SPC Stats
Path length: 16 miles
Width: 200 yards
Fatalities: 3
Injuries: 25
Rating: F3
County: Shelby, Fayette
18 tornadoes were confirmed across parts of the South on November 27, 1994. We look at one of the F3 tornadoes in this summary. It hit parts of Shelby and Fayette Counties in Tennessee and caused tremendous damage to the Germantown area.
The tornado began just SW of Germantown and moved northeast. It crossed through the town, through the eastern part of Shelby County and into NW Fayette County. Overall, 28 homes were destroyed and 300 damaged. Houston High School and a church had significant damage.
Sadly, in Germantown, there were 3 fatalities. The Person family had just moved into their home in the Dogwood Grove Subdivision. There were hold a house-warming and family reunion. Storm Data documented 16 people in the home at the time the tornado hit. Local newspapers reported 11 in the home. I gathered most of my information about this tragedy from the December 1, 1994 edition of the Germantown News. Here are clips about what happened.
Storm Data Entry
The tornado started just southwest of Germantown and moved northeast through the eastern part of Shelby County and then continued into the northwest part of Fayette County. Three persons were killed in Germantown when the tornado struck a home where 16 people had gathered for a family reunion. Twenty-five persons were injured in the Germantown area. Overall, 28 homes were destroyed and 300 other homes were damaged. Houston High School was badly damaged and a nearby church sustained significant damage. Thirty utility poles were blown down along with a several trees. Two mobile homes were destroyed in Fayette County.
Tornado Path
SPC coordinates: Start: 35.07 / -89.83 End: 35.32 / -89.65
When I plotted the SPC Coordinates, the track ended in Shelby County. The Storm Data entry though states the tornado moved into NW Fayette County. I extended the path into that area.
Note: Exact tornado path may not be straight and/or continuous.
Videos
Newspaper Clippings
Sources:
November 1994 Storm Data Publication
Grazulis, Thomas P. (1993). Significant Tornadoes 1680-1991: A Chronology and Analysis of Events. St. Johnsbury, VT: The Tornado Project of Environmental Films. Page 1371.
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