April 27, 2011

Shottsville A long track violent tornado touched down in Monroe County Mississippi, southwest of Smithville where it caused damage associated with an EF5 rating. The tornado moved northeast through Itawamba County before it crossed into Marion County, Alabama at a point near CR 93, southwest of Bexar. The tornado weakened to an EF1 rating as it entered Alabama, with winds of 110 mph . As the tornado tracked south of Bexar, a few mobile homes and outbuildings were damaged and numerous trees were snapped off and uprooted. The tornado moved across Corridor X/Future Interstate 22, near CR 33. As the tornado approached AL Hwy 19, 4 miles east southeast of Shottsville, it strengthened to an EF3 rating with winds of 160 mph, and destroyed several homes. This resulted in 6 fatalities. The tornado continued northeastward where it destroyed several single family homes and mobile homes along CR 20 and AL H ighway 187, 9 miles north of Hamilton. As the tornado approached the Marion/Franklin County L ine, several more houses were damaged and at least one chicken house destroyed near AL H ighway 187. Along the Alabama portion of the tornado path, hundreds of trees were downed, and at least 25 homes, mobile homes, and outbuildings were damaged or destroyed. The average path width of the Alabama portion of the tornado path was 0.5 mile (880 yds). The tornado continued into Franklin County Alabama (See Storm Data Huntsville), dissipating near Old Line Ro a d. This tornado decreased quickly in intensity as it moved into southeastern Franklin C ounty after producing EF-3 damage in Marion C ounty. Just after crossing the Marion/Franklin C ounty L ine, the tornado collapsed two chicken houses and ripped roofing material off of two others nearby along H ighway 187. The tornado continued its brief track northeast and ripped much of the roof off of a two story home as it approached H ighway 172. Based on roof damage observed and widespread nature of large trees blown down or snapped off near their base, winds were estimated at 120 mph -- EF-2 tornado. Another house nearby experienced significant roof damage as well. The path width at this point was around 300 yards. As it reached H ighway 31, some minor shingle and home damage was observed. However, the tornado moved over a mainly forested portion of this area, continuing to snap/uproot numerous large trees, snapping several near their bases. As the tornado moved toward Old Line Road, additional damage to houses was observed. A few homes had portions of their roofs peeled off. In addition, a mobile home was destroyed. In this area a car was totaled by the tornado. Numerous large trees were snapped off or blown down as well. A barn was heavily damaged by trees in this area as well. The path width of the tornado was largest at this point and was estimated to be around 550 yards. A path of numerous large trees being snapped or blown down continued just northeast of this road. The tornado appeared to quickly dissipate over the forested area northeast of Old Line Road as little additional damage was seen from ground surveys. However, vehicle access via roadways was not available to ascertain whether the track continued any further northeast. The total tornado damage path length was 37.10 miles and was rated an EF-5 in Monroe and Itawamba Counties of Ms. Start: 34.1677/-88.1932 End: 34.3233/-87.8982

NWS EF Scale: F3 (F5)

Part of 59-tornado outbreak on April 27, 2011