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What is the Great Natchez Tornado famous for?
The Great Natchez Tornado hit Natchez, Mississippi on Thursday, May 7, 1840. This tornado was the second deadliest tornado in United States history; at least 317 people were killed and at least 109 were injured.
What was the wind speed of the Natchez tornado?
The maximum wind speeds reached 110 mph, making the storm the highest EF1 possible. Wilkinson said the tornado was nearly an EF2. Tornadoes are ranked on the Enhanced Fujita scale, EF1 to EF5. “If we had found a little bit stronger damage, I would have said EF2,” Wilkinson said.
How long did the Great Natchez Tornado last?
First hand accounts say that the tornado itself lasted anywhere from three to five minutes3. However, the storm that produced the tornado lasted for around 30 minutes3. The damage path which sliced through Natchez was seen starting at least 10 miles to west-southwest of town.
How did Great Natchez Tornado start?
After noon a nasty thunderstorm — loud and windy with a driving rain — fell upon Natchez and Vidalia. A few moments later, 20 miles southwest over the fields and forests of Concordia in the Deer Park and Slocum area, a killer tornado began to form out of that same storm system.
When did the Natchez tornado start?
May 7, 1840Great Natchez Tornado / Start date
When did the Natchez tornado occur?
What are some fun facts about tornadoes?
Some tornadoes are actually invisible, but their high wind speeds and fast rotation often form a visible funnel of condensed water. Most tornadoes are only able to travel a few miles before dying out. Really intense tornadoes, however, can sometimes travel over 100 miles (161kilometres).
What caused the Natchez tornado?
How did the Natchez tornado form?
What was the smallest tornado?
Rope tornadoes can be as narrow as 2-3 feet wide. One such tornado was reported to have a damage path only 7 feet long.