The Widespread November 21-23, 1992 Tornado Outbreak

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.