Destructive tornadoes cut across five states, likely producing the deadliest December outbreak on record in the U.S.
As a cold front attached to the zone of low pressure encountered the exceptionally warm, unstable air Friday evening, numerous thunderstorms erupted.The rotating thunderstorm that spawned the quad-state tornado developed from a cluster of storms over central Arkansas. These storm cells congealed to the east of the cold front, separate from any other storms that could compete for available energy or disrupt them.
The Weather Service in Memphis issued the first tornado warning for the storm at 7:06 p.m. Central time, stating that a “confirmed large and extremely dangerous tornado” had formed. The storm moved over Monette, Ark., where it severely damaged a nursing home, at 7:24 p.m. Central time.“This is a PARTICULARLY DANGEROUS SITUATION,” the Weather Service wrote. “TAKE COVER NOW.”
The storm may have “cycled” once while passing over northwest Tennessee, a process in which the initial tornado dissipates and a new one develops. But by the time the storm hit Mayfield at 9:27 p.m., the radar signature again indicated a devastating tornado.
Australia Latest News, Australia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
These Photos, Videos Show Extent of Devastation From Deadly Tornado OutbreakTornadoes tore through at least six states on Friday night.
Read more »
'Quad-State Tornado' crossed four states in four hours, a rare December tornadoThe National Weather Service will confirm if a single tornado tracked over 200 miles from Arkansas to Kentucky, which could set the record for longest tornado in U.S. history
Read more »
Tornadoes bring death, injuries, damage to several statesApparent tornadoes and severe storms swept across several states Friday night, leaving in their wake several deaths, numerous injuries and severe structural damage, according to reports.
Read more »
2 dead in Arkansas, roof collapses at Illinois Amazon facility as severe weather strikes parts of U.S.DEVELOPING: At least two people have been killed and multiple others injured after an apparent tornado struck a nursing home in Monette, Arkansas, Craighead County judge says.
Read more »
Tornado rips through Arkansas nursing home, killing two; Amazon warehouse roof collapses amid storm in IllinoisA tornado ripped through a nursing home in Arkansas Friday night, killing two people and injuring five others, an official said.
Read more »
All the ways the tornadoes that struck six states were unusual'To have an outbreak of this magnitude, with this many tornado reports—it's a little unusual for this time of year,' said meteorologist Dan Pydynowski.
Read more »