EF3 Tornado — Coahoma, Mississippi

2015-12-23 · near Africa, Coahoma, Mississippi

Event narrative

This tornado developed over Northern Bolivar County and moved into Coahoma County. It strengthened and produced EF-3 damage south and east of Clarksdale where the two fatalities occurred. Twelve homes and two businesses were destroyed. Two homes also suffered minor damage. Numerous trees were snapped or uprooted. The tornado continued into Quitman County.

Wider weather episode

Strong surface low pressure tracked from the Plains into the Mississippi River Valley while a strong cold front pushed into the Mid-South on December 23, 2015. A very moist and unstable airmass moved into the area as a warm front lifted north through the region during the early morning hours. A potent upper level disturbance help to trigger thunderstorms along and in advance of the approaching cold front. The necessary ingredients were in place for storm to rapidly intensify. Three tornadoes touched down across North Mississippi including an EF-4 that caused severe damage.

View location on OpenStreetMap → (34.0499, -90.6598)

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 610224. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.