On this day in weather history: A tornado outbreak

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WSMV) - On this day 11 years ago, 24 confirmed tornadoes wreaked havoc on Middle Tennessee.

Record warmth surged into the Mid State overnight on Jan. 29 and lingered into Jan. 30, 2013, over the Tennessee and Ohio Valleys.

The air was unstable as a powerful storm system moved through with very strong winds above the ground’s surface. For tornadoes to form, wind shear (change in wind speed or direction with height) must be present. Plenty of wind shear was present that day.

According to the National Weather Service, the wind shear was unusually strong, with wind speeds of around 80 mph at 2,500 feet and 150 mph at 20,000 feet.

A strong cold front moved from west to east across the Mid State during the early morning hours of Jan. 30. A line of showers and thunderstorms formed along the cold front and raced through the area.

This line of storms produced numerous tornadoes and widespread wind damage, according to the National Weather Service. In total, 24 tornadoes were confirmed.

Three of the tornadoes were given a rating of EF-2, giving the classification of ‘strong tornadoes.’ Eight of the tornadoes were classified EF-1 in intensity. 13 of the tornadoes were rated EF-0.

This severe weather event resulted in three injuries and one fatality. For many impacted counties, this was the first time a tornado struck in January.

This was the second-largest tornado outbreak in Middle Tennessee history. For a list of additional outbreaks, click here.

Copyright 2024 WSMV. All rights reserved.