F4 Tornado — Perry, Tennessee

1999-05-05 · near Linden, Perry, Tennessee

Event narrative

An F4 tornado struck the town of Linden, located about 70 miles southwest of Nashville. The tornado damaged many homes, schools and businesses and churches. There were 3 fatalities. A 14 year old girl was sucked out of her home by the tornado as she, her father, and her mother were headed to the basement. Her dad was also sucked out of the home, but was found unharmed in the yard. The 14 year old girl was found 5 hours later in the rumble of their home. Hollis Hinson, 47 year old male and Perry County Trustee, was killed in his home. His girlfriend, 47 year old school teacher Patti Haston, was also killed in Mr. Hinson's house. The home was lifted off the foundation and flung into the woods and down a nearby hill. Both had gone to the bathroom to escape the tornado's fury. Ms. Hinson was found dead in a bathtub.

View location on OpenStreetMap → (35.5700, -87.9200)

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 5696744. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.