One of the largest fall tornado outbreaks in the US occurred from November 21 through November 23 in 1992. There are a variety of reports on this event and with that a variety of tornado totals for the event. Most of my information on the event as a whole comes from the NOAA National Disaster Survey Report entitled: “The Widespread November 21-23, 1992 Tornado Outbreak: Houston to Raleigh and Gulf Coast to Ohio Valley. I accessed that document here.
This outbreak began early on Saturday afternoon, November 21, 1992 in Southeastern Texas. For the next 48 hours, numerous storms spawned a deadly outbreak of tornadoes across 13 states. Per the survey, “a total of 94 tornado tracks were identified during this widespread episode which was usually intense for November.” There was a total of 6 tornadoes rated F4 and 15 rated F3. Over 600 injuries reported and twenty-six fatalities. 14 of the 26 deaths occurred in mobile homes. 15 of the 26 fatalities were in the state of Mississippi. Damages were estimated at $291 million.
Here is a table from the NOAA survey. It is a summary of the deaths that are attributed to this outbreak:
The NOAA Survey does an excellent job summarizing this outbreak by state. I will give generalized details from the document. As time goes on, I will delve more deeply into some of the individual tornadoes. Right now, I have detailed summaries for the following events (click the event to go to that specific page):
Channelview, TX F4 – November 21
Brandon/Rankin County, MS F4 – November 21
Sylvarena, MS F4 – November 22
Cobb/Cherokee Counties, GA F4 – November 22
State Overviews:
Texas:
- 14 tornadoes occurred statewide all on November 21.
- 12 of the 14 in the Houston County Warning Area.
- At one time in Harris County, four tornadoes were likely producing damage.
- Most violent was the F4 in Channelview.
- 34 total injuries.
- Damage to nearly 3000 residences, business and aircraft.
Louisiana:
- 10 tornadoes on Saturday evening, November 21.
- 28 people injured.
- $3 million in damage.
- Longest path was 38 miles.
Mississippi:
- Total of 15 tornadoes late Saturday into early Sunday (November 21 and 22).
- 15 fatalities (10 in Rankin County).
- 269 injuries.
- Close to 300 homes destroyed and 700+ damaged.
- At least 60 mobile homes destroyed.
- 21 counties declared disaster areas.
Alabama:
- 9 tornadoes occurred statewide all on November 22.
- 43 injuries.
- Several hundred buildings destroyed/damaged.
Georgia:
- Total of 11 tornadoes on Sunday, November 22.
- Six fatalties.
- 144 injuries.
- $70 million in damage.
- Deadliest tornado moved from Easton to White Plains: 5 were killed.
Tennessee:
- One tornado on November 22.
- 4 injuries and 30+homes damaged/destroyed.
Kentucky:
- Total of 4 tornadoes on Sunday, November 22.
- One fatality and 9 injuries.
- The one fatality occurred in southern Carroll County west of Worthville.
Indiana:
- 15 tornadoes occurred statewide all on November 22.
- Greatest damage was in Indianapolis from an estimated F3, 20 homes destroyed.
- 6 injuries.
- $12 million in damage.
Ohio:
- 2 tornadoes occurred statewide all on November 22.
- 21 injuries.
- 150+ homes/businesses with damage.
North Carolina:
- Total of 5 tornadoes on Sunday Night, November 22 into early Monday morning, November 23.
- Two fatalities and 74 injuries.
- 110 homes and 7 businesses were destroyed.
- The two deaths were near Hillsborough.
South Carolina:
- 4 tornadoes late Sunday, November 22.
- 1 fatality and 9 injuries.
- The death occurred in Saluda County.
- 9 mobile homes, 14 residences, 5 businesses destroyed.
Virginia/Maryland:
- 4 tornadoes occurred during early AM of November 23.
- $2 million in damage.
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