day4-8_20240503.html |publisher=Storm Prediction Center |date=3 May 2024 |title=Day 4–8 Severe Weather Outlook Issued on May 3, 2024 }} and on May 5, a moderate risk was issued as forecasters noted the possibility of strong and long-tracked tornadoes and large hail.{{Cite web |url=https://www.spc.noaa.gov/products/outlook/archive/2024/day2otlk_20240505_0600.html |publisher=Storm Prediction Center |date=5 May 2024 |title=May 5, 2024 0600 UTC Day 2 Convective Outlook }}
At 7:12 a.m. Central Daylight Time on May 6, a mesoscale discussion was issued concerning an upgrade to a tornado-driven high risk across central and north central Oklahoma and south central Kansas,{{Cite web |url=https://www.spc.noaa.gov/products/md/2024/md0646.html |date=6 May 2024 |publisher=Storm Prediction Center |title=Mesoscale Discussion 646 }} which was issued at the 1300Z outlook. A separate system also spawned severe thunderstorms in Tennessee, including one that produced an EF1 tornado that moved through Smithville.
At 1630Z, the Storm Prediction Center, noting severe activity in Tennessee as well as confidence in cells further south within Oklahoma, issued a new convective outlook, which expanded the high-risk area further south, the moderate risk further east, and added a marginal risk over the Tennessee Valley. This notably mentioned the presence of mixed-layer CAPE values between 2,500 and 4,500 j/kg across central and northern Oklahoma into southern Kansas, as severe activity was set to peak through the night,{{Cite web |url=https://www.spc.noaa.gov/products/outlook/archive/2024/day1otlk_20240506_1630.html |date=6 May 2024 |publisher=Storm Prediction Center |title=May 6, 2024 1630 UTC Day 1 Convective Outlook }} and at 2 pm, a particularly dangerous situation tornado watch was issued, noting the probability of 2 or more tornadoes at >95%, and at least 1 significant tornado at 90%.{{Cite web |url=https://www.spc.noaa.gov/products/watch/2024/ww0189.html |date=6 May 2024 |title=Particularly Dangerous Situation (PDS) Tornado Watch 189 |publisher=Storm Prediction Center}} At 300Z, an observed sounding from the National Weather Service office in Norman, Oklahoma indicated an incredibly favorable environment for supercellular tornadoes, with mixed-layer CAPE values over 3,500 j/kg as well as strong wind shear and lapse rates, with a formulated Significant Tornado Parameter (STP) of 14.9.{{Cite web |publisher=Storm Prediction Center |date=6 May 2024 |title=SPC Sounding Analysis Page – 05/07/2024 03 UTC |url=https://www.spc.noaa.gov/exper/soundings/24050703_OBS/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240511192540/https://www.spc.noaa.gov/exper/soundings/24050703_OBS/ |archive-date=11 May 2024 |url-status=dead }}
One hour earlier, a powerful supercell spawned a violent tornado southeast of Hominy, Oklahoma. The tornado continued northeast, producing significant tree damage. As the tornado closed in on the city of Barnsdall, a tornado emergency was issued. The tornado inflicted EF4 damage to a well-constructed home south of Barnsdall and to a two-story home in the southeast side of the town; widespread EF3 damage occurred to other homes and a well-built, metal-framed building. Intense tree damage occurred in this area as well. At least one person was killed in the city. The tornado continued northeast and moved into Bartlesville, Oklahoma, where a Hampton Inn suffered severe damage. The tornado dissipated northeast of the town.{{cite web |title=Damage surveys continue across Osage County this afternoon. Currently, EF4 damage has been found southwest of Barnsdall. Still a long day of surveying with this storm and lots more to evaluate. #okwx |url=https://twitter.com/NWStulsa/status/1787899288019943590 |website=twitter.com |publisher=X (formerly Twitter) |access-date=7 May 2024}} However, despite several supercells forming throughout the days, all the other tornadoes that occurred across the Plains were weak. A line of storms developed in southwestern Oklahoma that night, but most of them dissipated quickly without becoming severe and, as a result, areas in southern part of the high risk and further south did not see any storms. The only storm of the cluster to become severe tracked through the Oklahoma City metropolitan area producing intense straight-line winds and two weak EF1 tornadoes.{{cite web |title=The May 6-7, 2024 Severe Weather and Tornado Outbreak |url=https://www.weather.gov/oun/events-20240506 |website=www.weather.gov |publisher=National Weather Service Norman OK |access-date=18 July 2024 |language=EN-US}}
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=May 7–8=
File:EF2 damage Portage, MI 2024 (7).jpg
{{Wikisource|NWS Paducah Area Forecast Discussion on May 8, 2024|The National Weather Service in Paducah forecast for May 8}}
On May 7, a tornado-driven enhanced risk was issued across the Ohio Valley by the Storm Prediction Center.{{Cite web |title=Storm Prediction Center May 7, 2024 0600 UTC Day 1 Convective Outlook |url=https://www.spc.noaa.gov/products/outlook/archive/2024/day1otlk_20240507_1200.html |access-date=2024-05-11 |website=www.spc.noaa.gov}}{{Cite web |title=Storm Prediction Center May 7, 2024 1630 UTC Day 1 Convective Outlook |url=https://www.spc.noaa.gov/products/outlook/archive/2024/day1otlk_20240507_1630.html |access-date=2024-05-11 |website=www.spc.noaa.gov}} That afternoon, a strong, high-end EF2 tornado caused severe damage in Portage, Michigan. Later, another tornado prompted the issuance of a tornado emergency for Union City and Sherwood, the first tornado emergency ever issued in the state of Michigan. Other tornadoes were reported across Michigan along with Ohio, West Virginia, Indiana, Arkansas, and Pennsylvania through the overnight hours into May 8.{{cite web |title=Storm Prediction Center Today's Storm Reports |url=https://www.spc.noaa.gov/climo/reports/240506_rpts.html |website=www.spc.noaa.gov |access-date=7 May 2024}}{{cite web |title=New Video: Here's a first look at some of the damage left behind after a #tornado hit Barnsdall, OK on Monday evening. We'll have continued coverage on WeatherNation. #OKwx |url=https://twitter.com/WeatherNation/status/1787687452171493874 |website=twitter.com |publisher=X (formerly Twitter) |access-date=7 May 2024}}{{cite news |title=Live Updates: 1 Killed After Tornado Hits Barnsdall; Heavy Rains Cause Flash Flood Warnings |url=https://www.newson6.com/story/64ddf94c57c6ce0730b84a06/live-updates:-1-killed-after-tornado-hits-barnsdall-flash-flood-warnings-in-effect-due-to-heavy-rains |access-date=May 7, 2024 |work=www.newson6.com |date=May 7, 2024}} Later on May 8, a wind and hail driven Moderate Risk was introduced, both at 45% hatched wind and hail risks,{{Cite web |title=Storm Prediction Center May 8, 2024 0600 UTC Day 1 Convective Outlook |url=https://www.spc.noaa.gov/products/outlook/archive/2024/day1otlk_20240508_1200.html |access-date=2024-05-11 |website=www.spc.noaa.gov}} more severe weather and tornadoes impacted much of the Middle Mississippi and Tennessee Valleys. PDS tornado warnings were issued for tornadoes near Equality, Illinois and Aurora, Missouri.{{cite web |title=Storm Prediction Center Today's Storm Reports |url=https://www.spc.noaa.gov/climo/reports/240508_rpts.html |website=www.spc.noaa.gov |access-date=8 May 2024}} Multiple strong supercells hit Connecticut, Rhode Island, and Massachusetts. At 6:54 pm CDT a tornado emergency was issued for parts of Marshall County, Maury County, Rutherford County, and Williamson County including Spring Hill, Tennessee, Chapel Hill, Tennessee, and Allisona, Tennessee of the Southern Nashville Metro area, a second in 5 months, after a Tornado Emergency in the north of the metro that hit Hendersonville on December 9, 2023.{{Cite web |last=NWS Tornado |date=2024-05-08 |title=NWS Tornado on X |url=https://x.com/NWStornado/status/1788344160459862304 |website=X (formerly Twitter)}} In the middle of the outbreak, the SPC issued a 15% hatched tornado driven Moderate risk for Southeastern Tennessee, Northwestern Georgia and North Alabama at 0100 UTC.{{Cite web |title=Storm Prediction Center May 9, 2024 0100 UTC Day 1 Convective Outlook |url=https://www.spc.noaa.gov/products/outlook/archive/2024/day1otlk_20240509_0100.html |access-date=2024-05-09 |website=www.spc.noaa.gov}} Two flash flood emergencies were issued for parts of Northern Tennessee after round of torrential rainfall battered the area. Later, another supercell in Alabama caused a PDS tornado warning for the city of Huntsville, Alabama.{{Cite web |last=NWS Tornado |date=2024-05-08 |title=NWS Tornado on X |url=https://x.com/NWStornado/status/1788397309543481555 |website=X (formerly Twitter)}} That same supercell went on to produce another damaging tornado that sparked a tornado emergency for Henagar, Alabama, Hammondville, Alabama, and Mentone, Alabama.{{Cite web |last=NWS Tornado |date=2024-05-08 |title=NWS Tornado on X |url=https://x.com/NWStornado/status/1788421326744834179 |website=X (formerly Twitter)}}
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= May 9–10 =
{{Expand section|date=May 2024|synopsis of May 9–10}}
File:Radar imagery three Leon County Tornadoes 2024.png
Isolated tornadoes occurred during the day on May 9. Additionally, several supercells produced large hail across Texas. Widespread damaging winds occurred overnight into the next day, from a congealing squall line, along with a few tornadoes including two EF2 tornadoes and an EF1 tornado in the Tallahassee Metropolitan area. The outbreak ended as severe storms moved offshore during the afternoon hours of May 10.
{{clear}}
Confirmed tornadoes
{{see also|List of tornadoes in the tornado outbreak of May 6–10, 2024}}
{{Tornado Chart|Total=179|FU=16|F0=67|F1=79|F2=13|F3=3|F4=1|F5=0|Enhanced=yes}}
=Hominy–Barnsdall–Bartlesville, Oklahoma=
{{Main|2024 Barnsdall–Bartlesville tornado}}
{{Infobox weather event
| name = Hominy–Barnsdall–Bartlesville, Oklahoma
| image = Photo of the 2024 Barnsdall–Bartlesville tornado.png
| caption = A photograph of the tornado while at or near EF4 intensity, taken two miles north of and looking towards Barnsdall, Oklahoma
| formed = May 6, 2024, 9:12 p.m. CDT (UTC−05:00)
| duration = 55 minutes
| dissipated = May 6, 2024, 10:07 p.m. CDT (UTC−05:00)
}}{{Infobox weather event/Tornado
| basin = atl
| fujita-scale = EF4
| winds = {{convert|180|mph|km/h|abbr=on}}
}}{{Infobox weather event/Effects
| fatalities = 2
| injuries = 33
| missing =
| economic-year = 2024
| damage = $25 million
}}{{Infobox weather event/Footer
| season =
}}
This large, violent EF4 tornado first touched down at 9:12 p.m CDT (02:12 UTC) southeast of Hominy on CR-1701 and moved northeastward snapping trees at EF1 strength. As the tornado approached SH-20, it intensified to low-end EF2 strength, damaging the roof of a home and destroying two outbuildings. Past this point, the tornado rapidly strengthened to low-end EF3 intensity as it knocked over seven steel power poles and snapped trees. After the tornado had crossed SH-20, it weakened. It traveled through primarily rural areas at EF2 strength, and then EF1 strength. Hundreds of trees were snapped or uprooted, and outbuildings were damaged. At 9:39 p.m CDT (02:39 UTC), the National Weather Service in Tulsa, Oklahoma issued a Tornado Emergency for Barnsdall, after receiving reports of a large tornado and a large debris ball appearing on radar. As the tornado approached CR-2240, it regained EF2 strength and severe ground-scouring began. It then crossed Birch Lake, and further intensified to EF3 strength, continuing to destroy trees. As the tornado passed east of CR-2380, it became violent. It reached its peak intensity of EF4, with wind speeds estimated at {{convert|180|mph|km/h|abbr=on}}. A well-constructed home was swept clean off of its crawl space, and its debris was blown to the northeast. Nearby trees were completely stubbed and debarked, and vehicles were thrown and rolled. Continuing northeast, the tornado weakened slightly as it inflicted high-end EF3 damage to the NuCera Solutions wax plant on the southeast side of Barnsdall.{{cite web | url=https://www.fox23.com/news/barnsdalls-biggest-employer-nucera-solutions-plant-closing-permanently-after-ef4-tornado/article_51f026f2-4eab-11ef-868b-cbd8d1cd18e4.html | title=Barnsdall's biggest employer, NuCera Solutions plant, closing permanently after EF4 tornado | date=July 30, 2024 }}
File:Barnsdall, OK EF4 Tornado Damage.jpg]]
The tornado then continued moving into the east side of town, where numerous homes sustained severe damage. One manufactured home was completely destroyed, resulting in a fatality. Another frame-home was completely destroyed, with a nearby well-constructed garage being destroyed as well, both structures earning high-end EF3 ratings. The second fatality occurred in this residence. Along 2nd St, the tornado strengthened to EF4 intensity again, completely destroying a two-story home. Wind speeds here were estimated at {{convert|170|mph|km/h|abbr=on}}. Past there, the tornado crossed SH-123 where it severely damaged numerous homes and metal buildings and completely destroyed a manufactured home at EF2-EF3 strength.{{cite web |title=2024 Tornado Events in Eastern Oklahoma Northwest Arkansas |url=https://storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/4b42e5c8f93b40018ccfa3ef4a7237bd |website=ArcGIS StoryMaps |publisher=National Weather Service Tulsa OK |access-date=1 May 2024 |date=1 May 2024}}{{cite report|author=National Weather Service in Tulsa, Oklahoma|title=NWS Damage Survey for 5/6-7/2024 Tornado Event – Update 1|url=https://mesonet.agron.iastate.edu/wx/afos/p.php?pil=PNSTSA&e=202405101621|publisher=Iowa Environmental Mesonet|date=May 10, 2024|access-date=May 10, 2024}} This was the second time this part of Barnsdall had been hit by a tornado in 2024; an EF1 tornado had previously impacted the area on April 1.{{cite report|author=National Weather Service in Tulsa, Oklahoma|title=Oklahoma Event Report: EF1 Tornado|url=https://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/stormevents/eventdetails.jsp?id=1163658|publisher=National Centers for Environmental Information|year=2024|access-date=July 16, 2024}}
File:NEXRAD radar loop of the 2024 Barnsdall–Bartlesville tornado.gif radar loop of the EF4 Barnsdall–Bartlesville, Oklahoma tornado, on May 6]]
Moving northeastward away from Barnsdall, the tornado weakened, but remained strong at EF1-EF2 strength as it caused significant tree damage, damaged homes, and destroyed outbuildings in more rural areas. The parent supercell also began to interact with a squall line that was coming from the west. The tornado then moved through the southern part of Bartlesville, where numerous homes and businesses suffered severe damage. The tornado then weakened to EF1 strength and crossed US 60 and US 75 east of Bartlesville, where it severely damaged a Hampton Inn there. The concrete walls of the hotel were speared with 2x4s as well. The nearby Gan's Mall had its newly-installed roof thrown across the road, which ended up trapping several people inside the Hampton Inn.{{cite news |last1=Richmond |first1=Mckenzie |last2=Sharfman |first2=Alexandra |title=Bartlesville tornado severely damages Hampton Inn and local businesses |url=https://ktul.com/amp/news/local/bartlesville-tornado-severely-damages-hampton-inn-and-local-businesses-roof-ripped-off-debris-roadway-closed-trapped-people-fire-departments-storm-damage |access-date=May 17, 2024 |work=ktul.com |date=May 7, 2024}} The tornado then exited the town as the parent supercell became absorbed into the trailing squall line, which caused the tornado to dissipate northeast of the town near Dewey at 10:07 pm. CDT (03:07 UTC). The tornado was on the ground for approximately 55 minutes, traveling a total length of {{convert|40.81|mi|km}}, reaching a peak width of {{convert|1700|yd|m}} at times. Along with the two fatalities, 33 other people were injured and the tornado caused $25 million in damage.{{cite web|last1=Kliewer|first1=Addison|last2=Greco|first2=Jonathan|title=Deadly Barnsdall tornado gets preliminary EF4 rating, search continues for missing man: What we know|url=https://www.koco.com/article/barnsdall-bartlesville-tornado-oklahoma-ok-damage/60713699|access-date=May 9, 2024|website=KOCO|date=9 May 2024 }}{{Cite web |title=EF4 Barnsdall: Storm Events Database - Event Details {{!}} National Centers for Environmental Information |url=https://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/stormevents/eventdetails.jsp?id=1184254 |access-date=2024-08-18 |website=www.ncdc.noaa.gov}}{{Cite web |title=EF2 Bartlesville: Storm Events Database - Event Details {{!}} National Centers for Environmental Information |url=https://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/stormevents/eventdetails.jsp?id=1184256 |access-date=2024-08-18 |website=www.ncdc.noaa.gov}}
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=Columbia–Lunns Store, Tennessee=
{{Infobox weather event
| name = Columbia–Lunns Store, Tennessee
| image = EF3 damage residence northeast of Columbia, Tennessee May 8, 2024.jpg
| caption = Low-end EF3 damage to a home in eastern Maury County; one person was killed at this location
| formed = May 8, 2024, 5:37 p.m. CDT (UTC−05:00)
| duration = 30 minutes
| dissipated = May 8, 2024, 6:07 p.m. CDT (UTC−05:00)
}}{{Infobox weather event/Tornado
| basin = atl
| fujita-scale = EF3
| winds = {{convert|140|mph|km/h|abbr=on}}
}}{{Infobox weather event/Effects
| fatalities = 1
| injuries = 12
| economic-year = 2024
| damage = $10 million
}}{{Infobox weather event/Footer
| season =
}}
This deadly low-end EF3 tornado first touched down at 5:37 pm. CDT (22:37 UTC) on Lofton Road just east of the Duck River in the eastern part of Columbia in Maury County, causing light tree damage with some limbs being broken. Strengthening ensued as it moved northeast, damaging some homes and collapsing roofs on some residences before snapping tree trunks near Mt Oliver Road at EF1 intensity. The tornado then moved northwest of Beech Grove, damaging more houses and collapsing roofs and ripping roof panels off of homes at EF1 intensity. More tree trunks were snapped as it moved through forested regions and across US 412/SR 99, before the tornado reached EF2 strength along Old Highway 99. EF2 damage was observed further northeast, including an outbuilding that was totally destroyed by the tornado, with walls collapsed inward. Continuing onward, the tornado then intensified to its peak of low-end EF3 intensity as it moved into the Lasea community. It bent and collapsed large transmission power trusses, mostly destroyed two homes, which were left with only their interior rooms standing, and obliterated a mobile home. One person was killed in one of the destroyed homes.{{cite report|author=National Weather Service in Nashville, Tennessee|title=NWS Damage Survey for 05/08/24 Tornado Event|url=https://mesonet.agron.iastate.edu/wx/afos/p.php?pil=PNSOHX&e=202405102019|publisher=Iowa Environmental Mesonet|date=May 9, 2024|access-date=May 9, 2024}} EF2 damage was noted nearby further north where two houses had their roofs and walls destroyed. By this time, a tornado emergency had been issued for the eastern portions of Columbia as a debris ball was evident on radar and storm spotters reported a large, significant tornado on the ground.
File:NEXRAD radar scan of the Columbia, Tennessee EF3 tornado.png radar scan of the Columbia, Tennessee EF3 tornado.]]
The tornado then weakened some to EF2 intensity as it approached and then crossed I-65, damaging nearby houses as well. The tornado also turned in a more easterly direction at this point as well as it snapped numerous tree trunks at Joe Brown Road. The tornado then moved through mostly open areas before re-intensifying to high-end EF2 strength as it ripped and collapsed more roofs of houses and destroying a nearby barn. A carport was also destroyed, and metal power poles were bent. Approaching and then passing through the small town of Rally Hill, the tornado weakened, but still caused low-end EF2 damage in the community. A house that was under construction as well an outbuilding were destroyed, another home and outbuilding were damaged, and trees and power poles were snapped. The tornado then began a rapid weakening trend after crossing US 431 and wobbling southeastward slightly, snapping trees at EF1 intensity. The tornado then turned eastward and entered Marshall County at EF0 strength, uprooting trees and causing minor roof damage to an outbuilding before dissipating at 6:07 pm. CDT (23:07 UTC) southwest of Lunns Store. This tornado was on the ground for 30 minutes, traveling a total length of {{convert|12.94|mi|km}} and reaching a peak width of {{convert|900|yd|m}}. One person died as a result of the tornado, and 12 others were injured and the tornado caused $10 million in damage.{{Cite web |title=EF3 Columbia: Storm Events Database - Event Details {{!}} National Centers for Environmental Information |url=https://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/stormevents/eventdetails.jsp?id=1167432 |access-date=2024-08-18 |website=www.ncdc.noaa.gov}}
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=Pisgah–Henagar–Hammondville, Alabama=
{{Infobox weather event
| name = Pisgah–Henagar–Hammondville, Alabama
| image = May 8, 2024, tornado damage west of Henagar, Alabama.jpg
| caption = High-end EF2 damage to a home west of Henagar
| formed = May 8, 2024, 10:57 p.m. CDT (UTC−05:00)
| duration = 27 minutes
| dissipated = May 8, 2024, 11:24 p.m. CDT (UTC−05:00)
}}{{Infobox weather event/Tornado
| basin = atl
| fujita-scale = EF3
| winds = {{convert|140|mph|km/h|abbr=on}}
}}{{Infobox weather event/Effects
| fatalities = 0
| injuries = 7
}}{{Infobox weather event/Footer
| season =
}}
This intense tornado touched down along SR 71 south of Pisgah in Jackson County at 10:57 pm CDT (03:57 UTC). It moved east-southeastward at EF1 strength, snapping trees and inflicting minor roof damage to farm building. Another EF1 tornado would pass through this area about seven hours later, causing additional damage. This tornado then intensified and widened significantly as it reached County Road 422, overturning a camper, partially destroying a well-built home, destroying a horse trailer and a mobile home, and removing a third of the roof from a hay barn. Debris was thrown into the field across the street and 2x4s were impaled {{convert|1|-|1.5|ft|m}} into the ground. Two people were injured in the camper. Along SR 40, several large 100+-year-old oak trees with diameters of {{convert|4|-|5|ft|m}} were knocked down, including some that fell on and knocked down two exterior walls of a home, which also had its windows sucked out. The tornado then reached its widest point and ripped a garage clean from the home it was attached to with the resulting debris shearing the home. This home was anchored with nails instead of bolts and a high-end EF2 rating was applied to this structure. Just beyond this point, the tornado reached its peak intensity of low-end EF3 along County Road 125. A well-built and well-anchored metal shop building was completely destroyed with the large bolts and plates that anchored the H-beams being snapped and bent. A large {{convert|4|-|5|ft|m|adj=on}} section of the foundation was ripped from the ground with debris being scattered about {{convert|10|ft|m}}, although the column anchoring remained intact. A nearby {{cvt|20000|lbs}} 18-wheeler cab was tossed more than {{convert|150|yd|m}} into a field across CR 125. Other nearby semi-trailers were shifted {{convert|50|-|100|ft|m}} as well.{{cite report|author=National Weather Service in Huntsville, Alabama|title=...NWS Damage Survey for 05/08/2024 and 05/09/2024 Tornado Event Update #19...|url=https://mesonet.agron.iastate.edu/wx/afos/p.php?pil=PNSHUN&e=202407121454|publisher=Iowa Environmental Mesonet|date=July 12, 2024|access-date=July 12, 2024}}{{cite web |author1=Various National Weather Service offices |title=Damage Assessment Toolkit |url=https://apps.dat.noaa.gov/stormdamage/damageviewer/ |website=DAT |publisher=National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration |date=2024 |format=Interactive map and database}} Around this time, a tornado emergency was issued for Henagar, Hammondville, and Mentone.{{cite web |title=HUN Tornado Warning #30 |url=https://mesonet.agron.iastate.edu/vtec/#2024-O-NEW-KHUN-TO-W-0030/USCOMP-N0Q-202405090340 |website=Iowa Environment Mesonet |publisher=National Weather Service Huntsville AL |access-date=May 12, 2024}}
File:NEXRAD radar scan of the Henagar, Alabama EF3 tornado.png radar scan of the Henagar, Alabama EF3 tornado.]]
The tornado then weakened to EF1 strength, snapping and uprooting trees and destroying outbuildings. Along SR 75 south of Henagar, a large outbuilding was unroofed, a smaller one was completely shifted off its foundation, another camper was overturned, power poles were snapped, and trees were snapped or uprooted. Between SR 75 and SR 40, the tornado turned eastward and briefly reached high-end EF2 intensity again, obliterating a mobile home, heavily damaging an outbuilding, and snapping and uprooting trees. The tornado then moved along SR 40 at EF1 intensity, peeling back tin on several chicken houses, including one that collapsed, snapped or uprooted more trees, and damaged the roofs of homes. After damaging another mobile home, the tornado steadily weakened causing only sporadic outbuilding and tree damage before dissipating as it crossed SR 117 just before reaching the city limits of Hammondville and I-59 at 11:24 pm CDT (04:24 UTC). The tornado traveled {{convert|12.34|mi|km}} and reached a peak width of {{convert|0.5|mi|km}}. Seven people were injured.{{cite web|last=Broadway|first=Sarah|date=May 9, 2024|title=NWS confirms at least 4 tornadoes touched down in North Alabama during Wednesday's storms|url=https://www.waaytv.com/news/nws-confirms-at-least-4-tornados-touched-down-in-north-alabama-during-wednesdays-storms/article_3269343e-0e6b-11ef-aea8-f732ff0322df.html|access-date=May 11, 2024|website=WAAY-TV}}
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=Tallahassee, Florida=
{{main|2024 Tallahassee tornadoes}}
==First tornado==
{{Infobox weather event
| name = Tallahassee, Florida
| image = EF2 damage Tallahassee, Florida 2024 (1).jpg
| caption = Low-end EF2 tree damage in Tallahassee
| formed = May 10, 2024, 6:38 a.m. EDT (UTC−04:00)
| duration = 25 minutes
| dissipated = May 10, 2024, 7:03 a.m. EDT (UTC−04:00)
}}{{Infobox weather event/Tornado
| basin = atl
| fujita-scale = EF2
| winds = {{convert|115|mph|km/h|abbr=on}}
}}{{Infobox weather event/Effects
| fatalities = 0
| injuries = 0
| economic-year = 2024
| damage = $92.07 million
}}{{Infobox weather event/Footer
| season =
}}
This tornado first touched down at 6:38 am. EDT in Gadsden County, Florida east of Wetumpka, and was the first of three to impact Leon County that morning. After damaging an old farm building, the tornado tracked east-southeastward at EF1 intensity snapping or uprooting numerous trees as it passed just south of Midway through rural areas. The tornado then crossed the Ochlockonee River into Leon County, continuing to cause EF1 tree damage as it passed through Ochlockonee as it tracked along US 90. A mobile home park had extensive tree damage, with several trees falling on mobile homes. The tornado then entered the western city limits of Tallahassee near the intersection of US 90 and SR 263 and turned southeastward, causing roof and siding damage to a hotel and shopping center. After crossing SR 263, the tornado intensified to low-end EF2 strength as it approached and crossed SR 20. A swath of pine trees was snapped at about {{convert|75|ft|m}} above the ground and an automotive repair building was heavily damaged. After inflicting significant EF1 tree damage on the Lively Technical College and Tallahassee Community College campuses, the tornado briefly reached low-end EF2 intensity again as it passed over a neighborhood, where another area of intense tree damage was noted with numerous homes damaged by fallen trees. The tornado then began to move through densely populated areas, causing widespread EF1 tree damage through several neighborhoods. Numerous homes and businesses were damaged by fallen trees, especially along SR 366. The tornado then moved through the southwestern part of the Florida State University campus, continuing to down numerous trees. The tent housing the FSU Flying High Circus was destroyed and the outfield fence at Dick Howser Stadium was severely damaged. Turning back to an east-southeastward heading and moving into Downtown Tallahassee along Gaines Street, the tornado collapsed a construction crane and inflicted major damage to businesses. Multiple warehouses in Railroad Square suffered severe damage and the railroad depot sustained roof damage. The tornado then began to interact with another EF2 tornado that was ongoing to its south causing this tornado to turn back to the southeast. It missed the Florida State Capitol to the south, continuing to snap trees in residential areas, parks, and a country club and blowing down street signs before rapidly weakening and dissipating at 7:03 am. EDT as the other EF2 tornado to its south became the dominant circulation. The storm that caused this tornado, as well as the one that overtook it, was responsible for an area of wind gusts potentially exceeding {{convert|100|mph|km/h|abbr=on}} in southern Tallahassee.{{cite report|author=National Weather Service in Tallahassee, Florida|title=NWS Damage Survey for the May 10, 2024 Tornado Event|url=https://mesonet.agron.iastate.edu/wx/afos/p.php?pil=PNSTAE&e=202405122206|publisher=Iowa Environmental Mesonet|date=May 12, 2024|access-date=May 12, 2024}}
This tornado traveled {{convert|19.58|mi|km}} and reached a peak width of {{convert|900|yd|m}}, causing $92 million in damage.{{Cite web |title=EF1 Sawdust: Storm Events Database - Event Details {{!}} National Centers for Environmental Information |url=https://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/stormevents/eventdetails.jsp?id=1186532 |access-date=2024-08-18 |website=www.ncdc.noaa.gov}}{{Cite web |title=EF2 Leon County: Storm Events Database - Event Details {{!}} National Centers for Environmental Information |url=https://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/stormevents/eventdetails.jsp?id=1186538 |access-date=2024-08-18 |website=www.ncdc.noaa.gov}}
{{Clear}}
==Second tornado==
{{Infobox weather event
| name = Tallahassee, Florida
| image = May 10, 2024, tornado damage in Tallahassee, Florida.jpg
| caption = Low-end EF2 damage to a tree that was snapped and fell onto a nearby home in Tallahassee
| formed = May 10, 2024, 6:50 a.m. EDT (UTC−04:00)
| duration = 24 minutes
| dissipated = May 10, 2024, 7:14 a.m. EDT (UTC−04:00)
}}{{Infobox weather event/Tornado
| basin = atl
| fujita-scale = EF2
| winds = {{convert|115|mph|km/h|abbr=on}}
}}{{Infobox weather event/Effects
| fatalities = 2
| injuries = 0
| economic-year = 2024
| damage = $92.10 million
}}{{Infobox weather event/Footer
| season =
}}
As the first EF2 tornado was approaching Tallahassee, a second even larger and longer-tracked EF2 tornado developed in Lake Talquin State Park in Leon County at 6:50 am EDT. It was the third of three simultaneous tornadoes in Leon County as an EF1 tornado was already ongoing to the south of this tornado. Along the beginning of its path, the tornado snapped numerous trees and a power pole at EF1 intensity as it moved east-southeastward. As it reached SR 20, the tornado made a sharp turn and began moving due east along the highway continuing to snap numerous trees as it moved through the Lake Talquin State Recreational Area. The tornado then veered back to the east-southeast away from SR 20 and impacted many subdivisions in the Norfleet neighborhood, leaving behind a large area of snapped trees. Turning back eastward and moving into the southern part of Tallahassee, the tornado crossed SR 263, continuing to snap dozens of trees along with wooden power poles. The tornado then began to move generally eastward through neighborhoods in the southwest part of the city, snapping and uprooting countless trees, snapping power poles, damaging an elementary school, and inflicting roof damage to homes, outbuildings, and other structures. Some homes were damaged by fallen trees as well. Around this time, a swath of damaging {{convert|100|mph|km/h|abbr=on}} straight-line winds developed just south of this tornado. This area of destructive winds would continue to parallel this tornado until it dissipated. The tornado then moved through the Florida A&M University campus producing widespread EF1 tree damage with two university buildings also being damaged. Power poles and lines were taken down by fallen trees as well. The tornado reached its peak width in this area and a much larger area of EF0 shingle damage to homes and businesses was noted as it crossed SR 363. The first Tallahassee tornado then merged with this tornado as it moved over the Capital City Country Club, and this tornado became the dominant tornadic circulation as it continued through Tallahassee. After leaving the golf course, the tornado reached low-end EF2 intensity as it impacted the Indian Head Acres subdivisions, snapping trees at about {{convert|75|ft|m}} above the ground. Fallen trees also damaged homes, power poles, and power lines. The tornado continued eastward, causing EF1 tree damage throughout several subdivisions as it crossed US 319 and exited Tallahassee. After crossing CR 2195 east of Tallahassee, the tornado weakened to EF0 intensity uprooting a few trees along US 27 as it crossed into Jefferson County before dissipating at 7:14 am EDT.
Along its 24-minute journey, the tornado traveled {{convert|27.22|mi|km|abbr=on}} and reached a peak width of {{convert|1400|yd|m|abbr=on}}. The tornado killed two people and caused $92.1 million in damage.{{Cite web |title=EF2 Tallahassee Storm Events Database - Event Details {{!}} National Centers for Environmental Information |url=https://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/stormevents/eventdetails.jsp?id=1186559 |access-date=2024-08-18 |website=www.ncdc.noaa.gov}}
{{Clear}}
Non-tornadic effects
Strong straight-line winds blew a tree down on a car east of Lone Mountain, Tennessee, killing the driver. One person was killed and another person was injured after a tree fell on a vehicle in Gaston County, North Carolina on May 8.{{cite web|url=https://www.wsoctv.com/news/local/1-dead-1-taken-hospital-after-tree-falls-vehicle-gaston-county/E74JYNCR2NGMVPXN3YK7JYIQ5U/|title=1 dead, 1 taken to hospital after tree falls on vehicle in Gaston County|date=May 8, 2024|access-date=May 8, 2024|website=WSOC-TV}} One occurred in Jackson County, Illinois, as a mobile home was shifted off its foundation and a trailer was flipped there,{{cite web|url=https://www.spc.noaa.gov/climo/reports/240508_rpts.html|title=20240508's Storm Reports|access-date=May 8, 2024|website=Storm Prediction Center}} while two people were injured after a warehouse had its roof collapse in Knox County, Tennessee.{{cite web|last=Kellar|first=Liz|date=May 8, 2024|title=One killed in Tazewell, warehouse roof collapses in Knox County as East Tennessee storms continue|url=https://www.knoxnews.com/story/weather/2024/05/08/knoxville-area-weather-severe-storm-flash-flooding-risk-increases/73610998007/|access-date=May 8, 2024|website=Knoxville News Sentinel}} Severe storms also forced a Major League Baseball game at Busch Stadium to be postponed until August 5.{{cite news |last1=Farinacci |first1=Alexis |title=Mets, Cardinals Series Finale Postponed, Will Be Made Up in August |url=https://metsmerizedonline.com/mets-cardinals-series-finale-postponed-will-be-made-up-in-august/ |access-date=May 9, 2024 |publisher=Mets Memorized Online |date=May 8, 2024}} The same system later produced extensive straight-line wind damage in Mississippi and Florida, Tallahassee was particularly hard hit, with tens of thousands of power outages still affecting residents days later.{{cite web | url=https://www.kbtx.com/2024/05/10/storms-slam-parts-florida-mississippi-elsewhere-cleanup-earlier-tornadoes-continues/ | title=At least 1 dead in Florida as storms continue to pummel the South in a week of severe weather | date=10 May 2024 }}
Impacts
Waffle Houses in the Oklahoma City metro closed on May 6th due to the risk of tornadoes.{{citation needed|date=June 2024}} Amtrak's northbound Heartland Flyer was canceled on May 6 as a precautionary measure due to the high risk of severe weather issued by the Storm Prediction Center; retroactively, the southbound train for May 7 was also canceled.{{cite web |title=Service Adjustment: As of 1:00pm CT, Due to severe weather conditions in the area, Heartland Flyer Train 822 is now canceled. No alternate transportation is provided. We apologize for any inconvenience. |url=https://twitter.com/AmtrakAlerts/status/1787543097829687488 |website=twitter.com |publisher=X (formerly Twitter) |access-date=May 9, 2024}}{{cite web |title=UPDATE: As of 11:50pm CT, Due to severe weather conditions in the area, Heartland Flyer Train 821 is now canceled. No alternate transportation is provided. We apologize for any inconvenience. |url=https://twitter.com/AmtrakAlerts/status/1787706838043025589 |website=twitter.com |publisher=X (formerly Twitter) |access-date=May 9, 2024}} Wolverine trains from the evening of May 7 to the early morning hours of May 8 were also delayed between Ann Arbor and Battle Creek, Michigan due to tornadic activity in the area.{{cite web |title=As of 7:48 PM ET, Trains operating between Ann Arbor (ARB) and Battle Creek (BTL) may experience delays and operate at reduced speeds from 6:23 PM ET to 11:00 PM ET due to a tornado watch in the area. |url=https://twitter.com/AmtrakAlerts/status/1787994218134217021 |website=twitter.com |publisher=X (formerly Twitter) |access-date=May 9, 2024}}{{cite web |title=Weather Issue Update: As of 1:04 PM ET, Trains operating between Ann Arbor (ARB) and Battle Creek (BTL) have resumed their normal operation, with residual delays anticipated. |url=https://twitter.com/AmtrakAlerts/status/1788072803373052173 |website=twitter.com |publisher=X (formerly Twitter) |access-date=May 9, 2024}} On May 8, the Nashville International Airport briefly issued a ground stop due to severe storms.{{cite web | url=https://www.wkrn.com/news/local-news/nashville/ground-stop-issued-at-nashville-international-airport-due-to-severe-storms/ | title=Ground stop issued at Nashville International Airport due to severe storms | date=8 May 2024 }} Further north, Mammoth Caves National Park shut down at 3:30 pm on May 8 due to the storm, re-opening on May 9.https://www.edmonsonvoice.com/-news/mammoth-cave-national-park-to-close-early-for-severe-weather-threat
{{clear}}
=Later developments=
See also
References
{{reflist}}
External links
- [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RBeYwycAwEo Powerful Tornado Hit Portage Michigan | Tornado 2024]
- [https://www.youtube.com/shorts/7Hh1ulj1EY8 Barnsdall, Oklahoma tornado caught on camera Monday night]
- [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eTig39aZnC8 Every tree in this Michigan yard came down during tornado conditions]
- [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NwApdVq9z1g Spring Hill tornado captured by Robbie Murray]
- [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6S8G4vNiFcY Dashcam captures tornado moving across interstate in Columbia, TN | VIDEO]
- [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UEbEVEDL_ZY Video shows moment a possible tornado hit Tallahassee]
{{2024 tornado outbreaks}}
{{Alabama tornado events}}
{{Wisconsin tornado events}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Tornado outbreak of May 6–8, 2024}}
Category:2024 natural disasters in the United States
Category:F4, EF4 and IF4 tornadoes
Category:2024 in West Virginia
Category:2024 in North Carolina
Category:May 2024 in the United States
Category:Tornadoes in Nebraska
Category:Tornadoes in Tennessee
Category:Tornadoes in Oklahoma
Category:Tornadoes in Missouri
Category:Tornadoes in Illinois
Category:Tornadoes in Wisconsin
Category:Tornadoes in Michigan
Category:Tornadoes in West Virginia
Category:Tornadoes in Pennsylvania
Category:Tornadoes in Arkansas