Henderson and Decatur Counties Severe Thunderstorm

Thursday, May 31, 2001

Between 4:10 and 4:40 PM Thursday afternoon, a  severe thunderstorm  moved through eastern Henderson County and Decatur County. The severe thunderstorm produced a straight-line wind damage path of approximately eight miles long from near Middleburg in Henderson County to Parsons in Decatur County. Peak winds were estimated around 70 mph. 

Most of the damage was minor resulting from trees falling on houses and other buildings such as barns. One house did receive major damage in Parsons. In addition, one injury occurred in Parsons with the person taken to the hospital with a head injury.   About 30 homes and other buildings had minor damage in Decatur County while another 30 homes received minor damage in Henderson County.

Click on the following thumbnails to see larger pictures of some of the straight-line wind damage.

McNairy County (Ramer) Tornado

Thursday, May 31, 2001

Between 3:50 and 4:05 PM Thursday afternoon, a severe thunderstorm produced a tornado in southern McNairy County. The tornado first touched down near Ramer and then traveled east northeastward and dissipated about one mile north of Eastview just after crossing U.S. Highway 45. The total path length of the tornado was about 5 miles long.  The tornado was rated a F1 with peak winds estimated near 100 mph.

Some of the damage included two homes with major damage.  One of the homes was moved off its foundation. A recreational vehicle was also rolled over. Much of the tornado path was through open country resulting in mainly tree damage. No injuries resulted from this tornado. 

Click on the following thumbnails to see larger pictures of some of the damage from the tornado.