Super Tuesday Tornado Outbreak Presented by: Catherine Smith, Colleen Smith, Trevor Smith, Andrew Smith

Overview February 5-6, tornadoes, 9 states, 15 hrs. 57 fatalities in 4 states (AR, TN, KY, AL) Largest fatal outbreak since May 31, 1985.

Meteorological Synopsis February 3, 2008 Favorable tornado conditions began developing Low surface & air pressure system consolidated over Rockies, and a surface high pressure moved toward east coast. southerly flow off of Gulf of Mexico Dew pt. near 65°F unstable air mass Midday low-level jet stream Gulf of Mexico and MS Valley February 4, 2008 Surface low pressure and cold front over Rockies moved to E. Oklahoma by February 5 afternoon February 5, 2008 Unstable atmosphere isolated supercell T-storms formed ahead of cold front Southerly low-level jet stream ~ 70 mph Westerly winds ~ 90 mph Strong vertical wind shear conducive to tornado development Surface low-pressure and cold front = warm sector area between cold front and warm front great distance storms, long track tornadoes, multiple tornadoes along path.

Notable Tornadoes North-Central Arkansas EF4 tornado, 122 mile track 13 fatalities, 139 injuries Longest single tornado track in Arkansas since tornado records began (1950). ~200 homes and businesses destroyed

Memphis Metropolitan Area EF2 tornado from 5:30 pm and 6:00 pm Warehouse collapsed killing 3 people

Jackson, Tennessee EF4 tornado Directly hit Union Campus – 51 injuries – 2009 NOAA assessment of tornado credited the National Weather Service with a timely warning, and the university’s “detail, practiced plan” for preventing any loss of life.

Damage Damaged estimated to be around $520 million. All fatalities occurred within a 12-hr period. All tornadoes producing fatalities were preceded by tornado warnings with a mean lead time of 17 minutes. 55 mph forward motion presented challenges for warning forecasters. 126 reports of large hail & 267 reports of wind damage Union University Oakdale Dam

Who Did What Catherine: Aftermath information, damage Colleen: Meteorological synopsis information (February 3-4), slideshow Andrew: Meteorological synopsis information (February 5) Trevor: EF Scale and Notable tornadoes