A moist and unstable airmass in place across the Mid-South helped to fuel severe storms ahead of an advancing cold front and deep upper-level trough swinging into the Central Plains. A line of severe storms moved from Arkansas across northern parts of the Mid-South during the early morning hours of May 4th.
Every event with a place to put it. Tap one for its entry below.
Deaths and injuries are direct and indirect together, as the offices filed them. Damage is property and crops in the dollars of the year, not adjusted for inflation, and only where an office estimated it.
The episode as NWS MEG wrote it up.
A moist and unstable airmass in place across the Mid-South helped to fuel severe storms ahead of an advancing cold front and deep upper-level trough swinging into the Central Plains. A line of severe storms moved from Arkansas across northern parts of the Mid-South during the early morning hours of May 4th. There was widespread wind damage and a few weak tornadoes.
The local office's own words before the first event, as it sent them, from the Iowa Environmental Mesonet's archive of National Weather Service text.
NWS Memphis, TN wrote its last area forecast discussion before the first event at May 3, 10:21 PM CST, 3 hours 44 minutes earlier.
Area Forecast Discussion National Weather Service Memphis TN 1121 PM CDT Mon May 3 2021 .DISCUSSION... Updated for aviation discussion && .PREV DISCUSSION... /issued 855 PM CDT Mon May 3 2021/ UPDATE... Tranquil conditions are occurring across the Mid-South at the moment. Expect that to all change by around midnight. A line of severe storms will be racing across Arkansas over the next couple of hours while there is a line of convection across Central Illinois into extreme Eastern Missouri that is moving to the southeast. Both will collide over the Mid-South during the overnight hours. With dewpoints reaching into the lower 70s today, there is plenty of instability for the storms to tap into as CAPE values range between 3500-4000 J/KG across the area. Made some minor adjustments to temperatures and sky conditions. Otherwise, current forecast looks good. KRM DISCUSSION... /issued 357 PM CDT Mon May 3 2021/ The next 24 to 36 hours are expected to be very active across the Midsouth. Tonight is especially concerning as nighttime severe weather often catches people off guard. Make plans now to be alerted via cell phone, NOAA Weather Radio or any other device capable of waking you from sleep if warnings are issued. Also, call your friends and neighbors that may not be as weather aware in the event warnings are issued. A cold front will slowly move across the Midsouth tonight and tomorrow. Severe thunderstorms are expected to develop tonight ahead of the front and continue through the day tomorrow. Storms may continue in eastern portions of west Tennessee and northeast Mississippi through sunset. The greatest severe Will gradually shift to the south and east with time. Tonight, the Storm Prediction Center has portions of east Arkansas and West TN as well as the Missouri Bootheel in an enhanced area for severe thunderstorms. Farther southeast there is a sliver of a slight risk area that includes portions of west Tennessee far northwest Mississippi and east Arkansas. The remainder of east Arkansas, north Mississippi and west Tennessee is included in a Marginal Risk. Diffluent flow aloft will shift over the area ahead of a deep trough swinging across the Plains. Current SBCAPE values are over 3,000 J/kg across the Midsouth. Although these values will likely come down a bit after sunset, it is nevertheless indicative of a very unstable airmass. Dew points are in the low to mid 70s with PW's near 1.5 inches. Lapse rates up to 8.5C/km will support very large hail which is expected to be the initial threat starting around 10pm. As the trough approaches shear will increase. Forecast soundings in the enhanced risk area over northeast Arkansas indicate Surface to 2km shear increases from around 100m2/s2 to 150m2/s2 between 11pm and 3am. This may be the greatest window for tornadoes in northeast Arkansas into the Missouri Bootheel. A 40kt LLJ is expected to move across northeast Arkansas, the Missouri Bootheel and northwest TN after 4 am. The potential for damaging wind will exist with any storm but will likely be enhanced along the cold front. Tomorrow, the Storm Prediction Center has most of north Mississippi and a portion of west Tennessee in an enhanced risk. To the northwest there is a sliver of slight risk that includes portions of east Arkansas and West Tennessee. The remainder of far northwest Tennessee, east Arkansas and the Missouri Bootheel is included in a Marginal risk. Slightly cooler temperatures tomorrow should help limit instability. However, the cap is expected to be weaker. We may see an ongoing line of strong to severe storms at sunrise moving across the Mississippi river. By mid morning additional cellular storms are expected to develop across much of west Tennessee and north Mississippi. Low level shear should be much lower in the enhanced risk tomorrow, so the tornado threat should be a bit lower. Lapse rates will remain high, in the 7.5-8 C/km range resulting in a continued threat of large hail. The cold front is expected to approach the Mississippi river during the early afternoon hours. During the early afternoon hours much of west Tennessee and north Mississippi will be under the right rear entrance region of a 110kt upper level jet streak. The potential for damaging wind will exist with any storm but will likely be enhanced along the cold front as it sweeps across the area. Cooler and drier air will move in tomorrow night. Mostly dry conditions are expected in Wednesday through Friday. Expect highs in the 70s and lows in the upper 40s to mid 50s. A few showers and weak afternoon thunderstorms may return over the weekend but no strong or severe storms are expected. Some 80 degree high temperatures may also return over the weekend. 30 && .AVIATION... A line of strong to severe TSRAs to push into the region overnight This line should impact KMEM, KMKL, KJBR and to a lesser extent KTUP. Placed a tempo for s gusty winds as this line moves through. Expect light and variable winds after the line until southerly flow can re-establish. KTUP should see a couple rounds of SHRAs/TSRAs starting by sunrise and continuing into early afternoon. More SHRAs/TSRAs are expected to develop along the cold front that will push across the Mid-South Tuesday afternoon and evening. Best chances for redevelopment appear to be north of the TN/MS line. SJM && .AVIATION... && .MEG WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES... AR...None. MO...None. MS...None. TN...None. &&
Hazardous Weather Outlook National Weather Service Memphis TN 149 AM CDT Tue May 4 2021 ARZ009-018-026>028-035-036-048-049-058-MOZ113-115-MSZ001>017- 020>024-TNZ001>004-019>022-048>055-088>092-050900- Alcorn-Benton MS-Benton TN-Calhoun-Carroll-Chester-Chickasaw-Clay- Coahoma-Craighead-Crittenden-Crockett-Cross-DeSoto-Decatur- Dunklin-Dyer-Fayette-Gibson-Greene-Hardeman-Hardin-Haywood- Henderson-Henry-Itawamba-Lafayette-Lake-Lauderdale-Lee AR-Lee MS- Madison-Marshall-McNairy-Mississippi-Monroe-Obion-Panola-Pemiscot- Phillips-Poinsett-Pontotoc-Prentiss-Quitman-Shelby-St. Francis- Tallahatchie-Tate-Tippah-Tipton-Tishomingo-Tunica-Union-Weakley- Yalobusha- 149 AM CDT Tue May 4 2021 This hazardous weather outlook is for portions of East Arkansas... the Missouri Bootheel...North Mississippi...and West Tennessee. .DAY ONE...Tonight A Severe Thunderstorm Watch is in effect for portions of eastern Arkansas, the entire Missouri Bootheel, and all of west Tennessee through 8AM Tuesday morning. Damaging wind and very large hail are the main threats. See website for additional details. .DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Tuesday through Sunday Strong to severe thunderstorm threat will continue into Tuesday. Damaging wind, large hail and tornadoes are possible. See website for additional details. .SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT... Spotter activation will likely be needed overnight and Tuesday. Please relay any information about observed severe weather to the NWS while following all local, state, and CDC guidelines. AC3
PRELIMINARY LOCAL STORM REPORT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE MEMPHIS TN
225 AM CDT TUE MAY 04 2021
..TIME... ...EVENT... ...CITY LOCATION... ...LAT.LON...
..DATE... ....MAG.... ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
..REMARKS..
0211 AM TSTM WND DMG 5 N PARAGOULD 36.13N 90.51W
05/04/2021 GREENE AR FIRE DEPT/RESCUE
SEVERAL TREES ON HIGHWAY 34 EAST
&&
PWBPRELIMINARY LOCAL STORM REPORT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE MEMPHIS TN
228 AM CDT TUE MAY 04 2021
..TIME... ...EVENT... ...CITY LOCATION... ...LAT.LON...
..DATE... ....MAG.... ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
..REMARKS..
0215 AM TSTM WND DMG 2 E HARRISBURG 35.56N 90.68W
05/04/2021 POINSETT AR LAW ENFORCEMENT
TREES AND POWERLINES DOWN ON HIGHWAY 14 NEAR DAWSON
ROAD.
&&
MJPRELIMINARY LOCAL STORM REPORT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE MEMPHIS TN
240 AM CDT TUE MAY 04 2021
..TIME... ...EVENT... ...CITY LOCATION... ...LAT.LON...
..DATE... ....MAG.... ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
..REMARKS..
0215 AM TSTM WND DMG 1 S PARAGOULD 36.04N 90.51W
05/04/2021 GREENE AR FIRE DEPT/RESCUE
REPORT OF MOBILE HOME DESTROYED. UNKNOWN INJURIES.
&&
PWBPRELIMINARY LOCAL STORM REPORT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE MEMPHIS TN
246 AM CDT TUE MAY 04 2021
..TIME... ...EVENT... ...CITY LOCATION... ...LAT.LON...
..DATE... ....MAG.... ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
..REMARKS..
0211 AM TSTM WND DMG 5 N PARAGOULD 36.13N 90.51W
05/04/2021 GREENE AR FIRE DEPT/RESCUE
TREE DOWN ON CAR
&&
PWBPRELIMINARY LOCAL STORM REPORT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE MEMPHIS TN
249 AM CDT TUE MAY 04 2021
..TIME... ...EVENT... ...CITY LOCATION... ...LAT.LON...
..DATE... ....MAG.... ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
..REMARKS..
0235 AM HAIL MONETTE 35.89N 90.34W
05/04/2021 E1.00 INCH CRAIGHEAD AR SOCIAL MEDIA
&&
MJPRELIMINARY LOCAL STORM REPORT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE MEMPHIS TN
252 AM CDT TUE MAY 04 2021
..TIME... ...EVENT... ...CITY LOCATION... ...LAT.LON...
..DATE... ....MAG.... ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
..REMARKS..
0240 AM TSTM WND DMG BRAGG CITY 36.27N 89.91W
05/04/2021 PEMISCOT MO PUBLIC
POWER LINES DOWN IN BRAGG CITY.
&&
AC3The Paducah radar (KPAH), 99 km away, was scanning. The volume nearest the first event began at 08:02 UTC.
18 thunderstorm wind, 2 tornado, 1 hail, 1 lightning. Local standard time, as filed.
Trees and power lines were knocked down in the Tiptonville area. Highways 78 and 22 were blocked. A power pole was snapped in Tiptonville.
Widespread tree and roof damage in the Samburg area.
Straight-line winds tore the roof off home on Shawtown Road.
A few trees were knocked down in Dyer County.
Tornado damaged a 500-foot tower and antennas west of Union City. The tornado downed numerous trees, several of which fell on houses. Peak winds were estimated at 100 mph.
Thunderstorm winds damaged grain bins and storage buildings.
Straight-line winds knocked down trees and power lines along US Highway 51. A warehouse suffered roof and wall damage.
A few trees and power lines were knocked down in Lauderdale County. One traffic accident due to a car running into a downed tree.
Straight-line winds knocked down numerous trees and damaged several businesses and houses in central Union City.
Straight-line winds damaged a workshop and barn on Polk Station Road. A tractor barn was destroyed on Garrett Saw Mill Road. Grain bins and farm sheds were destroyed on Crockett Road.
Straight-line winds knocked down several large trees along Hurt Road. A large tree fell on and destroyed a home.
Trees and power lines were knocked down at Highway 45 and East Union Grove Road. Three irrigation rigs were damaged in the area.
Power lines were knocked down and five power poles were destroyed on Highway 45W north of Kenton.
Trees knocked down on Highway 22 east of Martin.
Straight-line winds knocked down numerous trees and power lines south of Dresden. Trees fell on a total of seven mobile homes resulting in significant damage. A fatality occurred in one of the mobile homes. A metal building was also damaged near Dresden.
Trees and power lines were knocked down across Paris. One mobile home was destroyed at a mobile home park on Memorial Drive. Several businesses were damaged. Most businesses received moderate damage to roofs, doors, and windows. In total 35 homes, five businesses, and a church were damaged across Henry County from this storm.
Straight-line winds knocked down trees and damaged several homes in the Puryear area. Several barns and outbuildings were destroyed as well. A parked tractor-trailer was blown over.
A weak tornado uprooted trees and damaged a few outbuildings. A few homes and vehicles were damaged from trees falling on them. Peak winds were estimated at 80 mph.
Straight-line winds knocked down trees from Highway 22 North to Corinth Road in the northeast part of Henderson County. Trees fell on Stanfill Road, Alberton Road near the Mazies Chapel Road intersection. A local CO-OP has their sign damaged and a greenhouse shifted three feet. A local trucking company had several empty trailers rolled. An outbuilding was also damaged and a tree fell on an unoccupied mobile home.
Trees and power lines down on Evanstown Road north of Parsons.
A home was struck by lightning and caught fire on Country Club Lane near Paris.
As the offices recorded each death: direct deaths were caused by the weather itself, indirect ones by something it set in motion.
| Event | Date | Age | Sex | Where | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Thunderstorm Wind, Weakley | 2021-05-04 | 49 | Female | Mobile/Trailer Home | Direct |
After NWS Directive 10-1605, the rules offices file Storm Data by.
Every storm in Tennessee in 2021Every state in 2021This day in weather historyThe tornado archive for Tennessee, 2021Warnings in Tennessee, May 2021
NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information, Storm Events Database, compiled from the National Weather Service’s monthly Storm Data. Complete through 2026-06; NCEI adds each month about 75 days after it ends and revises past years a few times a year. Rebuilt 2026-09-24. Each event’s entry at NCEI: 957574, 957575, 957576, 959222, 963110, 963111, 957578, 959225, 976737, 957580, 957581, 957579, 976732, 957583, 957582, 957584, 957585, 959241, 957587, 959240, 957586, 959223.