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Tornado outbreak of March 2–3, 2012

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On March 2 and 3, 2012, a deadly tornado outbreak occurred over a large section of the Southern United States into the Ohio Valley region. The storms resulted in 41 tornado-related fatalities, 22 of which occurred in Kentucky.[2] Tornado-related deaths also occurred in Alabama, Indiana, and Ohio. The outbreak was the second deadliest in early March for the U.S. since official records began in 1950; only the 1966 Candlestick Park tornado had a higher death toll for a tornadic system in early March.[3]

Tornado outbreak of March 2–3, 2012
GOES 13 image of the storm system on March 2
Meteorological history
DurationMarch 2–3, 2012
Tornado outbreak
Tornadoes70
Maximum ratingEF4 tornado
Highest windsTornadic – 175 mph (282 km/h) (Henryville, Indiana, Crittenden, Kentucky EF4 on March 2)
Winter storm
Largest hail4.25 in (10.8 cm) in diameter in two locations, on March 2
Overall effects
Fatalities41 (+2 indirect)
Injuries300+
Damage$3.1 billion[1]
Areas affectedIndiana, Kentucky, Ohio, West Virginia, Dixie Alley
Part of the tornado outbreaks of 2012 and 2011–12 North American winter

Meteorological synopsis

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Storm reports for March 2 (top) and March 3 (bottom)

February 2012 was more active than normal in terms of the number of tornadoes, with a total of 50 confirmed. While the first three weeks of the month were unusually quiet, the pattern changed abruptly with a major tornado outbreak, which struck the region less than 72 hours prior to this storm, killing 15 people, including 8 in Harrisburg, Illinois alone, the result of an EF4 tornado.

A moderate risk of severe weather was issued for March 2 a day in advance for a large area from near Tuscaloosa, Alabama to Dayton, Ohio as an intense storm system tracked across the region in a very high shear environment.[4] Intense tornadoes were possible.[4] On the morning of March 2, it was upgraded and a high risk of severe weather was issued for Middle Tennessee and central Kentucky, later extended into Central and Southern Indiana and southern Ohio.[5][6] The Storm Prediction Center mentioned the potential for significant tornadoes.[6] Multiple PDS tornado watches were issued shortly thereafter.[7][8]

The outbreak began fairly early in the morning, with an initial round of storms and tornadoes associated with the incoming warm front attached to a rapidly deepening low-pressure area over the central Great Lakes. One of these early day storms produced a damaging EF3 tornado that impacted Harvest, Alabama.[9]

The initial round of storms allowed for a strong warm air mass to enter the region, with temperatures rising to near-record levels for early March and instability combining with extreme wind shear, resulting in a highly volatile air mass.[6]

As a result, a second, much larger broken line of discrete supercells developed and followed the Ohio River, with additional storms developing farther south. During the afternoon, those cells tracked eastward across the Ohio Valley, passing north of Louisville, Kentucky and south of Cincinnati, Ohio with devastating results. One long-tracked EF4 tornado ripped through the Indiana towns of New Pekin, Henryville, Marysville, and Chelsea, killing 11 people.[8]

Outbreak death toll
State/Province Total County County
total
Alabama 1 Tallapoosa 1
Indiana 13 Clark 1
Jefferson 4
Ripley 3
Scott 1
Washington 5
Kentucky 22 Johnson 2
Kenton 4
Laurel 6
Lawrence 2
Menifee 2
Morgan 6
Ohio 4 Adams 1
Clermont 3
Totals 41
Only tornado-related deaths are included
Satellite animation of the storm system on March 2

As isolated activity developed farther south, intense supercells also formed in central Kentucky in the late afternoon hours and tracked east into the Eastern Mountain Coal Fields region before weakening as they reached West Virginia later that evening. That area had the highest wind shear – with helicity values as high as 800 m2/s2 (despite lower instability) and that allowed the storms to spin violently, resulting in severe damage in several communities. The town of West Liberty, Kentucky was devastated by a mile-wide EF3 tornado that killed 10 people.[10][11]

The next day, on March 3, the cold front continued to push eastwards toward the United States East Coast, although the most severe activity took place near the Georgia-Florida state border.[12] A slight risk of severe weather was issued for a small area extending from Cape Hatteras to the Mississippi Delta.[13] A mesoscale convective system in South Carolina was responsible for hail reports in the area, although the threat for tornadoes was reduced with lower instability levels.[14] Most tornado activity for the day was associated with an upper-level system in Florida, and mainly consisted of isolated, weak tornadoes touching down across the Southeastern United States. However, an EF3 wedge tornado caused significant damage near Moody Air Force Base in Georgia.[15]

On March 4, most of the cold front responsible for the outbreak had already moved into the Atlantic Ocean with only a small portion of thunderstorms extending into Florida. A slight risk was issued for a section of Florida.[16] Some scattered activity lingered around the East Coast for the duration of the day, but no additional tornadoes were reported.[17]

Confirmed tornadoes

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Confirmed tornadoes by Enhanced Fujita rating
EFU EF0 EF1 EF2 EF3 EF4 EF5 Total
0 27 18 14 9 2 0 70

March 2 event

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List of reported tornadoes – Friday, March 2, 2012[nb 1]
EF# Location County / Parish State Start Coord. Time (UTC) Path length Max width Summary
EF3 S of Athens to N of Meridianville to NE of New Market Limestone, Madison AL 34°45′35″N 86°57′11″W / 34.7597°N 86.9531°W / 34.7597; -86.9531 (Athens—New Market (Mar 2, EF3)) 15:10–16:00 33.99 mi (54.70 km) 250 yd (230 m) This tornado first moved through multiple subdivisions near Athens, with roofs torn off homes, windows and garage doors blown out, exterior walls damaged, and garages collapsed. The tornado then caused major roof and exterior wall damage to homes in and around Harvest. Homes at the north edge of Meridianville had their roofs torn off, a metal shed was severely damaged, a concrete power pole was snapped, and buildings at Meridianville Middle School sustained roof damage. The most intense damage occurred near Hazel Green, where several homes had roofs torn off and walls collapsed, and three were reduced to rubble. Several additional concrete power poles were snapped as well. The tornado then caused shingle damage to homes near New Market before dissipating. Many trees and power lines were downed along the path as well.[18][19]
EF2 Meridianville to SW of New Market Madison AL 34°51′01″N 86°34′13″W / 34.8502°N 86.5702°W / 34.8502; -86.5702 (Meridianville (Mar 2, EF2)) 16:06–16:15 7.26 mi (11.68 km) 220 yd (200 m) Homes were damaged to varying degrees by this high-end EF2 tornado, with a few poorly constructed homes destroyed. Silos, garages, and barns were damaged or destroyed, and many trees and power poles were snapped. Buckhorn High School was damaged, with vehicles moved and damaged in the parking lot and a cinder block structure on the property collapsed.[20][21]
EF1 N of Francisco, AL Jackson (AL), Franklin (TN) AL, TN 34°59′06″N 86°15′19″W / 34.985°N 86.2552°W / 34.985; -86.2552 (Francisco (Mar 2, EF1)) 16:08–16:15 0.93 mi (1.50 km) 100 yd (91 m) Trees were snapped and uprooted. This tornado came from the same supercell that produced the Athens EF3.[22][23]
EF0 Northern New Baden Clinton IL 38°33′10″N 89°41′36″W / 38.5528°N 89.6933°W / 38.5528; -89.6933 (Trenton (Mar 2, EF0)) 16:11–16:12 0.65 mi (1.05 km) 50 yd (46 m) Weak tornado struck the north side of New Baden, causing minor roof damage to several homes in a subdivision and snapping off tree tops. Several fences were blown over as well.[24]
EF1 N of Haletown (1st tornado) Marion TN 35°03′00″N 85°32′30″W / 35.05°N 85.5416°W / 35.05; -85.5416 (Haletown (Mar 2, EF1)) 17:15–17:16 0.5 mi (0.80 km) 100 yd (91 m) Brief tornado snapped trees and tree limbs.[25]
EF3 NW of Harrison to N of Cleveland to SE of Etowah Hamilton, Bradley, Polk, McMinn TN 35°07′41″N 85°09′39″W / 35.128°N 85.1608°W / 35.128; -85.1608 (Harrison (Mar 2, EF3)) 17:41–18:35 41 mi (66 km) 400 yd (370 m) This long-tracked, rain-wrapped tornado first produced high-end EF3 damage in the Chattanooga suburb of Harrison as it impacted multiple subdivisions and badly damaged a marina. 80 homes were destroyed, 85 were severely damaged, and 260 were damaged to a lesser extent in Harrison. One home in this area was leveled, and large wooded areas were completely mowed down. EF2 house and tree damage occurred further northeast before the tornado struck northern Cleveland, destroying two businesses and five homes, and damaging 41 more homes. Many trees were snapped and a few barns were destroyed in this area as well. The tornado continued to weaken as additional barns were destroyed further along the path, while minor tree and house damage occurred. Restrengthening occurred near Etowah before the tornado dissipated. High-end EF2 damage was observed near Etowah, with 4 homes and 7 mobile homes destroyed and 37 others damaged. 44 people were injured, some severely.[26][27][28][29][30]
EF0 S of Carmi White IL 38°02′16″N 88°10′15″W / 38.0378°N 88.1708°W / 38.0378; -88.1708 (Carmi (Mar 2, EF0)) 18:28–18:31 2.6 mi (4.2 km) 100 yd (91 m) A body shop was damaged, some tree damage was observed, and a metal carport was destroyed by this short-lived tornado.[31]
EF2 S of Wadesville Posey IN 38°04′59″N 87°50′58″W / 38.083°N 87.8494°W / 38.083; -87.8494 (Wadesville (Mar 2, EF2)) 18:37–18:43 6.07 mi (9.77 km) 140 yd (130 m) One wood-frame home had its roof torn off and part of an exterior wall collapsed, while several other homes were damaged to varying degrees. A wooden beam was driven through the brick exterior wall of one home. Over 100 trees were snapped and uprooted and grain bins were destroyed. Oil tanks were blown over, and several sheds and garages were destroyed.[32]
EF2 NW of Tellico Plains to Eastern Unicoi Mountains Monroe TN 38°04′59″N 87°50′58″W / 38.083°N 87.8494°W / 38.083; -87.8494 (Tellico Plains (Mar 2, EF2)) 1847–19:03 14.31 mi (23.03 km) 400 yd (370 m) This tornado moved directly through downtown Tellico Plains. About 30 homes, businesses, mobile homes, and other structures were damaged in town. A few of these structures were destroyed, including the police department and a telephone company building. The cabins, main lodge, and pavilion at a campground were leveled. Hundreds of trees were snapped or uprooted along the path as well, and three people were injured.[33]
EF0 SE of Darmstadt Vanderburgh IN 38°05′33″N 87°34′15″W / 38.0924°N 87.5707°W / 38.0924; -87.5707 (Darmstadt (Mar 2, EF0)) 19:00–19:03 2.05 mi (3.30 km) 50 yd (46 m) Tornado remained over open country, causing no damage.[34]
EF2 SE of Uniontown Union KY 37°44′42″N 87°54′31″W / 37.7451°N 87.9085°W / 37.7451; -87.9085 (Uniontown (Mar 2, EF2)) 19:38–19:44 6.56 mi (10.56 km) 200 yd (180 m) A home had its roof torn off. A grain bin and several barns were destroyed or damaged, along with mainly minor damage to a few homes and other structures. Several trees and power poles were blown down. One person sustained minor injuries.[35]
EF4 Southern Fredericksburg, IN to Henryville, IN to NNW of Bedford, KY Washington (IN), Clark (IN), Scott (IN), Jefferson (IN), Trimble (KY) IN, KY 38°25′54″N 86°11′21″W / 38.4316°N 86.1893°W / 38.4316; -86.1893 (Fredericksburg (Mar 2, EF4)) 19:50–20:39 46.61 mi (75.01 km) 800 yd (730 m) 11 deaths – See section on this tornado.[36][37][38][39][40]
EF0 W of Elkmont Limestone AL 34°54′56″N 87°02′48″W / 34.9155°N 87.0466°W / 34.9155; -87.0466 (Elkmont (Mar 2, EF0)) 19:55–19:59 2.73 mi (4.39 km) 50 yd (46 m) Weak tornado uprooted several trees and snapped tree limbs.[41]
EF0 E of Rock Springs Henderson KY 37°43′27″N 87°34′49″W / 37.7242°N 87.5804°W / 37.7242; -87.5804 (Rock Springs (Mar 2, EF0)) 19:55–19:59 3.84 mi (6.18 km) 100 yd (91 m) A small shed was destroyed and several barns lost portions of their roofs. A house also lost a few shingles and several trees were downed.[42]
EF0 Dixon Webster KY 37°30′39″N 87°42′24″W / 37.5108°N 87.7068°W / 37.5108; -87.7068 (Dixon (Mar 2, EF0)) 20:06–20:08 0.76 mi (1.22 km) 50 yd (46 m) A brief tornado downed tree limbs and a few signs in and around Dixon.[43]
EF0 E of Owensboro Daviess KY 37°45′41″N 87°03′03″W / 37.7615°N 87.0509°W / 37.7615; -87.0509 (Owensboro (Mar 2, EF0)) 20:22 0.25 mi (400 m) 50 yd (46 m) Brief tornado remained over open country, causing no damage.[44]
EF1 Henryville Clark IN 38°30′55″N 85°52′33″W / 38.5154°N 85.8758°W / 38.5154; -85.8758 (Henryville (Mar 2, EF1)) 20:30–20:36 6.57 mi (10.57 km) 60 yd (55 m) This tornado was spawned by a second supercell that trailed behind the initial EF4 that struck town less than 30 minutes earlier. The tornado caused damage to trees and homes in Henryville and was accompanied by very large damaging hail.[45]
EF2 SSW of Hawesville to SE of Stephensport Hancock, Breckinridge KY 37°50′04″N 86°46′53″W / 37.8345°N 86.7814°W / 37.8345; -86.7814 (Hawesville (Mar 2, EF2)) 20:38 16.49 mi (26.54 km) 200 yd (180 m) Intermittent tornado struck two chicken farms with large chicken houses damaged and destroyed, and hundreds of chickens killed or lost. Several trees were downed, and outbuildings were damaged or destroyed. Several homes sustained minor to moderate damage as well. The circulation passed over the city of Cloverport as a funnel cloud, causing no damage there.[46][47]
EF3 SSE of Milton Trimble, Carroll KY 38°39′28″N 85°15′48″W / 38.6579°N 85.2632°W / 38.6579; -85.2632 (Milton (Mar 2, EF3)) 20:41–20:48 5.66 mi (9.11 km) 75 yd (69 m) A metal fire station building was destroyed, with a pumper tanker inside being damaged. A nearby two ton concession trailer was moved 30 yards, while a pickup truck was moved 60 yards. Several homes were damaged, one of which sustained collapse of exterior walls. Mobile homes were destroyed, and a metal truss tower was toppled to the ground. Outbuildings were damaged and destroyed, and extensive tree damage occurred.[48][49][50]
EF0 Boonshill Lincoln TN 35°12′42″N 86°44′32″W / 35.2116°N 86.7422°W / 35.2116; -86.7422 (Boonshill (Mar 2, EF0)) 20:45–20:47 0.62 mi (1.00 km) 50 yd (46 m) Weak tornado struck the rural community of Boonshill, causing shingle damage to the community center building, downing several trees, and destroying an old barn.[51]
EF3 Holton to SE of Osgood Ripley IN 39°04′00″N 85°24′25″W / 39.0667°N 85.407°W / 39.0667; -85.407 (Holton (Mar 2, EF3)) 20:52–21:02 8.69 mi (13.99 km) 350 yd (320 m) 3 deaths – This strong tornado caused major damage in Holton, where frame homes were heavily damaged or destroyed and mobile homes were obliterated. A cinder-block structure was leveled, vehicles were moved and damaged, outbuildings and large grain bins were destroyed, and many trees in town were snapped and denuded. Minor damage to farms occurred outside of town before the tornado dissipated. Two people died in Holton immediately after the tornado. A third fatality occurred when an injured person succumbed in January 2013. Five other people were injured.[52][53]
EF1 SSE of Bedford Trimble KY 38°32′15″N 85°17′21″W / 38.5374°N 85.2893°W / 38.5374; -85.2893 (West Union (Mar 2, EF1)) 21:01–21:04 2.73 mi (4.39 km) 100 yd (91 m) Numerous trees and power lines snapped and a 4-wheeler was moved 30 feet. Two barns and a mobile home were destroyed. Homes sustained roof and gutter damage as well.[54]
EF0 SW of Guston Meade KY 37°53′N 86°14′W / 37.88°N 86.24°W / 37.88; -86.24 (Cloverport (Mar 2, EF0)) 2102 0.66 mi (1.06 km) 30 yd (27 m) Brief tornado blew the porch off of a house and damaged a sign at a business.
EF1 WNW of Port Royal Henry KY 38°34′N 85°07′W / 38.56°N 85.11°W / 38.56; -85.11 (Port Royal (Mar 2, EF1)) 2112 0.25 mi (0.40 km) 40 yd (37 m) Trees were twisted and downed along a narrow path.
EF4 Crittenden to S of Morning View Grant, Kenton KY 38°47′N 84°38′W / 38.79°N 84.63°W / 38.79; -84.63 (Crittenden (Mar 2, EF4)) 2123 9.85 mi (15.85 km) 880 yd (800 m) 4 deaths – See section on this tornado. 8 people were injured.
EF2 N of Owenton Owen KY 38°36′N 84°53′W / 38.60°N 84.89°W / 38.60; -84.89 (Owenton (Mar 2, EF2)) 2124 5.4 mi (8.7 km) 150 yd (140 m) A house sustained total removal of its roof and partial collapse of some exterior walls. Several barns were completely destroyed, and a semi-trailer was overturned. Several other homes and outbuildings sustained minor damage. Three people were injured.
EF0 N of Athens Limestone AL 34°52′N 87°01′W / 34.86°N 87.01°W / 34.86; -87.01 (Edgewood (Mar 2, EF0)) 2126 5 mi (8.0 km) 75 yd (69 m) Weak tornado uprooted several trees and snapped tree limbs.
EF3 W of Peach Grove, KY to S of Hamersville, OH Campbell (KY), Pendleton (KY), Clermont (OH), Brown (OH) KY, OH 38°50′N 84°21′W / 38.84°N 84.35°W / 38.84; -84.35 (Peach Grove (Mar 2, EF3)) 2139 20.4 mi (32.8 km) 440 yd (400 m) 3 deaths – See section on this tornado. 13 people were injured.
EF1 NE of Athens Limestone AL 34°55′N 86°52′W / 34.92°N 86.86°W / 34.92; -86.86 (Athens (Mar 2, EF1)) 2139 2.6 mi (4.2 km) 150 yd (140 m) Homes sustained mostly minor siding and shingle damage, though one home sustained severe damage to its roof. A garage was damaged, and a well-built barn lost most of its roof. Many trees were snapped and uprooted as well.
EF1 S of Kingston Springs Cheatham TN 36°06′N 87°06′W / 36.10°N 87.10°W / 36.10; -87.10 (Kingston Springs (Mar 2, EF1)) 2148 1 mi (1.6 km) 100 yd (91 m) A barn was destroyed, several houses sustained minor roof damage, and trees were snapped. Widespread downburst and hail damage occurred north of the tornado track across the remainder of Kingston Springs, where many buildings suffered considerable roof, window and siding damage.
EF1 N of Braggs to E of Hayneville Lowndes AL 32°05′N 86°47′W / 32.09°N 86.78°W / 32.09; -86.78 (Beechwood (Mar 2, EF1)) 2153 17.64 mi (28.39 km) 400 yd (370 m) Many trees were snapped and uprooted and two homes sustained roof damage. Barns and outbuildings were damaged and destroyed, and pieces of farming equipment were tossed up to 100 yards away. Sheet metal was wrapped around trees and power lines were downed as well.
EF0 Berlin Bracken KY 38°41′N 84°10′W / 38.69°N 84.17°W / 38.69; -84.17 (Berlin (Mar 2, EF0)) 2202 0.15 mi (240 m) 50 yd (46 m) A garage was destroyed, a power pole was snapped, and there was heavy damage to a barn. Wooden 2x4s from the barn were speared deeply into the ground, and numerous trees were snapped by this brief tornado.
EF1 E of Alvaton Warren KY 36°52′N 86°19′W / 36.87°N 86.31°W / 36.87; -86.31 (Alvaton (Mar 2, EF1)) 2205 0.5 mi (0.80 km) 60 yd (55 m) A tornado embedded within a larger area of straight line winds destroyed a barn and tool shed.
EF1 NNW of Seaman Adams OH 38°57′N 83°35′W / 38.95°N 83.59°W / 38.95; -83.59 (West Union (Mar 2, EF1)) 2225 2.95 mi (4.75 km) 400 yd (370 m) Tornado destroyed several outbuildings and pole barns, tore part of the roof off of a home, and caused roof damage to another home. Numerous trees were snapped or uprooted.
EF0 SW of West Union Adams OH 38°47′N 83°34′W / 38.78°N 83.57°W / 38.78; -83.57 (West Union (Mar 2, EF0)) 2230 0.15 mi (0.24 km) 25 yd (23 m) Brief tornado damaged a barn, with debris from the structure being driven into the ground. Many trees were snapped in a nearby grove as well.
EF2 NE of West Union Adams OH 38°49′N 83°31′W / 38.81°N 83.52°W / 38.81; -83.52 (West Union (Mar 2, EF2)) 2233 11.1 mi (17.9 km) 330 yd (300 m) 1 death – Five mobile homes were destroyed and two frame homes were damaged. Dozens of cattle were killed, and power transmission poles were knocked over. Many trees were snapped and uprooted along the path. Two people were injured.
EF3 SW of Mariba, KY to West Liberty to E of Ranger, WV Menifee (KY), Morgan (KY), Johnson (KY), Lawrence (KY), Wayne (WV), Lincoln (WV) KY, WV 37°55′N 83°37′W / 37.91°N 83.61°W / 37.91; -83.61 (Wellington (Mar 2, EF3)) 2239 86.12 mi (138.60 km) 1,750 yd (1,600 m) 10 deaths – See section on this tornado. 112 people were injured.
EF0 Otway Scioto OH 38°51′N 83°13′W / 38.85°N 83.21°W / 38.85; -83.21 (Otway (Mar 2, EF0)) 2246 2.05 mi (3.30 km) 100 yd (91 m) Tornado damaged two homes and a fire station were damaged in Otway. Numerous trees were snapped outside of town as well.
EF0 NE of Rarden Scioto, Pike OH 38°58′N 83°13′W / 38.96°N 83.21°W / 38.96; -83.21 (Rarden (Mar 2, EF0)) 2246 4.15 mi (6.68 km) 200 yd (180 m) A mobile home sustained significant damage and numerous trees were snapped and uprooted.
EF0 ENE of Dayton Rhea TN 35°29′N 85°01′W / 35.49°N 85.01°W / 35.49; -85.01 (Dayton (Mar 2, EF0)) 2252 2.6 mi (4.2 km) 75 yd (69 m) A shed was destroyed, four barns were damaged, and trees were downed.
EF0 SW of Piketon Pike OH 39°00′N 83°06′W / 39.00°N 83.10°W / 39.00; -83.10 (Piketon (Mar 2, EF0)) 2253 2.8 mi (4.5 km) 100 yd (91 m) Numerous trees were snapped and uprooted. One tree fell upon a mobile home, severely damaging it.
EF0 W of Brooklyn Coffee AL 31°19′N 86°11′W / 31.31°N 86.19°W / 31.31; -86.19 (Brooklyn (Mar 2, EF0)) 2301 0.46 mi (740 m) 25 yd (23 m) Brief tornado caused no damage.
EF1 SW of Owingsville to NW of Salt Lick Bath KY 38°08′N 83°47′W / 38.14°N 83.78°W / 38.14; -83.78 (Owingsville (Mar 2, EF1)) 2308 7.4 mi (11.9 km) 250 yd (230 m) Numerous trees were snapped or uprooted and several barns and residences were damaged.
EF1 N of Haletown (2nd tornado) Marion TN 35°03′N 85°32′W / 35.05°N 85.54°W / 35.05; -85.54 (Haletown (Mar 2, EF0)) 2310 0.2 mi (0.32 km) 100 yd (91 m) Brief tornado snapped trees and tree limbs. This tornado north of Haletown struck very close to the first one.
EF2 N of Cookeville Jackson, Putnam, Overton TN 36°17′N 85°34′W / 36.28°N 85.57°W / 36.28; -85.57 (Cookeville (Mar 2, EF2)) 2326 12.3 mi (19.8 km) 800 yd (730 m) This large wedge tornado damaged or destroyed many outbuildings, homes, and mobile homes along its path. Hundreds of trees and power lines were downed, and 20 people were injured.
EF3 W of Salyersville, KY to SE of Kermit, WV Wolfe (KY), Magoffin (KY), Johnson (KY), Martin (KY), Mingo (WV) KY, WV 37°42′N 83°16′W / 37.70°N 83.27°W / 37.70; -83.27 (Burkhart (Mar 2, EF3)) 2350 49.2 mi (79.2 km) 1,207 yd (1,104 m) 2 deaths – See section on this tornado. 37 people were injured.
EF0 SW of Jamestown Fentress TN 36°23′N 85°06′W / 36.38°N 85.10°W / 36.38; -85.10 (Manson (Mar 2, EF0)) 2356 6.42 mi (10.33 km) 300 yd (270 m) Dozens of trees were downed across very mountainous terrain.
EF2 NW of East Bernstadt Laurel KY 37°12′N 84°13′W / 37.20°N 84.21°W / 37.20; -84.21 (East Bernstadt (Mar 2, EF2)) 0004 7.15 mi (11.51 km) 310 yd (280 m) 6 deaths – Numerous mobile homes were completely destroyed, and several other homes and mobile homes were damaged. An RV dealership was severely impacted, with multiple metal industrial buildings destroyed, along with many recreational vehicles. Large trees were snapped and uprooted, vehicles were moved and damaged, and outbuildings were destroyed as well. All deaths occurred in mobile homes, and 40 other people were injured.
EF0 NNE of Dundee Geneva AL 31°08′N 85°40′W / 31.13°N 85.67°W / 31.13; -85.67 (Dundee (Mar 2, EF0)) 0017 0.1 mi (0.16 km) 30 yd (27 m) Brief tornado touchdown in a peanut field caused no damage.
EF1 NE of Baxterville to NE of Purvis Lamar, Forrest MS 31°05′N 89°35′W / 31.08°N 89.59°W / 31.08; -89.59 (Baxterville (Mar 2, EF1)) 0023 12 mi (19 km) 300 yd (270 m) This tornado impacted the northwestern fringes of Purvis, causing minor tree damage at that location. Elsewhere along the path, multiple mobile homes were blown off their foundations and heavily damaged, and a large storage shed also sustained major damage. Frame homes sustained roof and siding damage and many trees were snapped along the path, one of which fell onto a house.
EF1 SE of Midkiff to NE of Alkol Lincoln WV 38°09′N 82°10′W / 38.15°N 82.16°W / 38.15; -82.16 (Midkiff (Mar 2, EF1)) 0032 16 mi (26 km) 300 yd (270 m) Trees and a few homes were damaged along the path.
EF2 Kildeer Mountain to E of Murphy Cherokee NC 35°16′N 82°39′W / 35.27°N 82.65°W / 35.27; -82.65 (Murphy (Mar 2, EF2)) 0044 21.5 mi (34.6 km) 400 yd (370 m) This tornado caused heavy damage in the northern part of Murphy, where a feed store and two rows of commercial storage units were destroyed. A shopping plaza and a paint store sustained heavy damage as well, and sheet metal was wrapped around trees. A total of 118 structures were damaged along the path, including five homes or mobile homes and five businesses that were destroyed. Many trees were snapped and uprooted as well.
EF3 NW of Buchanan to Dallas Haralson, Paulding GA 33°52′N 85°18′W / 33.87°N 85.30°W / 33.87; -85.30 (Buchanan (Mar 2, EF3)) 0109 29 mi (47 km) 200 yd (180 m) Near Buchanan, this high-end EF3 tornado caused a home to collapse into its basement, injuring one person inside. A nearby repair shop was destroyed, and a church had its steeple blown off. Further along the path near Dallas, numerous homes were damaged or destroyed, a hangar at an airport was destroyed along with 19 planes inside, and a church had its roof ripped off. An elementary school sustained major roof damage and had an exterior wall blown out, with six nearby portable classrooms destroyed. An RV was overturned and a box truck was impaled by a wooden 2x4. Less intense damage occurred in Dallas before the tornado dissipated, though many trees in town were snapped and uprooted and some landed on homes. A total of 10 homes were destroyed, 58 were moderately damaged, and 92 others sustained minor damage in or near Dallas. Numerous trees and power lines were downed along the path.
EF2 Northern Harrogate Claiborne TN 36°35′N 83°38′W / 36.58°N 83.64°W / 36.58; -83.64 (Harrogate (Mar 2, EF2)) 0123 2.6 mi (4.2 km) 250 yd (230 m) Several houses in the northern part of Harrogate sustained major roof damage and others lost their roofs entirely. Many trees were snapped and uprooted, fences were downed, and sheds were destroyed.
EF1 NW of Union, TN to SW of Ewing, VA Claiborne (TN), Lee (VA) TN, VA 36°38′N 83°26′W / 36.63°N 83.43°W / 36.63; -83.43 (Ewing (Mar 2, EF1)) 0145 5 mi (8.0 km) 200 yd (180 m) A few homes were heavily damaged or destroyed, with many others suffering minor damage. Numerous outbuildings were damaged or destroyed and trees were uprooted. Miles of agricultural fencing was destroyed and one person was injured.
EF0 Lake Glenville Jackson NC 35°11′N 83°11′W / 35.18°N 83.19°W / 35.18; -83.19 (Lake Glenville (Mar 2, EF0)) 0204 1.75 mi (2.82 km) 100 yd (91 m) Numerous trees were snapped and uprooted, with one falling on a house. A church and a few homes had shingle damage as well.
EF1 SE of Jonesville Lee VA 36°40′N 83°05′W / 36.66°N 83.08°W / 36.66; -83.08 (Jonesville (Mar 2, EF1)) 0210 1 mi (1.6 km) 100 yd (91 m) A mobile home was moved 15 feet (4.6 m) off of its foundation, a camper was rolled 40 yards (37 m), and several outbuildings were destroyed.
EF1 Eastern Marietta Cobb GA 33°58′N 84°27′W / 33.97°N 84.45°W / 33.97; -84.45 (Marietta (Mar 2, EF1)) 0214 1 mi (1.6 km) 150 yd (140 m) A daycare center and several homes had roof damage, and many trees were snapped or uprooted.
EF0 N of Farragut Knox TN 35°55′N 84°10′W / 35.92°N 84.17°W / 35.92; -84.17 (Farragut (Mar 2, EF0)) 0233 0.31 mi (0.50 km) 70 yd (64 m) Brief tornado downed a few trees.
EF0 S of Mascot Knox TN 36°01′N 83°46′W / 36.02°N 83.77°W / 36.02; -83.77 (Mascot (Mar 2, EF0)) 0300 2.1 mi (3.4 km) 100 yd (91 m) Tornado pushed a mobile home over onto its side and caused sporadic tree damage.
EF1 NE of Suttle to NE of Vine Hill Perry, Dallas, Autauga AL 32°32′N 87°09′W / 32.54°N 87.15°W / 32.54; -87.15 (Little Oakmulgee Creek (Mar 2, EF1)) 0315 18.99 mi (30.56 km) 750 yd (690 m) Tornado moved through sparsely populated areas, downing thousands of trees. Shingles and windows were damaged at the Paul M. Grist State Park park center building. Hunting camp trailers were destroyed, and a brick home sustained minor damage as well.
EF2 SW of Verbena to NE of Nixburg Chilton, Coosa AL 32°43′N 86°34′W / 32.72°N 86.56°W / 32.72; -86.56 (Verbena (Mar 2, EF2)) 0401 28.58 mi (46.00 km) 700 yd (640 m) This tornado passed just south of Verbena, damaging or destroying 13 homes and mobile homes, along with several outbuildings. Damage along the rest of the path was limited to snapped trees.
EF2 W of Wind Creek State Park to W of Five Points Tallapoosa, Chambers AL 32°52′N 85°58′W / 32.87°N 85.97°W / 32.87; -85.97 (Jackson's Gap (Mar 2, EF2)) 0440 34.26 mi (55.14 km) 1,000 yd (910 m) 1 death – This large multiple-vortex tornado crossed Lake Martin near the beginning of its path before passing near Jackson's Gap, Eagle Creek, and Trammel Crossroads. Several homes sustained significant damage, and multiple mobile homes were completely destroyed. One mobile home frame was wrapped completely around a tree trunk. Thousands of trees were snapped and uprooted along the path, and two other people were injured.
EF0 NNE of Carson Jefferson Davis MS 31°35′N 89°46′W / 31.59°N 89.76°W / 31.59; -89.76 (Carson (Mar 2, EF0)) 0547 0.25 mi (0.40 km) 50 yd (46 m) A mobile home's porch was destroyed, and another mobile home was knocked off its piers. A few trees were snapped and uprooted.

March 3 event

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List of confirmed tornadoes – Saturday, March 3, 2012[nb 1]
EF# Location County / Parish State Start Coord. Time (UTC) Path length Max width Summary
EF2 Charlotte to Harrisburg Mecklenburg, Cabarrus NC 35°15′25″N 80°41′13″W / 35.257°N 80.687°W / 35.257; -80.687 (Harrisburg (Mar 3, EF2)) 07:35–7:39 2.94 mi (4.73 km) 200 yd (180 m) Nearly 200 homes were damaged in residential areas of Charlotte and Harrisburg as a result of this strong early morning tornado, including a few frail homes that slid off of their foundations and collapsed. Vehicles were flipped, trees were downed, and sheds were destroyed as well. Four people were injured, including a child who was thrown from his home across Interstate 485.[55][56]
EF0 Northern Columbia Richland SC 34°04′19″N 81°04′34″W / 34.072°N 81.076°W / 34.072; -81.076 (Columbia (Mar 3, EF0)) 10:35–10:38 2.54 mi (4.09 km) 80 yd (73 m) Weak tornado downed trees and tree branches, some of which landed on a mobile home.[57]
EF0 ENE of Colquitt Miller GA 31°11′47″N 84°40′59″W / 31.1964°N 84.683°W / 31.1964; -84.683 (Colquitt (Mar 3, EF0)) 12:15–12:17 0.3 mi (0.48 km) 25 yd (23 m) Several trees were snapped and a home suffered roof damage and had its front porch torn off.[58]
EF0 SSW of Vada Decatur GA 31°03′N 84°26′W / 31.05°N 84.43°W / 31.05; -84.43 (Vada (Mar 3, EF0)) 13:30–13:35 3.27 mi (5.26 km) 25 yd (23 m) Tornado destroyed a home's attached garage, a camper, and multiple sheds. A car and irrigation pivots were also overturned.[59]
EF0 S of Quincy Gadsden FL 30°28′26″N 84°36′57″W / 30.4738°N 84.6159°W / 30.4738; -84.6159 (Wetumpka (Mar 3, EF0)) 14:25–14:26 0.55 mi (0.89 km) 25 yd (23 m) About two dozen trees were downed in a rural area.[60]
EF3 NW of Moody Air Force Base to Lakeland Lowndes, Lanier GA 31°00′29″N 83°15′06″W / 31.008°N 83.2517°W / 31.008; -83.2517 (Moody Air Force Base (Mar 3, EF3)) 17:56–14:10 10.45 mi (16.82 km) 390 yd (360 m) Near Moody Air Force Base, this large wedge tornado caused EF2 damage as frame homes were damaged and pushed off of their foundations, a mobile home was destroyed with debris scattered downwind, a tree was ripped out of the ground by its roots and thrown, and a silo was destroyed. Other homes in this area sustained minor damage, while a shed was destroyed and a camper was flipped as well. Further along the path, EF3 damage occurred as trees sustained severe debarking, some ground scouring was noted, shrubbery and an electric meter was ripped out of the ground, mobile homes were obliterated with debris scattered in all directions, a mower and a propane tank were thrown, a large shed structure was swept away, and a full shipping container was rolled 50 feet. Projectiles were driven deeply into the ground along this segment of the path, a small grain silo was destroyed, a house at the edge of the damage path had roof and window damage, and a wooden 2x4 was speared into a metal trailer. The tornado weakened and struck Lakeland before dissipating, where a hospital sustained damage to its rooftop antennas and air conditioning units. The hospital's ambulance station was also damaged, and a nearby trailer was moved. Many trees and power poles were snapped along the path.[61][62]

New Pekin – Henryville – Marysville – Chelsea, Indiana/Bedford, Kentucky

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New Pekin – Henryville – Marysville – Chelsea, Indiana/Bedford, Kentucky
Meteorological history
FormedMarch 2, 2012, 2:50 p.m. EST (UTC−05:00)
DissipatedMarch 2, 2012, 3:39 p.m. EST (UTC−05:00)
Duration49 minutes
EF4 tornado
on the Enhanced Fujita scale
Highest winds175 mph (282 km/h)
Overall effects
Fatalities11
InjuriesUnknown
Damage$58.575 million (2012 USD)[63][64][65][66]

The deadliest tornado of the outbreak was a violent stovepipe tornado that carved a 49 mi (79 km) path of damage from Fredericksburg, Indiana to the Bedford, Kentucky area. Along its track, the tornado destroyed hundreds of homes and killed 11 people. Countless were injured. The most severe damage took place in and around the small communities of New Pekin, Henryville, Marysville and Chelsea, Indiana.[67]

The tornado first touched down in Washington County around 2:50 p.m. EST at the south edge of Fredericksburg, snapping trees at EF1 strength along a narrow path as it moved to the northeast. Several minutes later, the tornado intensified to high-end EF2 strength as it destroyed a metal truss tower and snapped numerous trees. The tornado intensified further as it passed to the north of Palmyra, where it crossed SR 135 and ripped 6 in (15 cm) thick slabs of asphalt off the roadway and tossed them 10 to 30 yd (9.1 to 27.4 m). Smaller pieces of pavement were found up to a quarter-mile away. Just beyond this point, the tornado path began to widen and tremendous tree damage was observed. Homes in this area sustained damage ranging from EF2 to EF3 in intensity. As it neared the south side of New Pekin, the tornado widened and strengthened even more. By this time, it reached EF4 strength with winds estimated at 170 mph (270 km/h). The tornado clipped the southern fringes of town, and a large factory building was leveled to its foundation with large amounts of debris swept away. Anchor bolts were bent at this location, and debris from the factory was scattered up to 0.75 mi (1.21 km) downwind. A metal building on the edge of the circulation had metal sheeting pulled off, apparently from the force of inbound winds towards the circulation. Nearby, an entire family of five was killed when their mobile home was obliterated.[68] Several other homes and mobile homes were heavily damaged or destroyed in the New Pekin area as well. As it neared the Clark County border, the tornado produced high-end EF3 to EF4 strength damage to many homes and farmsteads as it traversed rural areas. One brick home at the top of a ridge was completely leveled, and a heavy trailer cab from this location was found a quarter-mile away at the remains of another destroyed brick home. Several cows missing from this vicinity were never located, and thousands of trees were mowed down along a swath up to a half-mile wide. Outbuildings and grain bins were also destroyed, and a car was thrown 100 yd (91 m) from one residence as well.[67]

 
Aerial view of EF4 damage from the tornado in Henryville.

The tornado maintained EF4 strength as it crossed into Clark County, completely leveling several well-built homes shortly after crossing the county line. However, the tornado weakened briefly further to the northeast, as two double-wide mobile homes were destroyed at EF2 intensity, while a frame home sustained EF3 damage. One man was killed in one of the mobile homes shortly after he recorded video of the approaching tornado. Outbuildings were destroyed, and a few other homes along this segment of the path sustained minor to moderate damage. As the tornado crossed Interstate 65, it restrengthened to EF4 intensity and serious injuries occurred as multiple vehicles were tossed and semi-trucks were flipped. The highway was closed for hours, and multiple people had to be extracted from their crumpled vehicles.

Immediately east of the interstate, the tornado ripped through the town of Henryville, resulting in devastating damage throughout the town. The Henryville school complex was in the process of dismissing as the tornado approached the community, and sustained EF4 structural damage including total destruction of its cafeteria. Most of the staff and students had already left the area by the time the tornado struck. One bus driver saved numerous student's lives by returning to the school. The small group of students that returned and took shelter in the school building survived without injury, despite being inside as it was destroyed around them. Many cars in the school parking lot were thrown and destroyed, one of which had a wooden beam speared through its hood and out of its undercarriage. The school security cameras recorded video of the tornado striking the building, and it is still viewable on YouTube to this day. Low-level winds in this area were so intense that debris was found wedged underneath plastic reflective strips in the parking lot. School buses were thrown hundreds of feet away, and two were ripped from their chassis. One bus was thrown through the front wall of a nearby restaurant, while a gas station, several large metal industrial buildings, and multiple other businesses and structures in town were severely damaged or destroyed. Numerous homes in and around Henryville were destroyed, and some were flattened or swept from their foundations. The tornado was at its most intense stage when in the Henryville area, with winds estimated at 175 mph (282 km/h). Damage surveyors found evidence of very intense multiple vortices as the tornado entered the community. Massive deforestation occurred in heavily wooded areas around town, and debris from Henryville was found as far east as Ohio.[67]

 
Aerial view of high-end EF3 damage in Marysville.

Past Henryville, the tornado dramatically weakened and lost its ominous shape, taking on a narrow rope-like appearance and inflicting only EF1 damage. However, this phase was short-lived as the tornado quickly re-intensified into a high-end EF3 storm with a dramatic multiple-vortex structure. The tornado moved east and struck the small town of Marysville, heavily damaging or destroying many of the structures in the small community. Several block foundation homes in town were swept away with debris scattered through nearby farm fields. Vehicles were tossed, many trees were snapped and denuded, outbuildings were destroyed, and a church was damaged in the Marysville area as well. Damage surveys in this area showed a complex damage pattern, with evidence of sub-vortices developing well away from the main damage path, before either being pulled in and absorbed by the central tornadic circulation, or intensifying and becoming the primary circulation themselves at times. Aerial flyovers revealed extensive cycloidal scouring marks in farm fields outside of Marysville. EF3 damage continued to the east of Marysville as several homes and double-wide mobile homes were destroyed, with debris from the mobile homes was scattered up to a mile downwind. The tornado then briefly entered Scott County, regaining EF4 intensity and killing a man in the complete destruction of his frame home, obliterating five mobile homes, and severely damaging two other frame homes. The tornado then briefly crossed back into Clark County, causing major damage to two homes and several power poles before entering Jefferson County as an EF4.

In Jefferson County, the tornado skirted the south edge of the small community of Chelsea, completely leveling several well-built homes. An older farm home was swept cleanly away in this area, killing three people inside. Debris was scattered hundreds of yards through nearby fields, cars were thrown 75 yards away, and a piece of farm machinery was thrown 200 yards. Another home was lifted from its foundation and dragged 65 yards into a field while left relatively intact. An above ground pool missing from this area after the tornado was never found, and multiple trees were ripped out of the ground by their roots and thrown. One other person was also killed at another home in the Chelsea area as well. The tornado then narrowed, weakened to EF2 intensity, and crossed into Trimble County, Kentucky, destroying barns, mobile homes, and downing many trees and power lines before dissipating near the town of Bedford.[67]

Days after the outbreak, a New Pekin resident began helping others recover lost items through a Facebook page called "I Found Your Memory." Items such as high school diplomas were tossed as far away as Cincinnati; however, they were able to be returned through this page.[69] Relief centers were opened in the heart of Henryville with the Henryville Community Church becoming the main center over the next weeks and months. On March 8, a long term recovery group, March2Recovery was formed to deal with the aftermath and rebuilding in the five affected counties. By March 14, FEMA deployed mobile disaster recovery centers across areas affected by the tornado outbreak. One of these centers was planned to be opened up on March 16 in New Pekin.[70] A local baseball team in southern Indiana began raising money on March 14 to help those injured pay for their medical fees.[71]

In 2022, the National Weather Service office in Louisville referred to a possible EF5 damage location at a demolished house, where a pickup truck was blown away and never found and a backhoe was deposited into the basement of the house.[72]

Crittenden – Piner – Morning View, Kentucky

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Crittenden – Piner – Morning View, Kentucky
 
Remains of a house that was completely swept away by the Crittenden tornado.
Meteorological history
FormedMarch 2, 2012, 4:23 p.m. EST (UTC−05:00)
DissipatedMarch 2, 2012, 4:32 p.m. EST (UTC−05:00)
Duration9 minutes
EF4 tornado
on the Enhanced Fujita scale
Highest winds175 mph (282 km/h)
Overall effects
Fatalities4
Injuries8
Damage$20 million

This violent wedge tornado was spawned by the same supercell thunderstorm that produced the EF4 Henryville tornado. While not a long-tracked tornado, the damage it produced was very intense along portions of its 9.85-mile long path through parts of northern Kentucky. After the parent supercell had crossed into Kentucky and the Henryville tornado had lifted, the storm began to rotate significantly again as it approached the Grant County town of Crittenden.[73]

At 4:23 PM, the supercell produced a strong tornado that touched down in the northern part of Crittenden, and immediately began producing significant damage as it impacted multiple residential subdivisions. The worst damage in town occurred at the Harvester subdivision, where many two-story homes were heavily damaged with some losing roofs and exterior walls. Damage to homes in the town of Crittenden ranged from EF1 to low-end EF3 in intensity. As the tornado exited Crittenden, it intensified further as it crossed I-75 and hurled vehicles off of the highway, killing one woman. The tornado then approached and crossed US 25, reaching EF4 intensity and completely sweeping away five frame homes, two of which were anchored to their foundations, though the anchoring mechanisms were too widely spaced, negating a higher rating.

Further along the path, EF4 damage continued as two anchored brick homes were completely leveled and multiple outbuildings were obliterated. Extremely intense vehicle damage occurred in this area as multiple vehicles were lofted long distances through the air and mangled. One vehicle was carried over 600 yards from where it originated. Many large trees were snapped and uprooted in this area as well, including some that were completely denuded and sustained severe debarking. Three additional deaths occurred along his segment of the path, with two of the fatalities occurring in a frame home and the other taking place in a vehicle. The tornado continued to the southwest and south of Piner, weakening back to EF3 strength as it traversed rural areas. Well-built frame homes along this segment of the path had their roofs ripped off and exterior walls collapsed. Numerous single-wide and double-wide mobile homes were completely destroyed in this area as well.

Continuing further to the east, the tornado continued to weaken as it approached Morning View, causing a mixture of EF1 and EF2 damage to structures before dissipating south of town. Overall, this tornado killed four people and injured 8 others along its path, reaching a maximum width of one half-mile. As the storm was moving through northern Kentucky, large amounts of debris was observed falling out of the sky, which caused the Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport to stop all flights for one hour.[74][75]

Peach Grove, Kentucky/Moscow – Hamersville, Ohio

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Peach Grove, Kentucky/Moscow – Hamersville, Ohio
 
EF3 damage to a two-story brick home in Moscow, Ohio.
Meteorological history
FormedMarch 2, 2012, 4:39 p.m. EST (UTC−05:00)
DissipatedMarch 2, 2012, 5:02 p.m. EST (UTC−05:00)
Duration23 minutes
EF3 tornado
on the Enhanced Fujita scale
Highest winds160 mph (260 km/h)
Overall effects
Fatalities3
Injuries13

After producing the violent EF4 Henryville and Crittenden tornadoes, the same parent supercell entered Campbell County, Kentucky and produced another tornado to the west of Peach Grove at 4:39 PM. This rain-wrapped wedge tornado moved east and reached high-end EF3 intensity as it neared the Pendleton County line, damaging or destroying several homes in the area. Damage surveyors noted some modular block foundation homes in this area that were lifted into the air intact, before being thrown in excess of 100 yards and smashed back to the ground, completely obliterating them. 100 mph (160 km/h) straight line winds from the parent supercell caused additional damage away from the main damage path in this area as well.

After crossing into Pendleton County, the tornado produced a mixture of EF2 and EF3 damage as it passed north of Peach Grove. Multiple homes, mobile homes, barns, and outbuildings along this segment of the path were destroyed, and many trees were snapped and uprooted as well.[76] The tornado then continued across the Ohio River into Clermont County, Ohio, immediately slamming into the small riverside village of Moscow at high-end EF3 intensity. Moscow was devastated by the tornado, with 80% of the village being heavily damaged or destroyed. Numerous two story homes had roofs and exterior walls ripped off, and a few homes in town were completely flattened. Almost every tree in Moscow was uprooted, snapped, or denuded by the tornado. A 64-year-old woman was found dead in the rubble of her home, and several other residents were injured.

Beyond Moscow, the tornado continued through rural areas of Clermont County, damaging and destroying many additional homes and outbuildings, snapping many trees, as well and killing two other people in the destruction of a mobile home. The tornado then crossed into Brown County, weakening to EF1 strength as it passed near the town of Hamersville. Damage along this portion of the path consisted of roof damage to homes, damage to trees, outbuildings destroyed, and mobile homes blown off of their foundations and severely damaged. The tornado then lifted to the south of Hamersville.[76][75]

Overall, this tornado killed three people along its path and injured 13 others. It attained a maximum width of one quarter-mile and had estimated peak winds of 160 mph (260 km/h).

West Liberty, Kentucky/Dunlow – Cove Gap, West Virginia

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West Liberty, Kentucky/Dunlow – Cove Gap, West Virginia
 
Aerial view of EF3 destruction in downtown West Liberty, Kentucky.
Meteorological history
FormedMarch 2, 2012, 5:39 p.m. EST (UTC−05:00)
DissipatedMarch 2, 2012, 7:07 p.m. EST (UTC−05:00)
Duration1 hour, 28 minutes
EF3 tornado
on the Enhanced Fujita scale
Highest winds165 mph (266 km/h)
Overall effects
Fatalities10
Injuries112
Damage≥$5.9 million

This deadly, long-tracked EF3 tornado first touched down in Menifee County, Kentucky to the southwest of Mariba. It rapidly attained EF3 strength before moving east and passing to the south of Wellington, heavily damaging or destroying multiple homes along this segment of the path, snapping or uprooting many large trees, killing two people, and injuring many others. One block foundation home was removed from its foundation and leveled, while a nearby brick home lost its roof and exterior walls. A brick split-level home had only its basement floor remaining, with the rest of the house being completely carried away and disintegrated. Structural debris and house contents from this location was strewn long distances across nearby hillsides.[77]

Further east, the tornado expanded to nearly a mile wide and entered Morgan County, passing north of Ezel before ripping directly through downtown West Liberty at EF3 strength, resulting in catastrophic damage. Massive structural damage occurred in downtown West Liberty, with many brick buildings and businesses being heavily damaged or destroyed, and many vehicles being tossed against buildings or crushed by falling structural debris. Every building in and around the downtown area sustained major damage, with the 105-year-old courthouse, the depression-era WPA building that housed the community center, and the 100-year-old West Liberty United Methodist and Christian churches all being either heavily damaged or suffering total destruction. The local hospital sustained major damage as well. Residential areas in town were also devastated with numerous homes destroyed, including some unanchored homes that were swept from their foundations. Footage of the tornado in this area revealed a rapidly rotating lowered cloud base with a large debris cloud underneath, but no visible condensation funnel. Six people were killed in West Liberty, and many others were injured, some severely. Past West Liberty, the tornado continued through other rural portions of the county, expanding up to a full mile wide as it snapped thousands of trees and caused extensive damage to structures.

Maintaining EF3 strength, the tornado then briefly moved through a portion of Lawrence County near the community of Terryville, obliterating several mobile homes and injuring two people. Crossing into Johnson County, the tornado weakened to EF1 strength as downed many trees and caused roof damage to several structures before crossing back into Lawrence County and regaining EF3 strength as it passed near Martha, Blaine, and a few other rural communities further to the east. 30 homes and mobile homes were destroyed along this segment of the path, 9 others sustained major damage, and the Blaine community building was damaged as well. A double-wide mobile home was lofted and slammed into a hillside by the tornado, killing two people inside. The tornado then crossed the state border into Wayne County, West Virginia.[78]

Continuing at EF3 strength, the tornado snapped and uprooted numerous trees as it approached the community of Dunlow. The tornado then impacted the northern fringes of Dunlow, destroying five homes and severely damaging another. Three vehicles were damaged as well. At the nearby East Lynn Lake campground, many trees, electrical lines, and telephone lines were downed. Further along the path, the tornado passed near Cove Gap, destroying 15 homes and inflicting major damage to 7 others. This included a two-story home that had its roof and multiple exterior and interior walls torn away. Narrow roads and hillsides in the area were left covered in fallen trees and power lines, pieces of sheet metal roofing, and damaged vehicles. Ironically, a funeral in the area that evening may have saved several lives since it was being held in a nearby community for a Cove Gap resident at the time of the tornado. Several neighbors attended the funeral and were not at home when the storm hit, only later to return to find their homes damaged or destroyed.[79]

The tornado continued into Lincoln County, weakening to EF1 strength and downing additional trees before dissipating to the east of Ranger. This tornado was on the ground for 86 miles with a peak width of 1 mile. 10 people were killed along the path and 112 others were injured. The tornado was the first F3/EF3 in Eastern Kentucky since 1988.[80]

Salyersville – Hager Hill – West Van Lear – Lovely, Kentucky/Kermit, West Virginia

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Salyersville – Hager Hill – West Van Lear – Lovely, Kentucky/Kermit, West Virginia
 
Aerial view of high-end EF3 damage in Salyersville, Kentucky.
Meteorological history
FormedMarch 2, 2012, 6:50 p.m. EST (UTC−05:00)
DissipatedMarch 2, 2012, 7:42 p.m. EST (UTC−05:00)
Duration52 minutes
EF3 tornado
on the Enhanced Fujita scale
Highest winds160 mph (260 km/h)
Overall effects
Fatalities2
Injuries37
Damage$37 million

This destructive, long-tracked nighttime tornado first touched down in a populated area of Wolfe County, Kentucky at 6:50 PM, snapping trees at EF1 strength before quickly crossing into Magoffin County. Once in Magoffin County, the tornado began to widen and intensify as it continued along its path, snapping many trees and crossing the Bert T. Combs Mountain Parkway multiple times. Reaching high-end EF3 intensity and a path width of 3/4 of a mile wide, the tornado struck the town Salyersville, resulting in major damage. Numerous homes in Salyersville were destroyed, some of which were leveled. Mobile homes were completely destroyed, and vehicles were flipped and tossed. A McDonald's, a motel, an apartment complex, several gas stations, and three school buildings sustained major structural damage in town, along with many other structures and businesses. A church and an Advance Auto Parts store were almost completely destroyed as well. Despite the damage, no deaths occurred in Salyersville, though 30 people were injured.[81]

Past Salyersville, the tornado maintained its strength and caused additional major damage in the rural community of Conley before crossing into Johnson County. High-end EF3 damage continued in Johnson County, and two fatalities occurred along this segment of the path as a mobile home was obliterated. Major damage occurred near Collista as the tornado crossed US 23 and KY 825. Multiple frame homes and manufactured homes were damaged or destroyed, vehicles were flipped, a metal truss tower was crumpled and destroyed, and entire hillsides and ridges were deforested by the tornado. One house was blown onto KY 825, blocking the road. The tornado then struck nearby Hager Hill, where several additional structures were destroyed. KY 321 and KY 1428 were both blocked by collapsed apartment buildings in Hager Hill, while semi-trailers were flipped, and industrial buildings were damaged as well in town. Past Hager Hill, the tornado weakened somewhat as it immediately struck the neighboring town of West Van Lear, tearing the roofs off of numerous homes and a church.[82]

The tornado continued at high-end EF2 strength into Martin County, passing between Davella and Debord. Entire hillsides were deforested, a brick structure was destroyed, a one-story brick home lost its roof and some exterior walls, and a two-story home sustained damage to its second floor in this area. Additional hillsides suffered total deforestation in the Beauty community before the tornado struck the town of Lovely at the Kentucky/West Virginia state border. EF2 damage occurred in Lovely as trees were snapped and multiple homes had their roofs torn off.[83]

The tornado then crossed into Mingo County, West Virginia just south of Kermit. Additional EF2 damage occurred as many trees were snapped and a 280-foot-high railroad communications tower was toppled to the ground before the tornado dissipated. Debris from Lovely was found deposited on mountaintops in the Kermit area.[84] In addition to the two fatalities, 37 other people were injured by this tornado along its 49-mile long path.[85]

See also

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Notes

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  1. ^ a b All dates are based on the local time zone where the tornado touched down; however, all times are in Coordinated Universal Time and dates are split at midnight CDT for consistency.

References

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  1. ^ National Climatic Data Center. "Billion-Dollar Weather/Climate Disasters". United States National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Retrieved June 20, 2013.
  2. ^ "Woman trapped in closet found dead days after tornado". Reuters. March 8, 2012. Retrieved March 9, 2012.
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