The March 21, 1932 event still stands out as our most tragic, yes, even worse than the Super Outbreak of April 3-4, 1974. The 1932outbreak was also known for its violence: it set a 24-hour record for violent touchdowns in a single state until the 1974Super Outbreak produced 11F4 or F5 tornadoes in Kentucky. In that 1932 disaster there was no such thing as a tornado warning, no radar, no satellite, no TV station, very few radio stations and very few phones in rural Alabama. The Red Cross worked tirelessly to rehabilitate approximately 10,000 people left homeless in Alabama, Georgia, and Tennessee. In March 1932, Columbiana, the county seat of Shelby County had a population of 1,180. 1974 april. And next day it hitdeadly tornadoesthe greatest catastrophe ever to hit Alabama. At least 15 homes were damaged or destroyed. Mother said it looked like a big ball of fire bouncing along the ground. Tornado neared F4 intensity. NWS Birmingham, Alabama465 Weathervane RoadCalera, AL 35040205-664-3010Comments? [11] Seventornadoes each caused at least 100injuries in Alabama and Tennessee, with a total of 1,750injuries in Alabama alone. R. B. Ray, holding Snyder by the hand, fell sidewise of the timbers and was crushed to death.Twenty-eight mules in the stables at the time of the tornado were unhurt, although they were in the rear of the barn. Conciencia y Preparacin, Weather Safety [16] In all, the 38recorded tornadoes caused at least $4.34million (1932USD) in damages for the entire outbreak.[13]. My Dad was 7 when this took place.He had vivid memories of these storms. "The Northport Tornado struck around 4 pm CST. Eight of those violent tornadoes occurred in Alabama. It was on the ground for 60 miles. Winter Weather Katherine Brown Northcutt , this is one the ones that went through N. Perry . Local Climatology, About Us Questions? In Shelby and Talladega Counties, another F4 tornado destroyed at least 40 homes in Columbiana and damaged 200. Northeastern Jones County to northwestern Baldwin County, This page was last edited on 25 April 2023, at 02:10. All-Hazards Awareness Booklet This tornado blew my house away including the foundation. Chilton County was arguably the hardest hit of the counties affected by the March 21, 1932 tornado outbreak with two destructive long track tornadoes that killed over 49 and 31 people . The 1932 outbreak is believed to have produced 10violent tornadoes, eightof which occurred in Alabama alone. March 20, 1932 dawned warm and springlike across Alabama. It is the deadliest day in the state's tornado history. Cox was the State Farm agent from whom I bought my first auto insurance. - This F4 tornado killed at least 36 and injured at least 500. It was a trading center for the surrounding agricultural areas of Central Alabama. The Looneys built it back exactly how it had been before the storm. They were thankful it did not land on the house. The Waltons had just moved to Columbiana in October. Alabama has experienced a number of tornado disasters over the years. Also, newspapers paid little attention to the deaths of Black sharecroppers whose families and identities were often unknown. Physicians at Sylacauga said they handled 115 injured at one hospital without lights or water. Theirs was one of the first house to be destroyed. The death toll grew to 363. 1932 Tornado. Tropical 1932. Winter Weather, Special Programs Rivers and Lakes Weather Bureau after the event listed 268 fatalities and 1874 injuries. In Perry County, the city of Marion was struck twice in only three hours and 23 persons died in the county. Sylacauga (23) Mrs. J. L. Kelly, Mrs. Porter Dobson and 18 negroes. An intense low-pressure system produced widespread impacts across the United States in early March 2023. The terrifying, live-on-TV tornado, along with dozens of other deadly storms across the state, made Wednesday, April 27, 2011, the deadliest tornado day in Alabama since March 21, 1932. Sorry, the location you searched for was not found. Fill in your details below or click an icon to log in: You are commenting using your WordPress.com account. This list of Alabama tornado events includes notable storms which affected the US state of Alabama. To them, the depression was a city problem. In Alabama, within four hours of the first F4 tornado, 18people were killed near the Cullman area in Cullman County; 14in the Columbiana area in Shelby County; 41in Coosa and Talladega counties near Sylacauga; and 38people in other small communities in Northeastern Alabama, mostly in Jackson County. At least 334 died overall, with Alabama having the Back in the 1970s, I spent most of a day in the Downtown Birmingham Public Library searching the microfilm files of the Birmingham Age-Herald, Birmingham . Severe Weather Preparedness An EF2 tornado was tracked from southwest of Linden to Faunsdale in Marengo and Perry Counties. Two injured at Clanton now believe in the adage that it never rains but it pours. Other Research Alongside the deaths, 136 people were injured, and 180 homes were destroyed. 21-22 March 1932, commonly known as the "Deep South Outbreak", was another deadly and destructive outbreak, with over 30 confirmed tornadoes and over 300 fatalities. Thanks for sharing. This story does not cover every single tornado touchdown, but consider it an overview. Linden (6) Child of Joe Dixon, Mrs. Joe Dixon and four negroes, Ashland (3) Nettie Stockdale, infant Mitchell, Mrs. R. L. Quarles, Cox, near Lawley (3) Fate Hamm, Mr. and Mrs. Floyd Dobbs, Hatchett Creek (Clay County) (1) Mrs. Bob Quarles, Tupelo (10) Will Austin, wife and son, three children of Louis Manning, John Williams, wife and baby, William Parker, Carnes (3) Clarke Mathews, four-year-old son Andrew Little, Mrs. Vic Dunn, The names of many of those killed can also be found in the Book ALABAMA GENEALOGY NOTES: Volume III Table of Contents below, Donna R. Causey, resident of Alabama, was a teacher in the public school system for twenty years. Cyclone weather, the old folks said. Categories. Mr. Howell and two other children were hospitalized. The following is a partial list, by month and year: The above list is a partial roster, including links to related articles which provide more details about each tornado event. In Lawrence and Morgan Counties, an F2 tornado killed 4 and injured 10. Fourteen people died in this tornado, which was likely rated as an F4. Sign up now to get our FREE breaking news coverage delivered right to your inbox. Thirty-six people were reported dead after the outbreak subsided. About 2,000 people were left homeless, and 37 were killed in the area. Tuscaloosa, Alabama Is this the storm that destroyed scottsboro. They had followed the sensational story in the newspapers and on the radio all month, but the child had not been found by the 21st. The path of the storm was recorded as 20 miles long and 100 yards wide and dissipated at Scotts Station. People felt like the Federal Government was not doing enough to relieve the suffering. The next F4 tornado barreled through Cullman, Morgan and Marshall Counties. Severe Weather Videos I heard my mom & dad speak of this killer tornado that came through Paint Rock Al & killed several I did not know until I read this article today one of the ladies killed was named Pansey (wonder if this is where my mom got my name) it almost destroyed our little country town, I ALWAYS HEARD OF MY MOM & DAD SPEAK OF THIS KILLER TORNADO THAT KILLED SEVERAL IN OUR SMALL COUNTRY TOWN OF PAINT ROCK,AL I DID NOT KNOW UNTIL READING THIS ARTICLE THAT A LADY NAMED PANSEY WAS KILLED (wonder if this is where my Mom got my name). National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration In Clay County, one of the tornadoes remained on the ground for 30 miles cutting a path 400 yards wide. Drought Monitor Language links are at the top of the page across from the title. Local Climate Data Many people were injured in a box factory south of Berlin and one home was leveled and 6 people were killed. One hundred homes were destroyed and at least 300 were damaged by this powerful F4 tornado. I would love to hear from any of you that have additional stories about this great event. Please try another search. This is the storm that mother and mawmaw always talked about. Storm Data There were 18 killed in Cullman County, with at least 100 injured. Alabama is no stranger to tornadoes and has experienced many of them over the years, including some devastating ones within the last few months. Prior to 1994, only the average widths of tornado paths were officially listed. Regional Weather Roundup, Forecasts Do it now, there is no time for delay. Losses from three tornadoes in Marengo County totaled $400,000, which would total $8,783,649 in todays dollars. Faith and Courage: Tapestry of Love (Volume 2) At least 38tornadoesincluding 27 deadly tornadoes and several long-lived tornado familiesstruck the Deep South, killing more than 330people and injuring 2,141. is the second book and the third FreeHearts: A Novel of Colonial America (Book 3 in the Tapestry of Love Series) Severe Thunderstorm Warnings An EF3 tornado in Demopolis caused three fatalities, and fifteen homes were either damaged or destroyed in the citys southeast section. 38 persons died in Northport and 250 were injured. . Tropical Cyclone Reports, Warnings and Other Products Tornado Safety Rules, Awareness Weeks Non-Precipitation Warnings CoCoRaHS, Local Research and Outreach An EF2 tornado was tracked from southwest of Linden to Faunsdale in Marengo and Perry Counties. At least 36 tornadoesincluding 27 killers and several long-lived tornado families occurred across the South and Alabama was the hardest hit. CoCoRaHS, Local Research and Outreach Such a racial aspect was common during natural disasters in the South before desegregation in the late 20thcentury. Super Outbreak - March 21, 1932. A new automobile became airborne and was carried through the air for a distance of 400 yards. Low 44F. Awesome event. NWS Birmingham, Alabama465 Weathervane RoadCalera, AL 35040205-664-3010Comments? Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window), Gallions Cochran Wins Phoenix Bass Fishing League Event at Demopolis Lake, Demopolis Chamber of Commerce banquet on Thursday, Demopolis man charged with murder of Damon Lee Gibson. Office History (Some of the names of those killed are listed at the end of this story. Forecast Discussion, Climate and Past Weather It was around 3:30 in the afternoon on that fateful Monday when the first black funnels came pounding to the ground in the Demopolis, Linden, Faunsdale areas of West/Central Alabama. Yet again Marengo, Hale and Perry Counties were hit. Non-Precipitation Warnings Tornado destroyed small homes and flung clothes in trees 1mi (1.6km) away. My grandmother always talked about it also. Cullman (20) Mrs. Hattie Ragland, Mrs. W. M. Ayers, infant of W. M. Ayers, Mrs. W. A. Ayers, G. Cole, P. A. Wray, Mrs. P. A. Wray, infant son of E. H. Bates, Mrs. W. E. Roy, James Lewis, Eva Lou Ayers, Mrs. O. W. Bonds, Mrs. Lucinda Brooks and five unidentified reported by Red Cross. [nb 2][nb 3][nb 4], At 7a.m. CST (13:00UTC), a low-pressure area of about 29.26inHg (991mb) was over eastern Oklahoma and western Arkansas, with warm air moving north from the Gulf of Mexico to the Mississippi Valley. Low 44F. September 7, 1972. Currently, the intensity of tornados is ranked using the Enhanced Fujita, or EF scale, with EF0 being the weakest, and EF5 the strongest. This tornado was photographed and incorrectly labeled as the F4 tornado that hit the area, also near Jemison in Shelby County, on March21.[26][15][16][27][28][13][29][30][31][20][32][33][34][35]. Marion (21) D. A. Everett, John de Yampert and 19 negroes. As a cold front approached Alabama, forecasters predicted afternoon thunderstorms and an end to the warm temperatures but did not anticipate the magnitude of the severe weather that later hit most of the state from north of Montgomery to the Tennessee and Georgia borders. Death came to 36 persons in Marengo County, 136 were injured and 180 homes were destroyed. There were three fatalities, two in northern Linden, and 15 others were injured before the tornado struck Faunsdale, where a third person died. Their brother, the late John T. Bryant, recalled the horror to his family, describing how the winds blew freshly lit logs out of the fireplace and ripped the door away as the family tried to flee, followed by the roof. Winter Weather Warnings At least fifteen tornadoes touched down across the state during the long and incredible afternoon and night. John Atcheson, Jr.s family had left their home to go to his father house because of the weather. Two little negro boys were blown across the Warrior River at Demopolis and landed unharmed in an adjoining field. Minor, Ola Bryant, Audrey Bryant, Jose Bryant, Alama Blair and an infant named Perry, Bridgeport (6) G. N. Bell, George Reeves, Mrs. George Reeeves, Zeke Jones, a girl named Turner and nine-year-old daughter of Brinks Troxwell. There were two waves of tornadoes: one starting in West Alabama at midafternoon and another wave after dark. Paint Rock (6) F. M. Erwin, Fred Russell Jones, Joe Smith, Pansey Moore, John Terrell and Mrs. John Terrell. It is possible that we do not know exactly how many tornadoes hit Alabama on that tragic day in 1932. Local Storm Reports Anne Hyche (negro), Hyche child (negro), Steve Gore (negro), Conway Lewis (negro), Mattie Bell Rogers, (negro), her two children Sophronia Mae Rogers (negro), Willie Bell Rogers (negro), David Hill (negro), John Fulgham (negro), Prof. V. E. Mathew (negro) Hardy Prewitt (negro), Charlie Booze (negro) Beulah Williams (negro), Lucy Ware (negro), O. C. Ware (negro), Bob Floyd (negro), Prof. William Anderson (negro) Mary Wells (negro), Fosters Ferry Road (1) L. K. Daniels. This tornado injured at least 200 and was on the ground for 50 miles. US Dept of Commerce "At Lawley, Alabama, an automobile was picked up by the tornado and carried at least 50 feet." NOAA Weather Radio Help the Hospital and the Red Cross in this great work- do so without delay. He fell sidewise between two timbers and was only slightly hurt in the head. It was a trading center for the surrounding agricultural areas of Central Alabama. Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. In Shelby County, Columbiana was hardest hit, with 15 killed, as the storm struck at dusk. Oneof the tornadoes followed the deadly Jemison event by onehour and passed just 8mi (13km) to the southeast, killing 31people in and around the Clanton area in Chilton County. When the tornado passed, he ran to the areas where it had hit. Joe Peers at Columbiana was trying to reach the safety of his home when the tornado caught him, lifted him high in the air and sat him down unharmed in a sweet potato patch a half mile away. Luckily, they were in a brick building and were not killed. An extra edition of the Tuscaloosa News was printed at 7 pm." It destroyed temporary housing on a plantation and swept away a well-built farmhouse. (LogOut/ Discordance: The Cottinghams (Volume 1) Contact Us, Education The 1932 Deep South tornado outbreak was a deadly tornado outbreak that struck the Southern United States on March 21-22, 1932. Graphical Forecasts The estate of Richard Harris a quarter mile away was swept clean but none were killed there." Injured as the twister struck there, they were taken in ambulances to Thorsby for medical attention. For a complete list of books, visit Donna R Causey. A furniture store was unroofed as well. While the April 27, 2011 tornadoes came close, 85 years later the Deep South Outbreak of 1932 remains Alabama's deadliest tornado outbreak with 268 fatalities. Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window), Dallas County Sheriffs office investigate suspect promoting contraband, Selma man killed in fatal shooting Saturday afternoon, Athletics top Dallas County School Board meeting. List of North American tornadoes and tornado outbreaks, "Top 10 Weather Events in the 20th Century For Alabama", "The International Tornado Intensity Scale", "The Online Tornado FAQ (by Roger Edwards, SPC)", "The Relation of El NioSouthern Oscillation (ENSO) to Winter Tornado Outbreaks", "On the Relationship of Tornado Path Length and Width to Intensity", 10.1175/1520-0434(2004)019<0310:OTROTP>2.0.CO;2, 10.1175/1520-0493(1932)60<88:SLSM>2.0.CO;2, "The tornadoes of the latter part of March, 1932", 10.1175/1520-0493(1932)60<89:TTOTLP>2.0.CO;2, "The April 3rd and 4th 1974 Tornado Outbreak in Alabama", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=1932_Deep_South_tornado_outbreak&oldid=1151604960, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0. Severe Safety w/ ASL Other Research 4 S Cullman-3 W Arab. Losses totaled $10,000. Office History The second tornado, which may have reached EF4 intensity, struck near Faunsdale and was seen by residents who were cleaning up debris from the first storm. In Shelby County, Columbiana was hardest hit, with 15 killed, as the storm struck at dusk. The nation had been shocked by the kidnapping of Charles Lindberghs baby early in the month. Winter weather can also occur anytime from late November to mid-March. WHAT IF? Mrs. Hightower told me the story. Eight of those violent tornadoes occurred in Alabama. At least 38 tornadoesincluding 27 deadly tornadoes and several long-lived tornado familiesstruck the Deep South, killing more than 330 people and injuring 2,141. At least 334 died overall, with Alabama having the most fatalities with 268 killed. The second tornado, which may have reached EF4 intensity, struck near Faunsdale and was seen by residents who were cleaning up debris from the first storm. From this point at least a dozen vicious twisters ravaged the tornado belt, as they moved northeast toward Georgia and then splayed out into Tennessee, South Carolina, Kentucky and Virginia. At Columbiana in Shelby County where 18 persons died, 36 eggs were left unbroken on a kitchen table even though the house was destroyed and the tornado even sucked the drawer out of the table where the eggs were. I secretly thought so. the story of old times in Ralph, Alabama, Imagine moving 33 Family members, 500 miles from Alabama in the 1830s. Tornadoes touched down in Mississippi, Illinois, and South Carolina, but Alabama was hit the hardest, with 268 fatalities. Flash Flood Warnings However, there were several news reports that placed the deaths at about 300 and 3,000 injuries. Previsin de 7 Das, Weather Safety Each and every person who lives in the vicinity of Tuscaloosa is alive only by the grace of Almighty God. This was the first of two tornadoes to strike the Faunsdale area during the tornado outbreak, but only this one passed directly through the town. But the 1932 Deep South tornado outbreak stands out from rest as it caused catastrophic damage across the Midwestern and southern United States, including Marengo County, which experienced widespread devastation and many deaths. For more information about the March 21, 1932 tornado outbreak, please visit: http://www.srh.noaa.gov/bmx/?n=event_03211932, http://www.srh.noaa.gov/bmx/?n=tornadodb_main, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1932_Deep_South_tornado_outbreak. Clear skies. Please Contact Us. Storm Spotters (SKYWARN) Please select one of the following: Local Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Data, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. There were three fatalities, two in northern Linden, and 15 others were injured before the tornado struck Faunsdale, where a third person died. An EF3 tornado in Demopolis caused three fatalities, and fifteen homes were either damaged or destroyed in the citys southeast section. Rural homes were demolished in Phelan, Bolti, Berlin, and Fairview. Man, times were tough from 1915-1945! Tropical The first tornadoes touched down at 3:30 p.m. on March 21, 1932, in the Demopolis, Linden, and Faunsdale areas of West/Central Alabama. ), The March 24th headline of The Tuscaloosa News stated that the death toll rose to 300 names of people killed in Alabama, 32 of whom had died in Northport, and 2,500 were known to be injured.