December 2015 North American storm complex#December 26 event

{{Short description|2015 massive storm system that affected North America}}

{{Infobox storm

| name = December 2015 North American storm complex

| image = Southern US storm complex Dec 26 2015 2230 UTC.jpg

| alt =

| caption = GOES-13 satellite image of the storm complex over the Southern United States on December 26

| type = Extratropical storm
Winter storm
Ice storm
Blizzard
Tornado outbreak
Flood

| formed = {{start date|2015|12|25}}

| dissipated = {{end date|2015|12|30}}

| lowest pressure = 989

| lowest temperature =

| tornadoes = 32 confirmed

| fujitascale = EF4

| tornado duration = 2 days, 2 hours, 4 minutes

| highest winds = {{convert|180|mph|km/h|abbr=on}}
(Garland, Texas EF4 tornado on December 26)

| gusts =

| maximum snow = {{convert|41|in|m|abbr=on}} at Bonito Lake, New Mexico

| power outages = > 65,000

| total fatalities = 59 fatalities

| damages = ≥ $3 billion{{cite web |title=Global Catastrophe Recap -December 2015 |url=http://thoughtleadership.aon.com/Documents/20160106-if-december-global-recap.pdf |website=ReliefWeb |publisher=AON |access-date=April 22, 2022}}

| affected = Southwestern, Central, and New England regions in the United States (particularly Texas); Northern Mexico; Southeastern Canada.

| current advisories =

| enhanced = yes

| season = 2015–16 North American winter and tornado outbreaks of 2015

}}

The December 2015 North American storm complex, also known as Winter Storm Goliath,{{Cite news |last=Finch |first=Brooke |date=3 May 2016 |title=Winter storm Goliath still impacting eastern NM |work=Albuquerque Journal |url=https://www.abqjournal.com/767276/winter-storm-goliath-still-impacting-eastern-nm.html}} was a major storm complex that produced a tornado outbreak, a winter storm, a blizzard and an ice storm in areas ranging from the Southwestern United States to New England.{{cite web|url=http://www.weather.com/news/news/goliath-deadliest-storm-of-2015|title=Goliath: The Deadliest U.S. Storm System of 2015|date=December 30, 2015|work=The Weather Channel}} Tornadoes struck the Dallas–Fort Worth metroplex in Texas{{cite web |url=https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/tornadoes-sweep-through-dallas-area-significant-damage/ar-BBnRlgz?ocid=spartanntp |title=Tornadoes sweep through Dallas area; significant damage |publisher=Msn.com |access-date=2015-12-27 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304070627/http://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/tornadoes-sweep-through-dallas-area-significant-damage/ar-BBnRlgz?ocid=spartanntp |archive-date=2016-03-04 |url-status=dead }} while several other states, especially Missouri, were affected by heavy rain and snow causing severe floods. As the system moved through the Great Lakes, heavy rain, ice pellets and heavy snow fell in the entire region. Wintry mix moved through southern Ontario and Quebec had significant snowfall on December 29. Almost 60 people were killed during the storm system's progression and aftermath, making it one of the deadliest such systems of 2015 in the United States.

Meteorological history

The outbreak was caused by a vigorous upper-level trough that moved into the Central and Southern Plains states on December 25. An extratropical cyclone developed ahead of this upper-level trough over the West Coast, which moved southeast into the Southwestern United States early on December 26. Continuing to move east, snow began to fall in the Upper Midwest, dropping up to {{convert|5–8|in|cm}}, before rapidly dissipating.{{cite web|url=http://www.weather.com/forecast/national/news/winter-storm-goliath-forecast-snow-blizzard|title=Winter Storm Goliath: Historic Southern Plains Blizzard Within Huge Swath of Snow, Ice (RECAP)|date=December 23, 2015|work=The Weather Channel}} As the initial low-pressure area moved over the United States–Mexico border, a southwards dip in the jet stream to the west had formed. In response to this, an upper-level low developed by evening on December 26. This upper-level low began to track to the north, drawing moisture from the Pacific Ocean and Gulf of Mexico. As it did so, a long cluster of heavy showers and thunderstorms fired up from eastern Oklahoma to southwestern Missouri, which set up a severe flooding event. Some areas picked up to over {{convert|1|in|mm}} of rainfall, triggering several floods.{{cite web|url=https://weather.com/storms/tornado/news/storms-tornadoes-christmas-week-december-21-28-2015|title=Tornadoes and Flooding Rain Hit the South, Midwest Christmas Week 2015|date=December 28, 2015|access-date=April 17, 2016}}

At the same time, discrete tornadic supercells developed in Texas. One of the cells produced a violent EF4 wedge tornado, which ripped through parts of Garland and Rowlett, Texas, causing major damage and killing 10 people. As the storm complex began to move to the north, more supercells formed, and several more tornadoes were reported. By the early morning of December 27, the supercells had merged into a squall line, which produced a few more isolated tornadoes.

While generating severe weather in the Deep South, the storm complex brought heavy snow and blizzard conditions in the southwestern parts of Texas through December 26–27, as frigid temperatures had spilled south into the area just the previous day before. Strong winds contributed to power outages and blowing and drifting snow. Snowfall continued throughout December 27 before tapering off near midnight as the storm system began to pull out of the region. In total, the storm complex dumped up to {{convert|2|ft|cm|abbr=out|sigfig=1|spell=in}} of snow in the western parts of Texas, a very rare and historic occurrence in the affected areas. The storm had also produced a small but significant ice storm in the central parts of Texas, with ice accumulations ranging up to {{convert|1|in|mm|spell=in}} in some areas, leading to thousands of power outages.

By December 28, the storm complex had moved into the Central United States, producing more snow, ice, heavy rain, and severe weather in an area stretching from the Midwest into Louisiana. The upper-level low eventually began to take over as the dominant low, and had begun to make a more east-northeastwards turn. Spreading a swath of {{convert|6–12|in|cm}} from Missouri to Maine, the storm complex continued to accelerate into southern Canada while producing more ice, rain and severe weather as the southern quadrant approached the East Coast. Rain eventually reached areas like Philadelphia and New York City late on December 28, and persisted somewhat into the early morning hours of December 29. At this point, the storm system had already entered Canada, and its circulation was beginning to become elongated. The remnants of the storm eventually dissipated, early on December 30.{{cite web|url=http://www.wpc.ncep.noaa.gov/archives/web_pages/sfc/sfc_archive_maps.php?arcdate=12/30/2015&selmap=2015123000&maptype=satsfcnps|title=WPC Surface Analysis|date=December 30, 2015|access-date=April 17, 2016}}

Confirmed tornadoes

{{Tornado Chart

|Total = 32

|F0 = 10

|F1 = 17

|F2 = 3

|F3 = 1

|F4 = 1

|F5 = 0

|Enhanced=yes

}}

= December 26 event =

class="wikitable sortable" style="width:100%;"

|+ List of confirmed tornadoes – Saturday, December 26, 2015{{efn|All dates are based on the local time zone where the tornado touched down; however, all times are in Coordinated Universal Time for consistency.|group=note|name=Date/Time}}

! scope="col" style="width:3%; text-align:center;"|EF#

! scope="col" style="width:7%; text-align:center;" class="unsortable"|Location

! scope="col" style="width:6%; text-align:center;" class="unsortable"|County / Parish

! scope="col" style="width:5%; text-align:center;"|State

! scope="col" style="width:6%; text-align:center;"|Start Coord.

! scope="col" style="width:6%; text-align:center;"|Time (UTC)

! scope="col" style="width:6%; text-align:center;"|Path length

! scope="col" style="width:6%; text-align:center;"|Max width

! scope="col" style="width:6%; text-align:center;"|Damage{{efn|All damage totals are in 2015 USD unless otherwise stated.|group = note|name = Damage}}

! scope="col" class="unsortable" style="width:48%; text-align:center;"|Summary

bgcolor="#{{storm colour|storm}} | EF0

|NE of Byars

|McClain

|OK

|{{Coord|34.94

96.96|name=Byars (Dec. 26, EF0)}}

|1957

|{{convert|0.1|mi|km|abbr=on|sortable=on}}

|{{convert|20|yd|m|abbr=on|sortable=on}}

|{{sort|0|Unknown}}

|A storm chaser reported a brief tornado.{{cite report|author=National Weather Service Weather Forecast Office in Norman, Oklahoma|title=Oklahoma Event Report: EF0 Tornado|url=https://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/stormevents/eventdetails.jsp?id=610496|publisher=National Climatic Data Center|year=2015|access-date=May 1, 2016}}

bgcolor="#{{storm colour|storm}} | EF0

|N of Hubbard

|Hill

|TX

|{{Coord|31.89

96.81|name=Hubbard (Dec. 26, EF0)}}

|2003–2007

|{{convert|2.76|mi|km|abbr=on|sortable=on}}

|{{convert|50|yd|m|abbr=on|sortable=on}}

|{{nts|15000|prefix=$}}

|A local fire department reported a tornado that damaged crops.{{cite report|author=National Weather Service Weather Forecast Office in Fort Worth, Texas|title=Texas Event Report: EF0 Tornado|url=https://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/stormevents/eventdetails.jsp?id=606454|publisher=National Climatic Data Center|year=2015|access-date=May 1, 2016}}

bgcolor="#{{storm colour|storm}} | EF0

|NE of Eustace

|Henderson

|TX

|{{coord|32.33

95.99|name=Eustace (Dec. 26, EF0)}}

|2044–2046

|{{convert|0.9|mi|km|abbr=on|sortable=on}}

|{{convert|40|yd|m|abbr=on|sortable=on}}

|{{nts|10000|prefix=$}}

|Trained storm spotters observed a tornado that damaged crops over open land.{{cite report|author=National Weather Service Weather Forecast Office in Fort Worth, Texas|title=Texas Event Report: EF0 Tornado|url=https://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/stormevents/eventdetails.jsp?id=606455|publisher=National Climatic Data Center|year=2015|access-date=May 1, 2016}}

bgcolor="#{{storm colour|storm}} | EF0

|NNE of Emory

|Rains

|TX

|{{coord|32.9

95.73|name=Emory (Dec. 26, EF0)}}

|2126–2127

|{{convert|0.69|mi|km|abbr=on|sortable=on}}

|{{convert|75|yd|m|abbr=on|sortable=on}}

|{{nts|0|prefix=$}}

|Trained storm spotters reported a brief tornado.{{cite report|author=National Weather Service Weather Forecast Office in Fort Worth, Texas|title=Texas Event Report: EF0 Tornado|url=https://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/stormevents/eventdetails.jsp?id=606456|publisher=National Climatic Data Center|year=2015|access-date=May 1, 2016}}

bgcolor="#{{storm colour|storm}} | EF0

|NNW of Hillsboro

|Hill

|TX

|{{coord|32.039

97.157|name=Hillsboro (Dec. 26, EF0)}}

|2310–2312

|{{convert|1.6|mi|km|abbr=on|sortable=on}}

|{{convert|80|yd|m|abbr=on|sortable=on}}

|{{nts|20000|prefix=$}}

|Trained storm spotters reported a brief tornado. It remained over open country and caused no damage.{{cite report|author=National Weather Service Weather Forecast Office in Fort Worth, Texas|title=Texas Event Report: EF0 Tornado|url=https://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/stormevents/eventdetails.jsp?id=606457|publisher=National Climatic Data Center|year=2015|access-date=May 1, 2016}}

bgcolor="#{{storm colour|storm}} | EF0

|S of Sulphur Springs

|Hopkins

|TX

|{{coord|33.023

95.63|name=Sulphur Springs (Dec. 26, EF0)}}

|2333–2334

|{{convert|0.36|mi|km|abbr=on|sortable=on}}

|{{convert|25|yd|m|abbr=on|sortable=on}}

|{{nts|0|prefix=$}}

|A storm chaser observed a brief tornado.{{cite report|author=National Weather Service Weather Forecast Office in Fort Worth, Texas|title=Texas Event Report: EF0 Tornado|url=https://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/stormevents/eventdetails.jsp?id=606458|publisher=National Climatic Data Center|year=2015|access-date=May 1, 2016}}

bgcolor="#{{storm colour|storm}} | EF0

|NE of Maypearl

|Ellis

|TX

|{{coord|32.334

97.012|name=Maypearl (Dec. 26, EF0)}}

|2343–2344

|{{convert|1.58|mi|km|abbr=on|sortable=on}}

|{{convert|50|yd|m|abbr=on|sortable=on}}

|{{nts|0|prefix=$}}

|A local fire department reported a brief tornado.{{cite report|author=National Weather Service Weather Forecast Office in Fort Worth, Texas|title=Texas Event Report: EF0 Tornado|url=https://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/stormevents/eventdetails.jsp?id=606459|publisher=National Climatic Data Center|year=2015|access-date=May 1, 2016}}

bgcolor="#{{storm colour|cat3}} | EF3

|E of Midlothian to Glenn Heights

|Ellis, Dallas

|TX

|{{coord|32.4623

96.909|name=Ovilla/Glenn Heights (Dec. 26, EF3)}}

|0001–0013

|{{convert|8.52|mi|km|abbr=on|sortable=on}}

|{{convert|125|yd|m|abbr=on|sortable=on}}

|{{nts|9730000|prefix=$}}

|A significant tornado began in Ellis County, damaging 77 single family homes, 23 of which were completely destroyed. Significant damage occurred as multiple subdivisions were impacted in Ovilla and Red Oak. An elementary school sustained outward collapse of multiple exterior walls, and very poor construction was noted at that location. Two churches were destroyed, and vehicles were thrown and mangled as well. After crossing into Dallas County, the tornado struck Glenn Heights and severely damaged 35 homes and an additional 10 mobile homes before dissipating. There were 46 people injured by this tornado.{{cite report|author=National Weather Service Weather Forecast Office in Fort Worth, Texas|title=Texas Event Report: EF3 Tornado|url=https://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/stormevents/eventdetails.jsp?id=606461|publisher=National Climatic Data Center|year=2015|access-date=May 1, 2016}}{{cite report|author=National Weather Service Weather Forecast Office in Fort Worth, Texas|title=Texas Event Report: EF3 Tornado|url=https://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/stormevents/eventdetails.jsp?id=606463|publisher=National Climatic Data Center|year=2015|access-date=May 1, 2016}} This was the first tornado produced by the Garland supercell and was also the first December EF3 tornado to impact Ellis County since modern records began in 1950.{{cite web |last1=US Department of Commerce |first1=NOAA |title=12/26/15 North TX Tornado Outbreak |url=https://www.weather.gov/fwd/dec26tornadoes |website=www.weather.gov |publisher=National Weather Service Fort Worth TX |access-date=3 August 2024 |language=EN-US}}

bgcolor="#{{storm colour|cat4}} | EF4

|Sunnyvale to Garland to Rowlett

|Dallas, Rockwall

|TX

|{{coord|32.796

96.5894|name=Garland/Rowlett (Dec. 26, EF4)}}

|0046–0102

|{{convert|13.04|mi|km|abbr=on|sortable=on}}

|{{convert|550|yd|m|abbr=on|sortable=on}}

|{{nts|26800000|prefix=$}}

|10 deaths – See article on this tornado – This was the second tornado produced by the Garland supercell. 468 people were injured.

bgcolor="#{{storm colour|storm}} | EF0

|NE of Ennis

|Ellis

|TX

|{{coord|32.3855

96.53|name=Ennis (Dec. 26, EF0)}}

|0100–0102

|{{convert|5.08|mi|km|abbr=on|sortable=on}}

|{{convert|150|yd|m|abbr=on|sortable=on}}

|{{nts|40000|prefix=$}}

|A few barns were damaged.{{cite report|author=National Weather Service Weather Forecast Office in Fort Worth, Texas|title=Texas Event Report: EF0 Tornado|url=https://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/stormevents/eventdetails.jsp?id=608855|publisher=National Climatic Data Center|year=2015|access-date=May 1, 2016}}

bgcolor="#{{storm colour|cat2}} | EF2

|N of Lavon to N of Copeville

|Collin

|TX

|{{coord|33.0607

96.434|name=Copeville (Dec. 26, EF2)}}

|0109–0115

|{{convert|5.29|mi|km|abbr=on|sortable=on}}

|{{convert|300|yd|m|abbr=on|sortable=on}}

|{{nts|1400000|prefix=$}}

|2 deaths – A gas station and convenience store in Copeville was completely destroyed, killing two people inside. A large garage structure was destroyed, and over 30 homes and businesses in the area were damaged, some severely. A total of 119 people were injured.{{cite report|author=National Weather Service Weather Forecast Office in Fort Worth, Texas|title=Texas Event Report: EF2 Tornado|url=https://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/stormevents/eventdetails.jsp?id=606480|publisher=National Climatic Data Center|year=2015|access-date=May 1, 2016}} This was the second tornado produced by the Garland supercell as well as the first December EF2 tornado to impact Collin County since modern records began in 1950.

bgcolor="#{{storm colour|cat1}} | EF1

|W of Farmersville

|Collin

|TX

|{{coord|33.1587

96.3956|name=Farmersville (Dec. 26, EF1)}}

|0117–0123

|{{convert|4.47|mi|km|abbr=on|sortable=on}}

|{{convert|300|yd|m|abbr=on|sortable=on}}

|{{nts|1500000|prefix=$}}

|Several homes, including six mobile homes, were damaged or destroyed.{{cite report|author=National Weather Service Weather Forecast Office in Fort Worth, Texas|title=Texas Event Report: EF1 Tornado|url=https://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/stormevents/eventdetails.jsp?id=606483|publisher=National Climatic Data Center|year=2015|access-date=May 1, 2016}} This was the fourth tornado produced by the Garland supercell.

bgcolor="#{{storm colour|cat1}} | EF1

|SE of Blue Ridge

|Collin

|TX

|{{coord|33.2718

96.3546|name=Blue Ridge (Dec. 26, EF1)}}

|0133–0138

|{{convert|5.21|mi|km|abbr=on|sortable=on}}

|{{convert|100|yd|m|abbr=on|sortable=on}}

|{{nts|600000|prefix=$}}

|1 death – A log-construction frame home was damaged, and a metal high-tension truss tower was blown over. Multiple mobile homes sustained major damage, with a two-day old infant being killed in one of them. Fence posts were pulled out of the ground and trees were downed as well. Two people were injured.{{cite report|author=National Weather Service Weather Forecast Office in Fort Worth, Texas|title=Texas Event Report: EF1 Tornado|url=https://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/stormevents/eventdetails.jsp?id=606484|publisher=National Climatic Data Center|year=2015|access-date=May 1, 2016}} This was the fifth and final tornado produced by the Garland supercell.

=December 27 event=

class="wikitable sortable" style="width:100%;"

|+ List of confirmed tornadoes – Sunday, December 27, 2015{{efn|All dates are based on the local time zone where the tornado touched down; however, all times are in Coordinated Universal Time for consistency.|group=note|name=Date/Time}}

! scope="col" style="width:3%; text-align:center;"|EF#

! scope="col" style="width:7%; text-align:center;" class="unsortable"|Location

! scope="col" style="width:6%; text-align:center;" class="unsortable"|County / Parish

! scope="col" style="width:5%; text-align:center;"|State

! scope="col" style="width:6%; text-align:center;"|Start Coord.

! scope="col" style="width:6%; text-align:center;"|Time (UTC)

! scope="col" style="width:6%; text-align:center;"|Path length

! scope="col" style="width:6%; text-align:center;"|Max width

! scope="col" style="width:6%; text-align:center;"|Damage
{{efn|All damage totals are in 2015 USD unless otherwise stated.|group = note|name = Damage}}

! scope="col" class="unsortable" style="width:48%; text-align:center;"|Summary

bgcolor="#{{storm colour|storm}} | EF0

|WSW of De Kalb

|Bowie

|TX

|{{coord|33.4971

94.6687|name=De Kalb (Dec. 27, EF0)}}

|2106–2110

|{{convert|2.93|mi|km|abbr=on|sortable=on}}

|{{convert|75|yd|m|abbr=on|sortable=on}}

|{{nts|15000|prefix=$}}

|The roof of a mobile home was partially removed, and several trees were snapped.{{cite report|author=National Weather Service Weather Forecast Office in Shreveport, Louisiana|title=Texas Event Report: EF0 Tornado|url=https://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/stormevents/eventdetails.jsp?id=606919|publisher=National Centers for Environmental Information|year=2015|access-date=May 12, 2016}}

bgcolor="#{{storm colour|cat1}} | EF1

|NW of Gilmer

|Upshur

|TX

|{{coord|32.732

94.9854|name=Gilmer (Dec. 27, EF1)}}

|2124–2127

|{{convert|7.98|mi|km|abbr=on|sortable=on}}

|{{convert|1338|yd|m|abbr=on|sortable=on}}

|{{nts|45000|prefix=$}}

|A few outbuildings lost metal roofing panels, and several trees were downed, with a couple causing damage to two houses.{{cite report|author=National Weather Service Weather Forecast Office in Shreveport, Louisiana|title=Texas Event Report: EF1 Tornado|url=https://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/stormevents/eventdetails.jsp?id=606911|publisher=National Centers for Environmental Information|year=2015|access-date=May 12, 2016}}

bgcolor="#{{storm colour|cat1}} | EF1

|NW of Hampton to ENE of Bearden

|Calhoun, Ouachita

|AR

|{{coord|33.6422

92.6514|name=Hampton/Bearden (Dec. 27, EF1)}}

|2132–2146

|{{convert|7.1|mi|km|abbr=on|sortable=on}}

|{{convert|100|yd|m|abbr=on|sortable=on}}

|{{nts|150000|prefix=$}}

|Part of the roof was blown off of a couple industrial buildings at Highland Industrial Park, several empty rail cars were blown over, and in Bearden, roofing material was ripped off several commercial buildings. A small gas station was also damaged. Several trees were downed along the path.{{cite report|author=National Weather Service Weather Forecast Office in Little Rock, Arkansas|title=Arkansas Event Report: EF1 Tornado|url=https://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/stormevents/eventdetails.jsp?id=607482|publisher=National Centers for Environmental Information|year=2015|access-date=May 12, 2016}}{{cite report|author=National Weather Service Weather Forecast Office in Little Rock, Arkansas|title=Arkansas Event Report: EF1 Tornado|url=https://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/stormevents/eventdetails.jsp?id=607483|publisher=National Centers for Environmental Information|year=2015|access-date=May 12, 2016}}

bgcolor="#{{storm colour|cat1}} | EF1

|E of Patmos

|Hempstead

|AR

|{{coord|33.5127

93.5267|name=Patmos (Dec. 27, EF1)}}

|2136–2137

|{{convert|0.84|mi|km|abbr=on|sortable=on}}

|{{convert|350|yd|m|abbr=on|sortable=on}}

|{{nts|15000|prefix=$}}

|Pine trees were downed and a mobile home was damaged.{{cite report|author=National Weather Service Weather Forecast Office in Shreveport, Louisiana|title=Arkansas Event Report: EF1 Tornado|url=https://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/stormevents/eventdetails.jsp?id=606924|publisher=National Centers for Environmental Information|year=2015|access-date=May 12, 2016}}

bgcolor="#{{storm colour|cat1}} | EF1

|ESE of Camden

|Calhoun

|AR

|{{coord|33.4345

92.5534|name=Camden (Dec. 27, EF1)}}

|2156–2207

|{{convert|7.22|mi|km|abbr=on|sortable=on}}

|{{convert|400|yd|m|abbr=on|sortable=on}}

|{{nts|55000|prefix=$}}

|An intermittent tornado destroyed two sheds, damaged the roof on a home, and downed several pine trees on a path that passed near Hampton. One pine tree fell on and crushed two cars.{{cite report|author=National Weather Service Weather Forecast Office in Shreveport, Louisiana|title=Arkansas Event Report: EF1 Tornado|url=https://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/stormevents/eventdetails.jsp?id=607479|publisher=National Centers for Environmental Information|year=2015|access-date=May 12, 2016}}

bgcolor="#{{storm colour|cat1}} | EF1

|E of Willisville

|Nevada

|AR

|{{coord|33.4751

93.2818|name=Willisville (Dec. 27, EF1)}}

|2236–2244

|{{convert|3.85|mi|km|abbr=on|sortable=on}}

|{{convert|353|yd|m|abbr=on|sortable=on}}

|{{nts|100000|prefix=$}}

|Several outbuildings were destroyed and a house sustained roof damage. Numerous trees were snapped and uprooted along the path.{{cite report|author=National Weather Service Weather Forecast Office in Shreveport, Louisiana|title=Arkansas Event Report: EF1 Tornado|url=https://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/stormevents/eventdetails.jsp?id=606925|publisher=National Centers for Environmental Information|year=2015|access-date=May 12, 2016}}

bgcolor="#{{storm colour|cat2}} | EF2

|NNE of Marshall to SSE of Jefferson

|Harrison

|TX

|{{coord|32.6228

94.3216|name=Marshall (Dec. 27, EF2)}}

|2239–2251

|{{convert|7.78|mi|km|abbr=on|sortable=on}}

|{{convert|300|yd|m|abbr=on|sortable=on}}

|{{nts|300000|prefix=$}}

|Two mobile homes and several outbuildings were destroyed, with pieces of tin roofing from one outbuilding being found at least a quarter-mile away. Multiple frame homes were damaged as well, and a pickup truck and storage trailer were tossed. Numerous trees were snapped and uprooted along the path.{{cite report|author=National Weather Service Weather Forecast Office in Shreveport, Louisiana|title=Texas Event Report: EF2 Tornado|url=https://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/stormevents/eventdetails.jsp?id=606928|publisher=National Centers for Environmental Information|year=2015|access-date=May 12, 2016}}

bgcolor="#{{storm colour|cat1}} | EF1

|Hermitage to E of Banks

|Bradley

|AR

|{{coord|33.4495

92.1725|name=Hermitage (Dec. 27, EF1)}}

|2306–2318

|{{convert|7.11|mi|km|abbr=on|sortable=on}}

|{{convert|200|yd|m|abbr=on|sortable=on}}

|{{nts|75000|prefix=$}}

|An awning was damaged at Hermitage School, part of the roof was ripped off a chicken house, a shed was destroyed, and a home sustained minor damage. Many trees were downed.{{cite report|author=National Weather Service Weather Forecast Office in Little Rock, Arkansas|title=Arkansas Event Report: EF1 Tornado|url=https://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/stormevents/eventdetails.jsp?id=608036|publisher=National Centers for Environmental Information|year=2015|access-date=May 12, 2016}}

bgcolor="#{{storm colour|cat1}} | EF1

|ENE of Lodi

|Cass

|TX

|{{coord|32.9046

94.2196|name=Lodi (Dec. 27, EF1)}}

|2309–2311

|{{convert|1.25|mi|km|abbr=on|sortable=on}}

|{{convert|200|yd|m|abbr=on|sortable=on}}

|{{nts|0|prefix=$}}

|Several trees were snapped or uprooted.{{cite report|author=National Weather Service Weather Forecast Office in Shreveport, Louisiana|title=Texas Event Report: EF1 Tornado|url=https://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/stormevents/eventdetails.jsp?id=607715|publisher=National Centers for Environmental Information|year=2015|access-date=May 12, 2016}}

bgcolor="#{{storm colour|cat1}} | EF1

|W of Wilmar

|Drew

|AR

|{{coord|33.5843

91.9564|name=Wilmar (Dec. 27, EF1)}}

|0006–0017

|{{convert|5.74|mi|km|abbr=on|sortable=on}}

|{{convert|150|yd|m|abbr=on|sortable=on}}

|{{nts|60000|prefix=$}}

|The roof was ripped off of a house and thrown onto a shed, and several pine trees were downed.{{cite report|author=National Weather Service Weather Forecast Office in Little Rock, Arkansas|title=Arkansas Event Report: EF1 Tornado|url=https://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/stormevents/eventdetails.jsp?id=608037|publisher=National Centers for Environmental Information|year=2015|access-date=May 12, 2016}}

bgcolor="#{{storm colour|cat1}} | EF1

|W of Blanchard

|Caddo

|LA

|{{coord|32.5989

94.0249|name=Blanchard (Dec. 27, EF1)}}

|0210–0211

|{{convert|0.09|mi|km|abbr=on|sortable=on}}

|{{convert|41|yd|m|abbr=on|sortable=on}}

|{{nts|5000|prefix=$}}

|Trees were snapped and uprooted along the path, and a mobile home sustained damage to its skirting.{{cite report|author=National Weather Service Weather Forecast Office in Shreveport, Louisiana|title=Louisiana Event Report: EF1 Tornado|url=https://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/stormevents/eventdetails.jsp?id=607039|publisher=National Centers for Environmental Information|year=2015|access-date=May 12, 2016}}

bgcolor="#{{storm colour|cat1}} | EF1

|NNE of Blanchard

|Caddo

|LA

|{{coord|32.6071

93.8777|name=Blanchard (Dec. 27, EF1)}}

|0216–0220

|{{convert|2.27|mi|km|abbr=on|sortable=on}}

|{{convert|144|yd|m|abbr=on|sortable=on}}

|{{nts|250000|prefix=$}}

|Tornado moved through two mobile home parks, damaging numerous mobile homes. One of the mobile homes was blown off its foundation, while another was crushed by a tree. One outbuilding was destroyed and two others were damaged. Numerous trees were snapped and uprooted along the path.{{cite report|author=National Weather Service Weather Forecast Office in Shreveport, Louisiana|title=Louisiana Event Report: EF1 Tornado|url=https://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/stormevents/eventdetails.jsp?id=607040|publisher=National Centers for Environmental Information|year=2015|access-date=May 12, 2016}}

bgcolor="#{{storm colour|cat1}} | EF1

|SW of Homer

|Claiborne

|LA

|{{coord|32.7639

93.1255|name=Homer (Dec. 27, EF1)}}

|0510–0511

|{{convert|0.17|mi|km|abbr=on|sortable=on}}

|{{convert|21|yd|m|abbr=on|sortable=on}}

|{{nts|0|prefix=$}}

|Several trees were uprooted.{{cite report|author=National Weather Service Weather Forecast Office in Shreveport, Louisiana|title=Louisiana Event Report: EF1 Tornado|url=https://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/stormevents/eventdetails.jsp?id=607704|publisher=National Centers for Environmental Information|year=2015|access-date=May 12, 2016}}

=December 28 event=

class="wikitable sortable" style="width:100%;"

|+ List of confirmed tornadoes – Monday, December 28, 2015{{efn|All dates are based on the local time zone where the tornado touched down; however, all times are in Coordinated Universal Time for consistency.|group=note|name=Date/Time}}

! scope="col" style="width:3%; text-align:center;"|EF#

! scope="col" style="width:7%; text-align:center;" class="unsortable"|Location

! scope="col" style="width:6%; text-align:center;" class="unsortable"|County / Parish

! scope="col" style="width:5%; text-align:center;"|State

! scope="col" style="width:6%; text-align:center;"|Start Coord.

! scope="col" style="width:6%; text-align:center;"|Time (UTC)

! scope="col" style="width:6%; text-align:center;"|Path length

! scope="col" style="width:6%; text-align:center;"|Max width

! scope="col" style="width:6%; text-align:center;"|Damage{{efn|All damage totals are in 2015 USD unless otherwise stated.|group = note|name = Damage}}

! scope="col" class="unsortable" style="width:48%; text-align:center;"|Summary

bgcolor="#{{storm colour|cat1}} | EF1

|ENE of Walker

|Livingston

|LA

|{{coord|30.4995

90.8292|name=Walker (Dec. 28, EF1)}}

|0853–0856

|{{convert|1.94|mi|km|abbr=on|sortable=on}}

|{{convert|100|yd|m|abbr=on|sortable=on}}

|{{sort|0|Unknown}}

|A semi-truck was flipped and a trailer was moved. A building has its metal roof ripped off and a door blown inward.{{cite report|author=National Weather Service Weather Forecast Office in New Orleans, Louisiana|title=Louisiana Event Report: EF1 Tornado|url=https://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/stormevents/eventdetails.jsp?id=607505|publisher=National Centers for Environmental Information|year=2015|access-date=May 12, 2016}}

bgcolor="#{{storm colour|cat1}} | EF1

|W of Laplace

|St. John the Baptist

|LA

|{{coord|30.0775

90.5378|name=Laplace (Dec. 28, EF1)}}

|0920–0925

|{{convert|0.6|mi|km|abbr=on|sortable=on}}

|{{convert|150|yd|m|abbr=on|sortable=on}}

|{{sort|0|Unknown}}

|Roof and fence damage occurred, and several power poles were snapped.{{cite report|author=National Weather Service Weather Forecast Office in New Orleans, Louisiana|title=Louisiana Event Report: EF1 Tornado|url=https://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/stormevents/eventdetails.jsp?id=607506|publisher=National Centers for Environmental Information|year=2015|access-date=May 12, 2016}}

bgcolor="#{{storm colour|cat2}} | EF2

|SW of Marianna

|Lee

|AR

|{{coord|34.702

90.9161|name=Marianna (Dec. 28, EF2)}}

|1046–1051

|{{convert|5.75|mi|km|abbr=on|sortable=on}}

|{{convert|40|yd|m|abbr=on|sortable=on}}

|{{nts|50000|prefix=$}}

|A mobile home was destroyed and homes sustained roof damage.{{cite report|author=National Weather Service Weather Forecast Office in Memphis, Tennessee|title=Arkansas Event Report: EF2 Tornado|url=https://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/stormevents/eventdetails.jsp?id=613277|publisher=National Centers for Environmental Information|year=2015|access-date=May 12, 2016}}

bgcolor="#{{storm colour|cat1}} | EF1

|NW of Seminary

|Covington

|MS

|{{coord|31.5405

89.5301|name=Seminary (Dec. 28, EF1)}}

|1143–1151

|{{convert|5.59|mi|km|abbr=on|sortable=on}}

|{{convert|100|yd|m|abbr=on|sortable=on}}

|{{nts|100000|prefix=$}}

|One barn was destroyed, several homes sustained minor damage, and numerous trees were snapped or uprooted.{{cite report|author=National Weather Service Weather Forecast Office in Jackson, Mississippi|title=Mississippi Event Report: EF1 Tornado|url=https://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/stormevents/eventdetails.jsp?id=607307|publisher=National Centers for Environmental Information|year=2015|access-date=May 12, 2016}}

bgcolor="#{{storm colour|cat1}} | EF1

|SW of Chumuckla

|Santa Rosa

|FL

|{{coord|30.7626

87.2375|name=Chumuckla (Dec. 28, EF1)}}

|1430–1432

|{{convert|0.78|mi|km|abbr=on|sortable=on}}

|{{convert|75|yd|m|abbr=on|sortable=on}}

|{{nts|10000|prefix=$}}

|A tornado tracked through a heavily forested area, uprooting pecan trees and snapping cedar and pines. The NWS survey team was unable to examine the entire path, and it is possible the tornado path extended further south.{{cite report|author=National Weather Service Weather Forecast Office in Mobile, Alabama|title=Florida Event Report: EF1 Tornado|url=https://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/stormevents/eventdetails.jsp?id=612738|publisher=National Centers for Environmental Information|year=2015|access-date=May 12, 2016}}

bgcolor="#{{storm colour|storm}} | EF0

|NNE of Trinity

|Union

|NC

|{{coord|34.877

80.526|name=Trinity (Dec. 28, EF0)}}

|2158–2201

|{{convert|0.9|mi|km|abbr=on|sortable=on}}

|{{convert|75|yd|m|abbr=on|sortable=on}}

|{{nts|50000|prefix=$}}

|Five sheds and outbuildings were damaged or destroyed, the wall of one home sitting on concrete blocks was slightly shifted, a camper was rolled onto its side, and trees were downed.{{cite report|author=National Weather Service Weather Forecast Office in Greenville-Spartanburg, South Carolina|title=North Carolina Event Report: EF0 Tornado|url=https://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/stormevents/eventdetails.jsp?id=612739|publisher=National Centers for Environmental Information|year=2015|access-date=May 12, 2016}}

=Sunnyvale–Garland–Rowlett, Texas=

{{Infobox weather event

| name = Sunnyvale–Garland–Rowlett, Texas

| formed = December 26, 2015, 6:46 pm CST (UTC–06:00)

| duration = 16 minutes

| dissipated = December 26, 2015, 7:02 pm CST (UTC–06:00)

| image = 2015 Garland tornado over highway.jpg

| caption = A power flash seen to the left of the tornado seen in this photo.

}}{{Infobox weather event/Tornado

| winds = {{convert|180|mph|km/h|abbr=on}}

| fujita-scale = EF4

}}{{Infobox weather event/Effects

| fatalities = 10

| injuries = 468

| damages = $26.8 million (2015 USD)

}}{{Infobox weather event/Footer

}}

A violent wedge tornado affected nearly 600 homes in Dallas County, particularly in the cities of Sunnyvale, Garland, and Rowlett. Of these, nearly 400 were destroyed, including a few well-constructed homes that were completely leveled. An additional 22 businesses were impacted, of which one was completely destroyed. Several mobile homes were also destroyed. An apartment complex sustained major structural damage, and multiple self-storage units were destroyed as well. Nine people were killed when their vehicles were lofted and thrown long distances from an elevated highway bridge at the George Bush Turnpike and I-30 interchange, whereas another death occurred after a man sustained injuries in a collapsed home. At the Gale Fields Recreation Center, around 41 people took refuge, including a couple who went there after they lost power and their home was nearly destroyed in the tornado.[https://www.dallasnews.com/news/2015/12/26/total-devastation-nine-tornadoes-confirmed-storms-leave-11-dead-hundreds-without-homes/ 'Total devastation': Nine tornadoes confirmed; storms leave 11 dead, hundreds without homes], The Dallas Morning News, December 26, 2015 468 people were injured.{{cite report|author=National Weather Service Weather Forecast Office in Fort Worth, Texas|title=Texas Event Report: EF4 Tornado|url=https://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/stormevents/eventdetails.jsp?id=606471|publisher=National Climatic Data Center|year=2015|access-date=May 1, 2016}}{{cite report|author=National Weather Service Weather Forecast Office in Fort Worth, Texas|title=Texas Event Report: EF2 Tornado|url=https://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/stormevents/eventdetails.jsp?id=606472|publisher=National Climatic Data Center|year=2015|access-date=May 1, 2016}} Recovery efforts were hampered by rain, wind and dropping temperatures.[https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/severe-storms-leave-damage-in-north-texas/172406/ At Least 11 People Killed in North TX Storms: Police], NBCDFW, December 26, 2015 In 2023, tornado expert Thomas P. Grazulis rated the tornado EF3 and stated the maximum width of the tornado was {{convert|400|yd|m}}.{{cite book |last1=Grazulis |first1=Thomas P. |author1-link=Thomas P. Grazulis |title=Significant Tornadoes 1974–2022 |date=2023 |publisher=The Tornado Project |location=St. Johnsbury, Vermont |isbn=978-1-879362-01-7 |page=535}}

Preparations and impact

=Tornado outbreak=

==Texas==

On December 26, 2015, the tornado outbreak portion of the storm system, with 32 tornadoes total confirmed, began when 12 tornadoes impacted Texas that evening, mostly in and around the Dallas–Fort Worth metroplex, killing 13 people,{{cite web|url=http://www.accuweather.com/en/weather-news/reports-severe-weather-tornadoes-dallas-texas-blizzard-flooding/54450368|title=REPORTS: Severe storms slam Texas as flooding and blizzard conditions struck the Plains|work=AccuWeather|access-date=2015-12-30|archive-date=2019-07-22|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190722102247/https://www.accuweather.com/en/weather-news/reports-severe-weather-tornadoes-dallas-texas-blizzard-flooding/54450368|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/crippling-blizzard-follows-deadly-tornadoes-in-texas/|title=Crippling blizzard follows deadly tornadoes in Texas|date=December 27, 2015|website=Cbsnews.com}}{{cite news|agency=Associated Press|publisher=KSAT|date=January 9, 2016|access-date=January 9, 2016|title=Man injured by Garland tornado dies; death toll to 12|url=http://www.ksat.com/news/man-injured-by-garland-tornado-dies-death-toll-to-12_|archive-date=August 27, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180827210005/https://www.ksat.com/news/man-injured-by-garland-tornado-dies-death-toll-to-12_|url-status=dead}} which made it the deadliest tornado disaster in the area since the Dallas tornado of 1957, and added to the highest tornado death count in the U.S. for the month of December since 1953.{{cite web|url=http://www.weather.com/news/weather/news/texas-tornadoes-midwest-flooding-impacts|title=Weather|date=December 28, 2015|work=The Weather Channel}}{{cite web|url=http://www.weather.com/news/weather/video/tornadoesdeadliest-december-in-62-years|title=Tornadoes: Deadliest December in 62 Years|date=December 29, 2015|work=The Weather Channel|access-date=December 30, 2015|archive-date=December 30, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151230235047/http://www.weather.com/news/weather/video/tornadoesdeadliest-december-in-62-years|url-status=dead}} An EF3 tornado moved through multiple subdivisions in Ovilla and Glenn Heights, Texas on the south side of the metroplex, destroying numerous homes and two churches. Ten people in Garland, Texas died as a result of a large and powerful EF4 wedge tornado that also destroyed many homes in the neighboring suburb of Rowlett. An EF2 tornado killed two people in Copeville, while an EF1 caused another fatality near Blue Ridge. Additional tornadoes touched down across the Southern United States on December 27 and 28. Most of these tornadoes were weak, though EF2 tornadoes caused considerable damage near Marianna, Arkansas and Marshall, Texas.{{cite web|url=https://www.foxnews.com/us/five-killed-after-tornadoes-touch-down-near-dallas-as-storms-pummel-southeast/ |title=Five killed after tornadoes touch down near Dallas, as storms pummel Southeast |publisher=Fox News |date=2006-10-01 |access-date=2015-12-27}} More than 65,000 people lost power in the area due to the tornadoes.{{cite web |url=http://www.accuweather.com/en/weather-news/live-blizzard-ice-severe-storm/54428497 |title=LIVE: Severe storms strike Texas, blizzard unfolds over New Mexico |publisher=Accuweather.com |access-date=2015-12-27 |archive-date=2015-12-27 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151227062247/http://www.accuweather.com/en/weather-news/live-blizzard-ice-severe-storm/54428497 |url-status=dead }}{{cite web|url=https://apps.dat.noaa.gov/StormDamage/DamageViewer/ |title=NWS Damage Assessment Toolkit |website=Apps.dat.noaa.gov |access-date=2016-01-02}} The Dallas Mavericks had to delay their NBA game against the Chicago Bulls by one hour due to the threat of severe weather.{{cite news |last1=Hill |first1=Josh |title=Mavericks forced to delay game vs. Bulls due to tornado |url=https://fansided.com/2015/12/26/mavericks-bulls-delay-tornado/ |access-date=November 23, 2022 |publisher=Fansided |date=December 26, 2015}}

Damage from tornadoes in Texas alone is estimated at $1.2 billion. There were also 635 injuries.{{efn|All injuries occurred from tornadoes on December 26; 46 from the EF3, 468 from the EF4, 119 from an EF2 in Collin County, and two from an EF1 in Collin County.}}

=Flooding=

==Southern United States==

The storm system was responsible for heavy rain that caused severe flooding in 13 states, with Missouri being especially impacted.{{cite web|url=http://www.kmov.com/story/30846374/major-flooding-in-union-mo-businesses-underwater|title=Major flooding in Union, Mo; businesses underwater|author=Eric Sykes|date=29 December 2015|access-date=31 December 2015|archive-date=1 December 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161201012304/http://www.kmov.com/story/30846374/major-flooding-in-union-mo-businesses-underwater/|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|url=http://edition.cnn.com/2015/12/27/us/missouri-flooding-six-dead/index.html|title=Missouri Flooding Six Dead|date=27 December 2015|work=CNN}} Parts of the state were hit with over {{convert|10|in|mm|abbr=on}} of heavy rainfall. At least 14 people died due to the floods in Missouri alone.{{cite web|url=https://abcnews.go.com/US/flood-related-deaths-14-missouri/story?id=36013726|title=See Dramatic Rescue of Man, Dog From Roof of Missouri Home in Historic Flood|author=ABC News|work=ABC News}} In Union, Missouri, the Bourbeuse River rose to {{convert|34.22|ft|cm|abbr=on}}, above the preceding record of {{convert|33.79|ft|cm|abbr=on}} which occurred on December 5, 1982.{{cite web|url=http://www.kmov.com/story/30846374/major-flooding-in-union-mo-businesses-underwater|title=Major flooding in Union, Mo; businesses underwater|author=Eric Sykes|date=29 December 2015|access-date=30 December 2015|archive-date=1 December 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161201012304/http://www.kmov.com/story/30846374/major-flooding-in-union-mo-businesses-underwater/|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|url=http://www.weather.com/safety/floods/news/flooding-news-impacts-plains-midwest|title=Flood Safety and Preparedness|date=29 December 2015|work=The Weather Channel|access-date=30 December 2015}}{{cite web|url=http://www.missourinet.com/2015/12/28/rain-sleet-snow-flooding-continuing-in-missouri-monday-morning/|title=Rain, sleet, snow, flooding continuing in Missouri Monday morning|work=Missourinet|date=28 December 2015}} More than 180 roads, including portions of Interstates 44, 55, and 70, and several bridges were closed.{{cite news|agency=Associated Press|publisher=WDAF|date=December 28, 2015|access-date=January 1, 2016|title=Flooding closes more than 180 roads in Missouri|url=http://fox4kc.com/2015/12/28/flooding-closes-more-than-180-roads-in-missouri/}} The Meramec River, near St. Louis, crested {{convert|2|ft|cm|-1|abbr=on}} above its previous record height, inundating nearby communities. At least 380 homes and 70 businesses were flooded in Franklin County.{{cite news|author1=Tim O'Neil |author2=Walker Moskop |newspaper=St. Louis Post-Dispatch|date=January 1, 2016|access-date=January 1, 2016|title=Meramec River's record flood wipes out commute for thousands|url=https://www.stltoday.com/news/local/illinois/meramec-river-s-record-flood-wipes-out-commute-for-thousands/article_29e8cb41-b1b3-5d1d-9e22-5b6506e655a5.html}}

Approximately 140,000 sandbags were brought in to protect portions of the Bayshore subdivision in Arnold. At least 150 homes succumbed to flooding in the city. More than 100 boat rescues were conducted in Eureka.

Major flooding also occurred in south Alabama, where the Pea River in Elba, Alabama flooded. Most of the rainfall occurred on Christmas Eve day when training thunderstorms went over the same areas. All in all, a widespread {{convert|8|-|16|in|mm|-2}} occurred.

Nine levees were topped—five along the Mississippi River, three along the Missouri River, and one along the Kaskaskia River—though the affected areas were predominantly unpopulated.{{cite news|agency=Associated Press|publisher=Fox News|date=January 1, 2016|access-date=January 1, 2016|title= Roadways begin to reopen in flood-ravaged St. Louis area |url=https://www.foxnews.com/us/mississippi-river-tops-levee-in-southern-illinois}}{{cite news|agency=Associated Press|work=CBS News|date=January 1, 2016|access-date=January 1, 2016|title=Towns south of St. Louis brace for Mississippi River floods|url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/midwest-flooding-towns-south-of-st-louis-brace-for-mississippi-river-deluge/}} Large stretches of the Mississippi River were placed on alert due to projected major flooding.{{cite news|author1=Ted Gregory |author2=Robert McCoppin |newspaper=Chicago Tribune|date=December 31, 2015|access-date=January 1, 2016|title=Mississippi River towns on high alert even as flooding forecast improves|url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/breaking/ct-illinois-mississippi-river-flooding-met-20151230-story.html}}

Flash flooding also claimed seven lives in Illinois, two in Oklahoma, one in Arkansas, and one in Georgia.{{cite news|url=http://www.kake.com/home/headlines/Dallas-under-tornado-warning-363564121.html|title=UPDATE: 5 people die in flash flood in Illinois|agency=Associated Press|access-date=2015-12-31|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160106095644/http://www.kake.com/home/headlines/Dallas-under-tornado-warning-363564121.html|archive-date=2016-01-06|url-status=dead}}{{cite web |url=http://www.cbs46.com/story/30840463/one-death-in-north-georgia-linked-to-southeast-storms |title=2 deaths in Georgia linked to storms – CBS46 News |author1=Jonathan Andrews |author2=Rodney Harris |author3=Meghan Packer |author4=Melinda Roeder |date=December 28, 2015 |access-date=December 31, 2015 |archive-date=December 31, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151231220341/http://www.cbs46.com/story/30840463/one-death-in-north-georgia-linked-to-southeast-storms |url-status=dead }}

=Winter storm=

==High Plains==

The combination of heavy snow, strong winds, and bitterly cold temperatures resulted in blizzard conditions across most of New Mexico, southeastern Colorado, western Oklahoma and West Texas. Some places in this area had over {{convert|1-3|ft|cm|abbr=on}} of snow but also snow drifts up to {{convert|12|ft|cm}} high.{{cite web|url=https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/new-mexico-couple-buried-car-20-hours-during-monster-snowdrift-n487421|title=New Mexico Couple Buried in Car for 20 Hours During Monster Snowdrift|author=Sean Federico-O'Murchu|work=NBC News|date=29 December 2015 }} In the path of this Texas low, a swath of snow and ice impacted the central Plains and Midwest from Oklahoma to Wisconsin as the storm system moved northeastward toward the eastern Great Lakes. The storm system spread a wintry mix of snow, sleet and freezing rain to New York State and New England, disrupting travel in the region. At least 1 person in New Mexico, and 4 people in Oklahoma died as a direct result of the winter storm system.{{cite web|url=https://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory/mexico-works-unbury-record-snow-storm-35996761|title=New Mexico Works to Unbury After Record Snow Storm|author=ABC News|work=ABC News}}{{cite web|url=https://abcnews.go.com/US/weather-related-deaths-oklahoma-officials/story?id=35984134|title=At Least 3 Weather-Related Deaths in Oklahoma|author=ABC News|work=ABC News}}{{cite web|url=https://abcnews.go.com/Entertainment/craig-strickland-country-singers-body-found/story?id=36084082|title=Craig Strickland: Country Singer's Body Found|author=ABC News|work=ABC News}} Interstate 10 in western Texas was shut down due to the storm, while Midland, Texas experienced their 3rd snowiest day on record.[https://www.mysanantonio.com/news/local/article/snow-closes-I-10-in-West-Texas-Panhandle-drifts-6723559.php#photo-9167563 Heavy snowfall closes parts of I-10 in West Texas, Panhandle snow drifts '4 to 6 feet deep'], My San Antonio, December 28, 2015 US 67 was also shut down in portions of Texas from Marfa to Presidio, while US 62 shut down from Carlsbad, New Mexico to the Texas state line.[https://www.elpasotimes.com/story/news/local/2015/12/27/el-pasoans-enjoy-rare-snow-storm/77959190/ El Pasoans enjoy rare snow storm], El Paso Times, December 27, 2015

==Elsewhere and Canada==

More than 750 flights were cancelled at Chicago O'Hare International Airport, and hundreds more at Detroit, Toronto and Montreal. Due to a strong Arctic air mass north of the system, parts of northern Michigan, Ontario and all Quebec suffered blizzard conditions, with moderate snow bands and moderate winds as well. 20–30 cm of snow (8–12 in) fell in Ottawa–Gatineau, less than {{convert|10|cm|in|abbr=on}} in Toronto, and the greater Montreal region had 30–40 cm of snow (12–16 in).{{cite web|url=http://www.gccapitalideas.com/2015/12/29/winter-storm-%E2%80%93-december-26-%E2%80%93-29-2015/|title=Winter Storm – December 26 – 29, 2015|website=GCCapitalIdeas.com|access-date=2015-12-30|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160113194313/http://www.gccapitalideas.com/2015/12/29/winter-storm-%E2%80%93-december-26-%E2%80%93-29-2015/|archive-date=2016-01-13|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/midwest-flooding-death-toll-rises-as-dangers-remain/|title=Midwest flooding death toll rises as dangers remain|date=December 30, 2015|website=Cbsnews.com|access-date=2015-12-30}}{{cite web|url=https://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory/latest-weather-forces-40-closure-mexico-texas-35970654|title=Latest: More Than 2,800 Flights Canceled Amid Winter Storm|author=ABC News|work=ABC News}}[http://www.meteomedia.com Météo Média (40 cm in Montreal)(fr)]

Four people died in Minnesota in a car accident linked to snow-covered roads.{{cite web|url=http://www.inforum.com/news/3912402-minnesota-family-four-killed-christmas-weekend-crash|title=Minnesota family of four killed in Christmas weekend crash|author=Forum News Service|work=INFORUM|date=28 December 2015 }} Two people died from overexertion while clearing snow in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.{{cite web|author1=Katie Delong |author2=Bret Lemoine |publisher=WITI|date=December 29, 2015|access-date=January 1, 2016|title=Two men pronounced dead in Milwaukee after collapsing while cleaning up snow|url=http://fox6now.com/2015/12/29/medical-examiner-73-year-old-man-dies-after-collapsing-while-snow-blowing/}} Other similar indirect deaths from the winter storm were reported in New Mexico (1 death), Missouri (2), Michigan (1), New York (1), Vermont (3), New Hampshire (1), and Maine (1).{{cite web|url=http://www.mlive.com/news/bay-city/index.ssf/2015/12/3-vehicle_crash_in_monitor_tow.html#incart_river_home|title=3-vehicle crash claims life of Arenac County man, 50|work=MLive.com|date=30 December 2015}}{{cite web|url=https://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory/truck-suv-collide-slushy-vermont-mountain-road-dead-36010676|title=Truck, SUV Collide on Slushy Vermont Mountain Road; 3 Dead|author=ABC News|work=ABC News}}{{cite web|url=https://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory/dead-hampshire-crash-secret-service-agents-36005200|title=1 Dead in New Hampshire Crash With Secret Service Agents|author=ABC News|work=ABC News}}

The dairy industry in eastern New Mexico and western Texas lost 30,000 cows to the storm.{{cite news|last1=Hinckley|first1=Story|title=How a freak blizzard wrecked Texas's dairy industry|url=http://www.csmonitor.com/USA/USA-Update/2016/0103/How-a-freak-blizzard-wrecked-Texas-s-dairy-industry|access-date=3 January 2016|work=Christian Science Monitor|date=2016-01-03}}