The March 21, 1952 tornado

F4Hardeman, Chester and Henderson counties, Tennessee

An F4 tornado on a 46.8-mile path that killed 38 and injured 157. It was one of 27 tornadoes recorded in the U.S. that day, 20 of them rated F3/EF3 or stronger.

Watch how it happened Part of the outbreak of March 21, 1952: 27 tornadoes in 4 states

F4 tornado · March 21, 1952

How it happened

Follow the tornado’s path, minute by minute.

About this replay

Local time (CST)—Historical replay — logged times

Distance—of 46.8 miles

Now in—

RatingF4

The tornado

Rating: F4; Fujita scale
Path length: 46.8 mi; Width up to 177 yards
Killed: 38; Along the whole path
Injured: 157; Along the whole path
Date and time: Friday, March 21, 1952; 11:30 PM CST
That day: 27; tornadoes in the U.S.; every one, with a replay of the day

Counties on its path

Hardeman CountyTN
Chester CountyTN
Henderson CountyTN

Other notable tornadoes that day

F4, Howard County7 killed
F4, White County50 killed
F4, Lonoke County2 killed
F3, Lonoke County9 killed
F2, Prairie County5 killed
F4, Woodruff County29 killed
F4, Dyer County2 killed
F4, Cross County4 killed
F4, Pemiscot County17 killed
F3, Dyer County10 killed
F4, Dyer County4 killed
F4, Marshall County16 killed

Storm Prediction Center severe weather database. Path drawn as a straight line from the recorded start to end point.