Tornado (Murfreesboro, Jackson: school, move to, stations)

[jabogitlu]

Been watching the coverage of the Memphis Mall et al. Stunning, and tragic!

The system is here in the TCs now. We have strong winds and a bit of rain, but that's about it. Thank goodness for those Appalachians!

[gary1958]

It looks like Macon county just west of me,was hit extremely hard. I just talked to a deputy and he said at least 10 fatalities and 75 severe injuries.
This is a very poor and rural area,with lots of mobile homes. We offered to volunteer as we have 4 wheel drive and several chain saws, but they will not let anyone in. He said the national guard was there.

[rush2112]

Do you know if Adolphus, KY is okay? They are 20 minutes from Scottsville, KY.

[Doogie]

Originally Posted by irreplaceable

...Are tornado's frequent down there? May sound stupid but in all the talks and planning of moving I never thought of them. I put on the weather channel last night and now I'm kind of scared to move there

That's funny because that was one of the first things I thought about when picking a new place to live. I decided that Memphis was too high a risk (not to mention earthquakes) but anything from Nashville east would be no more risk than I have now. How many there are is dependent on your frame of reference. If you're from Oklahoma, no there aren't a lot. If you're from Alaska, there are a lot.

Historically there have been 829 tornadoes recorded in TN over the last 56 years or about 15 per year. Broken down by intensity from strongest to weakest:

F5 - 2 (once every 25 years)
F4 - 24 (once every other year)
F3 - 79 (1.4 per year)
F2 - 189 (3.4 per year)
F1 - 344 (6.1 per year)
F0 - 189 (3.4 per year)

The occurrence generally is higher in the western part of the state and drops off as you go further east. This is illustrated in the following map that shows strong tornado incidence over most of the 1900's:



This is based on National Weather Service data as assimilated from the following web site: Tornado History Project .

[gemkeeper]

Originally Posted by Seanfromlewis

Hi all in Tennsssee and surrounding states.

This is coming from the Western Isles in Scotland where we occasionally experience sea-spouts and land tornadoes - but not as powerful as yours.

I have friends in Kingsport and wonder what areas were affected ? Would appreciate a reply or a link.

If anyone is interested, Gaelic is the main language on these islands.

Sean

Welcome to City-Data, Sean.

I think your friend in Kingsport, TN is probably been spared from last night's tornadoes.

Here is the link for his local TV station:
WKPT-TV 19 ABC Affiliate for East Tennessee / Southwest Virginia

It was a terrible night for all of the folks in western and middle Tennessee, as well as, Arkansas, Alabama and Kentucky.

This is one of the sad hazards of living in SE US, as well as the corn belt in the Midwest. Fortunately, most areas are equipped with advance warning systems and the majority are able to find shelter before the storm is upon them.

My thoughts and prayers go out to all who has been devastated by the storms of last night. I hope that all who are able can provide aid to these folks.

Sean, please visit our forum when you can and fill us in on your friend's situation.

Also, it is quite interesting to hear from someone so far away. Scotland itself is a beautiful, rugged country, but I have never visited the Scottish Isles. That will be on my to-do list!

I am sure your friend will thank you for your concern.

[carolmcb]

As of just a few minutes ago, the death count for Tennessee is now at 26. From the look of the devastation in several counties, it seems a miracle that the count is not higher. Looks like a number of folks sought shelter and therefore survived the destruction of their homes.

[gemkeeper]

The news films we are seeing here in the Atlanta area look just horrendous. The cameras are panning from helicopters and the destruction seems to go on mile after mile along the flight path.

It is amazing that the death count isn't higher. We have heard that they are still pulling survivors out of some of the debris.

This is very sad. I am so sorry.

[cherokeelake]

Prayers sent out for everyone in the effected areas. Very sad to see what has happened in the last 24 hours.

[SPLIT]

Never thought the weather channel knew how serious the night would be.
New reporting total # of dead over 4 states to be 52, with Tenn highest at 28.
Western part of state by Memphis , and extreme TOP (Lafayette , MACON County) N.E. of Nashville right on Kentucky line to be serious touchdowns.
That other member had good color U.S. Map chart, the more East one goes in the state, or mtn elevation the less occurance, but never 100% guarantee.
West Chattanooga, (KImball) had that church roof storm a few months ago.
Two years ago , was nasty outbreak/deaths similar N.W. region of state.
Again SAD day for all Americans, nasty event when children involved.

[gemkeeper]

Now, it is reported on the news at 5:45pm that there were deaths in Mississippi, as well. I don't know how many, but that is 5 states all hit with this string of tornadoes. How awful for everyone involved!