A deepening low pressure system moved northeast from the Mid Mississippi Valley through the Great Lakes initially driving a warm front northward through the Southern Appalachian region during the afternoon. The associated cold front swept across the area late Friday night. A one hundred knot upper level jet positioned over a 50 knot low level jet resulted in a strongly sheared environment. The intense shear and moderate instability produced an atmosphere conducive to long-lived, discrete, supercell thunderstorms. A total of 9 tornadoes ranging in intensity from EF-0 to EF-3 produced widespread damage and nearly 50 injuries to East Tennessee residents in the path of the storms.

Tornado in HAMILTON, TENNESSEE
From 02-MAR-12 12:41:00 to 02-MAR-12 12:53:00 (EST-5)
Location: BARTLEBAUGH
Tornado F-scale: EF3
Property damage: 28.00M
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

Harrison Tornado--Segment #1.  This tornado was the strongest of the day in the southeastern U.S.--rated a strong EF3 with 165 MPH maximum winds.  The tornado formed on a northward-extending peninsula in Lake Chickamauga, just north of the Booker T. Washington State Park. At this point, the tornado downed a few trees and caused some light structural damage.
The tornado then moved ENE and crossed Waconga Bay.  On the east side of the bay the tornado smashed a very large marina--Island Cove Marina--causing $6,000,000 in damage.  The tornado was a strong EF1 with about 110 mph winds.  The tornado track so far was about 2 miles long.
The tornado continued to strengthen as it went on land, crossed State Highway 58 and quickly strengthed to EF2.  Over the next two miles the path was a consistent EF2 to EF3 through several neighborhoods.  The worst damage was found along Short Tail Springs Road, Woodland Bay Drive and Davis Mill Circle.  The most intense damage was found near the intersection of Short Tail Springs Road and Woodland Bay Drive where many residences suffered EF3 damage with one residence wiped out.  Across, to the south of Short Tail Springs Road, an entire forest of trees was downed.
By the time the tornado left this neighborhood it was mainly EF2, went across another couple of inlets of the lake, and emerged as an EF1 by the time it crossed Ooltewah-Georgetown Rd, (CR 1145).  From here to the Bradley County line, the tornado continued to the ENE through rural areas oscillating between EF1 and low-end EF2 damage.  The tornado continued into and across Bradley, northern Polk County, and into southern McMinn County.  The total pathlength was 41 miles.
In Hamilton County, there were 30 injuries, including 6 serious injuries, but no fatalities. There were 80+ homes destroyed, 85+ homes with major damage with a total of 260+ with damage to about $20 Million.  Damage to public infrastructure totaled $2.1 Million.  Initial overall estimates exceeded $28 Million.
A Presidential Disaster was declared for this area.  EMA officials were amazed there were no deaths after seeing the intensity at some locations.
Note: The tornado had two turns in Hamilton County--a slight left turn at 35.1367/-85.1121 and another slight left turn (even farther left) at 35.1585/-85.0352.

Hail in MARION, TENNESSEE
From 02-MAR-12 17:06:00 to 02-MAR-12 17:06:00 (CST-6)
Location: GLOVER HILL
Magnitude: 1.75 
Reported by: Trained Spotter

A spotter reported golf-ball size hail at Grandview Medical Center near Jasper.

Hail in CAMPBELL, TENNESSEE
From 02-MAR-12 18:08:00 to 02-MAR-12 18:08:00 (EST-5)
Location: OSWEGO
Magnitude: 1.75 
Reported by: Public

Golf ball size hail was reported in downtown Jellico.

Hail in MCMINN, TENNESSEE
From 02-MAR-12 18:12:00 to 02-MAR-12 18:12:00 (EST-5)
Location: NIOTA
Magnitude: 0.75 
Reported by: Amateur Radio

Dime size hail was reported in Niota.

Thunderstorm Wind in ROANE, TENNESSEE
From 02-MAR-12 12:45:00 to 02-MAR-12 12:45:00 (EST-5)
Location: KINGSTON
Magnitude: 60.00 EG
Reported by: State Official

Several trees were reported down across the county.

Thunderstorm Wind in HAMILTON, TENNESSEE
From 02-MAR-12 13:30:00 to 02-MAR-12 13:30:00 (EST-5)
Location: SALE CREEK
Magnitude: 55.00 EG
Reported by: Department of Highways

Two trees were reported down in the northern part of the county in the vicinity of Sale Creek.

Thunderstorm Wind in SEQUATCHIE, TENNESSEE
From 02-MAR-12 14:45:00 to 02-MAR-12 14:45:00 (CST-6)
Location: DUNLAP
Magnitude: 65.00 EG
Reported by: State Official

A few trees were reported down in the vicinity of Dunlap.

Thunderstorm Wind in RHEA, TENNESSEE
From 02-MAR-12 17:45:00 to 02-MAR-12 17:45:00 (EST-5)
Location: MORGANTOWN
Magnitude: 60.00 EG
Reported by: State Official

Multiple trees were reported down near highway 27.

Tornado in POLK, TENNESSEE
From 02-MAR-12 13:13:00 to 02-MAR-12 13:25:00 (EST-5)
Location: PATTY
Tornado F-scale: EF1
Property damage: 1.45M
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

Harrison Tornado - Segment #3.  The Harrison Tornado struggled as it crossed the Hiwassee River from Bradley County as an EF0.  It remained an EF0 for about the next 6 miles as it only downed a few sporatic trees and larger limbs.  The tornado started to intensify again near Dentville Rd. and reached it's maximum strength of EF1 at 100 mph as it damaged a couple of single family houses on Columbus Rd., just north of Lindale Rd.
Along its path, 10 homes were damaged with a total estimate of $600K, 5 barns were destroyed with the total agricultural property losses totaling $800K.  Total infrastructure damages were $50K.  Grand total damages were nearly $1.5 Million.  There were no injuries.
Note: This tornado took the following turns:  entering the county moving almost due east along the Hiwassee River, then turning to the left near 35.2289/-84.6988, then turning to the right as it intensified near 35.2596/-84.6246. It continued on this track to the McMinn County line.

Hail in BLOUNT, TENNESSEE
From 02-MAR-12 19:00:00 to 02-MAR-12 19:00:00 (EST-5)
Location: MARYVILLE
Magnitude: 1.00 
Reported by: State Official

Quarter size hail was reported in Maryville.

Tornado in MCMINN, TENNESSEE
From 02-MAR-12 13:25:00 to 02-MAR-12 13:35:00 (EST-5)
Location: COGHILL
Tornado F-scale: EF2
Property damage: 2.00M
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

Harrison Tornado - Segment #4.  The Harrison Tornado continued to intensify again as it crossed from Polk into McMinn County.  It was an EF1 at 100 MPH when it crossed the county line but quickly elevated to an EF2, and reached its maximum strength only about 1 1/2 miles inside McMinn County as an EF2 at 130 MPH where it caused heavy damage to several rural homes.
The tornado then continued to the northeast slowly weakening, crossed U.S. Highway 411, then started to climb the terrain on the north end of Starr Mountain where it dissipated.  This storm went on to produce another tornado in Monroe County.
In McMinn County 37 homes and mobile homes were damaged.  Four homes and seven mobile homes were destroyed.  Property damages totaled about $2 Million.  There were 7 injuries.
This tornado ended in McMinn County, but crossed parts of four counties, had an over pathlength of 41 miles and caused 44 injuries.

Tornado in MONROE, TENNESSEE
From 02-MAR-12 13:47:00 to 02-MAR-12 14:03:00 (EST-5)
Location: TELLICO PLAINS
Tornado F-scale: EF2
Property damage: 5.00M
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

An EF-2 tornado touched down in Tellico Plains, leaving a path of destruction 14 miles long through downtown and crossed Hwy 360 to Ballplay Road, and into the Citico Wilderness area. Property damage to residential and commercial buildings was extensive (30 buildings), but, although there were 3 injuries, miraculously, there were no fatalities. One of the TDS buildings and the police department annex were destroyed. The cabins, main lodge and pavilion at the KOA Campground were leveled. Downed, broken, and uprooted trees cover hillsides and roadsides in the tornado's path.

Hail in SCOTT, TENNESSEE
From 02-MAR-12 19:30:00 to 02-MAR-12 19:30:00 (EST-5)
Location: ONEIDA
Magnitude: 1.75 
Reported by: Public

Golf ball size hail was reported in Oneida.

Hail in BRADLEY, TENNESSEE
From 02-MAR-12 19:50:00 to 02-MAR-12 19:50:00 (EST-5)
Location: MC DONALD
Magnitude: 1.00 
Reported by: Amateur Radio

Quarter size hail was reported near McDonald.

Hail in BRADLEY, TENNESSEE
From 02-MAR-12 20:00:00 to 02-MAR-12 20:00:00 (EST-5)
Location: WATERVILLE
Magnitude: 1.25 
Reported by: Amateur Radio

Half dollar size hail was reported near Waterville.

Thunderstorm Wind in HAWKINS, TENNESSEE
From 02-MAR-12 23:00:00 to 02-MAR-12 23:00:00 (EST-5)
Location: CHURCH HILL
Magnitude: 55.00 EG
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Several trees were reported down in Church Hill.

Tornado in KNOX, TENNESSEE
From 02-MAR-12 22:00:00 to 02-MAR-12 22:01:00 (EST-5)
Location: WOODDALE
Tornado F-scale: EF0
Property damage: 20.00K
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

An EF0 tornado with maximum winds of 80 mph and maximum width of 100 yards produced a damage track 2.1 miles in length three miles south of Mascot. Along the path, sporadic tree damage was noted. Also, a mobile home was pushed over on its side.

Tornado in KNOX, TENNESSEE
From 02-MAR-12 21:33:00 to 02-MAR-12 21:34:00 (EST-5)
Location: BYRDS CHAPEL
Tornado F-scale: EF0
Property damage: 1.00K
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

The tornado occurred three miles north of Farragut and was rated an EF0 with maximum winds around 80 mph. The maximum path width of the tornado was 70 yards while the length of the damage path extended for about a third of a mile. A few trees were downed along the damage path.

Hail in MARION, TENNESSEE
From 02-MAR-12 11:10:00 to 02-MAR-12 11:10:00 (CST-6)
Location: GLOVER HILL
Magnitude: 1.00 
Reported by: Public

Quarter size hail was reported at Jasper.

Hail in BLEDSOE, TENNESSEE
From 02-MAR-12 15:12:00 to 02-MAR-12 15:12:00 (CST-6)
Location: PIKEVILLE
Magnitude: 0.88 
Reported by: State Official

Nickel size hail was reported at Pikeville.

Hail in LOUDON, TENNESSEE
From 02-MAR-12 16:25:00 to 02-MAR-12 16:25:00 (EST-5)
Location: HIGHLAND PARK
Magnitude: 1.00 
Reported by: State Official

Quarter size hail was reported near Lenoir City.

Hail in MARION, TENNESSEE
From 02-MAR-12 17:00:00 to 02-MAR-12 17:00:00 (CST-6)
Location: SOUTH PITTSBURG
Magnitude: 1.00 
Reported by: NWS Employee

Quarter size hail was reported in South Pittsburg.

Hail in MARION, TENNESSEE
From 02-MAR-12 17:00:00 to 02-MAR-12 17:00:00 (CST-6)
Location: ANTIOCH
Magnitude: 2.75 
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Baseball size hail was reported approximately three miles southwest of Jasper. Windshields were shattered on several automobiles in the area.

Hail in HAMILTON, TENNESSEE
From 02-MAR-12 18:30:00 to 02-MAR-12 18:30:00 (EST-5)
Location: LUPTON CITY
Magnitude: 1.00 
Reported by: Public

Quarter size hail was reported at Red Bank.

Hail in HAMILTON, TENNESSEE
From 02-MAR-12 18:31:00 to 02-MAR-12 18:31:00 (EST-5)
Location: CHICKAMAUGA
Magnitude: 1.75 
Reported by: NWS Employee

Baseball size hail was reported in Chattanooga.

Hail in HAMILTON, TENNESSEE
From 02-MAR-12 18:36:00 to 02-MAR-12 18:36:00 (EST-5)
Location: CHICKAMAUGA
Magnitude: 2.50 
Reported by: Public

Tennis ball size hail was reported on highway 27 in Chattanooga.

Hail in CAMPBELL, TENNESSEE
From 02-MAR-12 20:00:00 to 02-MAR-12 20:00:00 (EST-5)
Location: OSWEGO
Magnitude: 1.75 
Reported by: State Official

Golf ball size hail was reported in Jellico.

Hail in ROANE, TENNESSEE
From 02-MAR-12 21:24:00 to 02-MAR-12 21:24:00 (EST-5)
Location: OLIVER SPGS
Magnitude: 1.00 
Reported by: Public

Quarter size hail was reported in Oliver Springs.

Thunderstorm Wind in COCKE, TENNESSEE
From 02-MAR-12 22:45:00 to 02-MAR-12 22:45:00 (EST-5)
Location: WHITE ROCK
Magnitude: 60.00 EG
Reported by: State Official

Several trees were reported down in the vicinity of Cosby.

Hail in HAMILTON, TENNESSEE
From 02-MAR-12 18:43:00 to 02-MAR-12 18:43:00 (EST-5)
Location: SILVERDALE
Magnitude: 1.25 
Reported by: Public

Half dollar size hail was reported three miles west of Ooltewah.

Hail in ANDERSON, TENNESSEE
From 02-MAR-12 21:35:00 to 02-MAR-12 21:35:00 (EST-5)
Location: EDGEMOOR
Magnitude: 1.50 
Reported by: Public

Ping pong ball size hail was reported near Claxton.

Hail in ANDERSON, TENNESSEE
From 02-MAR-12 21:40:00 to 02-MAR-12 21:40:00 (EST-5)
Location: SOUTH CLINTON
Magnitude: 1.00 
Reported by: Trained Spotter

Quarter size hail was reported in Clinton.

Tornado in CLAIBORNE, TENNESSEE
From 02-MAR-12 20:26:00 to 02-MAR-12 20:30:00 (EST-5)
Location: FIBRE
Tornado F-scale: EF2
Property damage: 500.00K
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

An EF-2 tornado with a maximum wind speed of 120 mph created a damage path 2.6 miles in length and 250 yards wide across the northern part of Harrogate. Along the tornado track, 5 homes were destroyed, 7 suffered major damage, and 17 had minor damage. Also, four residents were injured in the storm.

Thunderstorm Wind in RHEA, TENNESSEE
From 02-MAR-12 16:30:00 to 02-MAR-12 16:30:00 (EST-5)
Location: SPRING CITY
Magnitude: 65.00 EG
Reported by: Utility Company

Volunteer Electric reported multiple power lines down due to fallen trees across the county.

Thunderstorm Wind in RHEA, TENNESSEE
From 02-MAR-12 18:10:00 to 02-MAR-12 18:10:00 (EST-5)
Location: MORGANTOWN
Magnitude: 55.00 EG
Reported by: State Official

Several trees were reported down near Dayton.

Thunderstorm Wind in MCMINN, TENNESSEE
From 02-MAR-12 18:45:00 to 02-MAR-12 18:45:00 (EST-5)
Location: NIOTA
Magnitude: 55.00 EG
Reported by: Utility Company

Volunteer Electric reported multiple power lines down from fallen trees.

Thunderstorm Wind in ROANE, TENNESSEE
From 02-MAR-12 21:15:00 to 02-MAR-12 21:15:00 (EST-5)
Location: KINGSTON
Magnitude: 55.00 EG
Reported by: State Official

Several trees down across the county.

Thunderstorm Wind in SEQUATCHIE, TENNESSEE
From 02-MAR-12 22:45:00 to 02-MAR-12 22:45:00 (CST-6)
Location: CAGLE
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Reported by: State Official

Two trees were reported down near Cagle.

Tornado in BRADLEY, TENNESSEE
From 02-MAR-12 12:53:00 to 02-MAR-12 13:13:00 (EST-5)
Location: BAUGH SPG
Tornado F-scale: EF2
Property damage: 3.84M
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

Harrison Tornado - Segment #2.  The Harrison Tornado entered western Bradley County near the saddlepoint along a ridgeline named Mahan Gap.  It roughly followed Harrison Pike ENE for about 4 miles, until the highway turned off to the south.  The tornado continued into the northern parts of the city of Cleveland and then across the remainder of the county into Polk County.
The tornado was near its strongest in the first mile or two into Bradley County where it downed vast swaths of trees along the highway.  The maximum estimated winds were 130 MPH, making it a high EF2 at its peak.  This area was very rugged with no houses near the county line.
Overall there were 46 houses that were damaged, included 5 destroyed, and 11 with major damage, as well as 41 other homes that were affected.  Two businesses and three barns were destroyed.  Overall monetary damages totaled $3.2 Million damage to homes, $640K to business, and $300K to Utilities, totaling to almost $4 Million.  There were 7 injuries; all treated and released.
The last few miles in Bradley County the tornado weakened to EF1 and then to a minimal EF0 as it crossed the Hiwassee River into Polk County.
Note: this tornado had the following turns: slightly to the left at 35.2002/-84.8521 and sharper to the right (almost due east) at 35.2265/-84.8051, then continued to the county line.

Thunderstorm Wind in MARION, TENNESSEE
From 02-MAR-12 11:04:00 to 02-MAR-12 11:04:00 (CST-6)
Location: MT OLIVE
Magnitude: 65.00 EG
Reported by: Emergency Manager

A recreational vehicle was blown over one mile west of Whitwell.

Thunderstorm Wind in RHEA, TENNESSEE
From 02-MAR-12 12:10:00 to 02-MAR-12 12:10:00 (EST-5)
Location: SPRING CITY
Magnitude: 65.00 EG
Reported by: Utility Company

Volunteer Electric reported multiple power lines down from fallen trees.

Thunderstorm Wind in ROANE, TENNESSEE
From 02-MAR-12 17:30:00 to 02-MAR-12 17:30:00 (EST-5)
Location: KINGSTON
Magnitude: 60.00 EG
Reported by: Utility Company

Volunteer Electric reported multiple power lines down due to fallen trees across the county.

Thunderstorm Wind in HAMILTON, TENNESSEE
From 02-MAR-12 17:45:00 to 02-MAR-12 17:45:00 (EST-5)
Location: SALE CREEK
Magnitude: 55.00 EG
Reported by: State Official

Two trees were reported down in the northern part of the county.

Thunderstorm Wind in BLEDSOE, TENNESSEE
From 02-MAR-12 16:45:00 to 02-MAR-12 16:45:00 (CST-6)
Location: BRAYTON
Magnitude: 55.00 EG
Reported by: State Official

Several trees were reported down across the county.

Thunderstorm Wind in MCMINN, TENNESSEE
From 02-MAR-12 18:20:00 to 02-MAR-12 18:20:00 (EST-5)
Location: NIOTA
Magnitude: 60.00 EG
Reported by: Utility Company

A few trees were reported down on power lines.

Tornado in RHEA, TENNESSEE
From 02-MAR-12 17:52:00 to 02-MAR-12 17:55:00 (EST-5)
Location: DAYTON ARPT
Tornado F-scale: EF0
Property damage: 10.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

This tornado formed east of Dayton and moved to the east-northeast.  It destroyed one shed, caused light to moderate damage to four barns, and knocked down several trees along its path through rural areas, south of Highway 30.  The maximum wind was estimated at 80 mph.

Tornado in MARION, TENNESSEE
From 02-MAR-12 11:15:00 to 02-MAR-12 11:16:00 (CST-6)
Location: GUILD
Tornado F-scale: EF1
Property damage: 3.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

This tornado formed on the western bank of Nickajack Lake just north of Hales Bar Marina.  The maximum wind was estimated at 100 mph.  The tornado crossed the lake and snapped tree limbs and downed trees on the east shore of the lake, then dissipated before reaching US Highway 41.

Thunderstorm Wind in ROANE, TENNESSEE
From 02-MAR-12 12:40:00 to 02-MAR-12 12:40:00 (EST-5)
Location: PAINT ROCK
Magnitude: 70.00 EG
Reported by: State Official

Numerous trees and power lines were reported down six miles northwest of Philadelphia.

Thunderstorm Wind in POLK, TENNESSEE
From 02-MAR-12 19:25:00 to 02-MAR-12 19:25:00 (EST-5)
Location: RELIANCE
Magnitude: 60.00 EG
Reported by: State Official

Several trees were reported down eight miles east southeast of Benton.

Thunderstorm Wind in GRAINGER, TENNESSEE
From 02-MAR-12 21:45:00 to 02-MAR-12 21:45:00 (EST-5)
Location: BLAINE
Magnitude: 55.00 EG
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Several trees were reported down at Blaine.

Thunderstorm Wind in SEVIER, TENNESSEE
From 02-MAR-12 22:15:00 to 02-MAR-12 22:15:00 (EST-5)
Location: DU PONT
Magnitude: 60.00 EG
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Numerous trees were reported down in the eastern half of the county.

Thunderstorm Wind in COCKE, TENNESSEE
From 02-MAR-12 22:45:00 to 02-MAR-12 22:45:00 (EST-5)
Location: NORTHPORT
Magnitude: 60.00 EG
Reported by: State Official

Several trees were reported down in Newport.

Tornado in MARION, TENNESSEE
From 02-MAR-12 17:10:00 to 02-MAR-12 17:11:00 (CST-6)
Location: GUILD
Tornado F-scale: EF1
Property damage: 2.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

This tornado formed near the eastern shore of Nickajack Lake, just north of Hales Bar Marina and 1/4 mile south of the tornado path from 6 hours earlier.  The winds were estimated up to 100 mph.  Tree limbs were snapped and several trees were downed.

Tornado in CLAIBORNE, TENNESSEE
From 02-MAR-12 20:45:00 to 02-MAR-12 20:50:00 (EST-5)
Location: UNION
Tornado F-scale: EF1
Property damage: 100.00K
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

This tornado formed in Claiborne County, TN, then moved northeast into Lee County, VA.  In Claiborne County, the tornado was rated as EF1 with maximum winds of 90 mph.  It damaged 5 homes, with one home receiving major damage.  It also downed numerous trees.
The combined tornado path for Claiborne and Lee Counties extended 4.9 miles.

Thunderstorm Wind in ROANE, TENNESSEE
From 02-MAR-12 13:40:00 to 02-MAR-12 13:40:00 (EST-5)
Location: WATTS BAR LAKE NORTH
Magnitude: 60.00 EG
Reported by: State Official

Several trees were reported down across the county.

Hail in MCMINN, TENNESSEE
From 02-MAR-12 13:33:00 to 02-MAR-12 13:33:00 (EST-5)
Location: ETOWAH
Magnitude: 1.00 
Reported by: Trained Spotter

Quarter size hail was reported at Etowah.