Tornado outbreak sequence of March 18–24, 2012
EF2 damage to a home near LaCoste, Texas. | |
| Type | Tornado outbreak |
|---|---|
| Duration | March 18 – March 24, 2012 |
| Tornadoes confirmed | 63 |
| Max. rating1 | EF3 tornado |
| Duration of tornado outbreak2 | 7 days |
| Fatalities | 1 fatality, 15 injuries |
| Damage | $325 million (estimated) |
| 1Most severe tornado damage; see Enhanced Fujita scale 2Time from first tornado to last tornado | |
The Tornado outbreak sequence of March 18–24, 2012 was a long lasting tornado outbreak that occurred due to a slow moving, but powerful trough and cutoff low. The outbreak began in the Great Plains, where, over a two-day period, several tornadoes touched down, some of which were significant. The North Platte area was damaged by an EF3 that was produced by a supercell that spawned many tornadoes throughout its lifespan. The tornadic activity then shifted the Southern United States over subsequent days, particularly in Louisiana and Mississippi. These states were struck by a series of tornadoes for 3 days, most of which were relatively weak on the Enhanced Fujita Scale. However, a few reached EF2 intensity and caused considerable damage. Tornado activity continued across the Ohio Valley on the 23rd, with one confirmed fatality in southern Illinois.