Outbreak of Tornadoes
In the early morning hours of January 21st, a band of severe weather moved into the Gulf of Mexico region, producing a number of deadly tornadoes. More than 20 funnel touchdowns were reported in total. The worst tornado of the day hit near Purvis, Mississippi, and was rated EF3 on the Enhanced Fujita Scale which rates tornado intensity. The funnel itself was nearly 900 yards wide, and the storm cut a path length of over 30 miles. Sadly, four people died in this storm, and the number of homes and businesses that were damaged is still being assessed.
The following day (Jan 22), the Storm Prediction Center issued a High-Risk Severe Weather Event for the entire Gulf Coast region, the first such warning since 2014. In the subsequent 24-hour period, eight more tornadoes touched down. The worst of the storm system decimated twenty homes with a tornado (estimated > EF2) impacting a trailer park near Adel, Georgia. Survivors described the early morning chaos as “horrific”, with trailers apparently being tossed like rag dolls by the twister. To date, 15 people are confirmed to have died within Southern Georgia over the weekend.
By January 23rd, the storms weakened, though two more tornadoes were reported in Florida. Fortunately, there were no injuries reported and only minor damage to a pier and a mobile home park was confirmed.
Government Assistance to Affected Areas
A state of emergency was declared in Mississippi and Georgia in the aftermath of the weekend’s severe weather. FEMA has deployed to Alabama, Florida, Georgia, and Mississippi. The Red Cross also deployed to Georgia on January 22nd to assist in relief efforts. Freshly sworn-in President Trump has promised relief assistance to the affected areas and also offered “our sincere condolences for the lives taken”.
Weekend Severe Weather Facts
- Timeline: January 21-23
- Locations: Texas, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, Georgia, South Carolina, and Florida
- Number of Tornadoes: 34+
- Highest Reported Winds: 145 mph
- Casualties: 20+
- Damages: Estimated $200 Million
- News Article: WunderBlog
Sources:
NOAA, Wunderground, Storm Prediction Center
