A strong upper level system moved through the Eastern United States late Tuesday into early Wednesday. The associated surface low pressure system pressed north northeast from the Lower Mississippi across the Mid South on its way across the Lower Ohio Valley. While there were reports of damaging straight line wind with some of the thunderstorms generated ahead of the system cold front, the main and concentrated areas of damage were associated with tornadic supercell thunderstorms. The supercell storms developed in an area of strong shear and sufficient; albeit weak instability. Tornadoes formed in a zone favorable to rotating thunderstorm updrafts just north of a warm frontal boundary across the Tennessee Valley of Alabama northeast through Southeast Tennessee. Three tornadoes developed during the early morning hours on Wednesday, November 30th; impacting McMinn, Polk, Marion, and Sequatchie counties.

Tornado in MCMINN, TENNESSEE
From 30-NOV-16 01:20:00 to 30-NOV-16 01:30:00 (EST-5)
Location: POPLAR HILL
Tornado F-scale: EF2
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

The tornado developed near the intersection of county road 700 and 705 where some minor tree damage was observed. The tornado maintained its intensity as it paralleled Cedar Springs Road and damaged a covered walkway just to the south of Athens along South Jackson Street. It continued to the northeast with the most catastrophic damage along its path occurring along Old Athens Madisonville Road where a few mobile homes were destroyed. The tornado weakened as it moved to the northeast with mostly tree damage; eventually lifting around the intersection of TN-307 and County Road 350. Two people were killed and twenty were injured as the tornado moved across the county.

Thunderstorm Wind in MARION, TENNESSEE
From 29-NOV-16 23:15:00 to 29-NOV-16 23:15:00 (CST-6)
Location: GLOVER HILL
Magnitude: 55.00 EG
Reported by: State Official

Trees and power lines were reported down.

Thunderstorm Wind in HAMILTON, TENNESSEE
From 30-NOV-16 05:25:00 to 30-NOV-16 05:25:00 (EST-5)
Location: CHICKAMAUGA
Magnitude: 60.00 EG
Reported by: State Official

Trees were reported down.

Thunderstorm Wind in KNOX, TENNESSEE
From 30-NOV-16 05:30:00 to 30-NOV-16 05:30:00 (EST-5)
Location: WEST KNOXVILLE
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Reported by: State Official

Several trees were reported down in Knoxville.

Thunderstorm Wind in BLEDSOE, TENNESSEE
From 29-NOV-16 23:30:00 to 29-NOV-16 23:30:00 (CST-6)
Location: NEW HARMONY
Magnitude: 55.00 EG
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Two semi truck trailers were overturned. Also, several structures were damaged and there were trees downed across the county.

Thunderstorm Wind in HAMILTON, TENNESSEE
From 30-NOV-16 00:40:00 to 30-NOV-16 00:40:00 (EST-5)
Location: SNOW HILL
Magnitude: 55.00 EG
Reported by: State Official

Trees and power lines were reported down.

Thunderstorm Wind in BRADLEY, TENNESSEE
From 30-NOV-16 05:35:00 to 30-NOV-16 05:35:00 (EST-5)
Location: EUREKA
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Reported by: Emergency Manager

One roof was removed completely from a home. Roof damage was reported at a nearby home and barn.

Thunderstorm Wind in BLEDSOE, TENNESSEE
From 29-NOV-16 22:45:00 to 29-NOV-16 22:45:00 (CST-6)
Location: PIKEVILLE
Magnitude: 55.00 EG
Reported by: Trained Spotter

A few trees and large tree limbs were reported down.

Thunderstorm Wind in MARION, TENNESSEE
From 29-NOV-16 23:10:00 to 29-NOV-16 23:10:00 (CST-6)
Location: MORGANVILLE
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Reported by: State Official

A roof was blown off a home and windows were blown out at 5071 Alvin York Highway at Powell Crossroads area. Minor damage was reported at another home where some power lines were downed at two chicken houses were destroyed.

Thunderstorm Wind in HAWKINS, TENNESSEE
From 30-NOV-16 06:20:00 to 30-NOV-16 06:20:00 (EST-5)
Location: ROGERSVILLE
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Several trees were reported down across the county.

Thunderstorm Wind in MARION, TENNESSEE
From 29-NOV-16 23:10:00 to 29-NOV-16 23:10:00 (CST-6)
Location: CONDRA
Magnitude: 55.00 EG
Reported by: Trained Spotter

A few trees were reported down in the New Hope community.

Thunderstorm Wind in MARION, TENNESSEE
From 29-NOV-16 23:45:00 to 29-NOV-16 23:45:00 (CST-6)
Location: OAK GROVE
Magnitude: 55.00 EG
Reported by: State Official

Trees and power lines were reported down.

Thunderstorm Wind in HAMILTON, TENNESSEE
From 30-NOV-16 00:48:00 to 30-NOV-16 00:48:00 (EST-5)
Location: SNOW HILL
Magnitude: 55.00 EG
Reported by: State Official

Trees and power lines were reported down.

Thunderstorm Wind in BRADLEY, TENNESSEE
From 30-NOV-16 01:00:00 to 30-NOV-16 01:00:00 (EST-5)
Location: EUREKA
Magnitude: 55.00 EG
Reported by: State Official

Doors were blown off a church building and power lines were reported down.

Thunderstorm Wind in BLOUNT, TENNESSEE
From 30-NOV-16 05:45:00 to 30-NOV-16 05:45:00 (EST-5)
Location: MARYVILLE
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Reported by: State Official

Numerous trees were reported down across the county.

Thunderstorm Wind in GRAINGER, TENNESSEE
From 30-NOV-16 06:25:00 to 30-NOV-16 06:25:00 (EST-5)
Location: BEAN STATION
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Reported by: State Official

A few trees were reported down.

Thunderstorm Wind in MCMINN, TENNESSEE
From 30-NOV-16 01:21:00 to 30-NOV-16 01:21:00 (EST-5)
Location: ATHENS
Magnitude: 55.00 EG
Reported by: Amateur Radio

At the intersection of state road 30 and 39 in Athens, a roof was blown off a building, other structures were damaged, trees were downed and roads were blocked south of Athens.

Thunderstorm Wind in MCMINN, TENNESSEE
From 30-NOV-16 01:30:00 to 30-NOV-16 01:30:00 (EST-5)
Location: FAIRVIEW
Magnitude: 55.00 EG
Reported by: Trained Spotter

Several homes were destroyed in Deerfield Estates. Injuries were reported.

Thunderstorm Wind in HAMILTON, TENNESSEE
From 30-NOV-16 06:30:00 to 30-NOV-16 06:30:00 (EST-5)
Location: CHICKAMAUGA
Magnitude: 55.00 EG
Reported by: Trained Spotter

A few trees were reported down on the west side of Chattanooga.

Thunderstorm Wind in SULLIVAN, TENNESSEE
From 30-NOV-16 10:30:00 to 30-NOV-16 10:30:00 (EST-5)
Location: BLOUNTVILLE
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Reported by: Department of Highways

Several trees were reported down.

Thunderstorm Wind in SULLIVAN, TENNESSEE
From 30-NOV-16 07:00:00 to 30-NOV-16 07:00:00 (EST-5)
Location: BRISTOL
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Reported by: Department of Highways

A few trees were reported down on roadways.

Thunderstorm Wind in MCMINN, TENNESSEE
From 30-NOV-16 01:30:00 to 30-NOV-16 01:30:00 (EST-5)
Location: ATHENS
Magnitude: 60.00 EG
Reported by: Trained Spotter

Damage was reported extending along a line from County Road 700 across Athens along Highway 307. Multiple reports of trees, downed power lines, and damage to homes were received.

Thunderstorm Wind in MCMINN, TENNESSEE
From 30-NOV-16 01:42:00 to 30-NOV-16 01:42:00 (EST-5)
Location: FAIRVIEW
Magnitude: 60.00 EG
Reported by: Trained Spotter

Trees were uprooted and a hole was punched in the roof of a residence.

Thunderstorm Wind in POLK, TENNESSEE
From 30-NOV-16 02:30:00 to 30-NOV-16 02:30:00 (EST-5)
Location: BENTON STATION
Magnitude: 70.00 EG
Reported by: Trained Spotter

Structural damage was reported to several buildings along highway 411 and Stump Street.

Tornado in SEQUATCHIE, TENNESSEE
From 29-NOV-16 23:04:00 to 29-NOV-16 23:12:00 (CST-6)
Location: CARTWRIGHT
Tornado F-scale: EF2
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

A tornado formed in far northern Marion County, about one half mile from the Sequatchie County border and quickly intensified to a strong EF-2 tornado with winds of 130 mph as it crossed into Sequatchie County. A double wide mobile home was completely destroyed and an adjacent church roof was heavily damaged. The tornado passed through a grove of trees snapping nearly all of them halfway up the trunk. The strong tornado passed through a farm and caused significant damage to a two story family home. This part of the tornado path was determined to be at the high end of the EF-2 rating. As the tornado continued along a northeasterly track, two additional homes were heavily damaged before moving along an unpopulated ridge. The tornado likely skipped along this ridge as it crossed Highway 127 and then crossed Highway 111. A mobile home roof was completely removed near the corner of Shell Road and Tri Mile Road along with numerous trees that were either uprooted or snapped. The damage track seemed to end near Snow Bird Lane and Raven Cliff Road. Rear flank downdraft damage was noted farther east along Lewis Chapel Road to about Laurelwood Trail. Major roof damage was seen along Natures Trail and Lewis Chapel Road where winds were estimated around 100 mph.

Thunderstorm Wind in LOUDON, TENNESSEE
From 30-NOV-16 02:08:00 to 30-NOV-16 02:08:00 (EST-5)
Location: JENA
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Reported by: Law Enforcement

Power lines were reported down.

Thunderstorm Wind in BRADLEY, TENNESSEE
From 30-NOV-16 02:25:00 to 30-NOV-16 02:25:00 (EST-5)
Location: CLEVELAND
Magnitude: 52.00 EG
Reported by: Trained Spotter

A wind gust of 59 miles an hour was reported.

Thunderstorm Wind in JEFFERSON, TENNESSEE
From 30-NOV-16 03:00:00 to 30-NOV-16 03:00:00 (EST-5)
Location: DANDRIDGE
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Reported by: Department of Highways

Several trees were reported down.

Thunderstorm Wind in KNOX, TENNESSEE
From 30-NOV-16 03:20:00 to 30-NOV-16 03:20:00 (EST-5)
Location: WEST KNOXVILLE
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Reported by: Broadcast Media

A building was damaged at Knox Glass Company.

High Wind in COCKE/SMOKY MOUNTAINS, TENNESSEE
From 28-NOV-16 07:45:00 to 28-NOV-16 07:45:00 (EST-5)
Magnitude: 61.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Newspaper

Highs winds caused heavy damage to the roof of the Smoky Mountain elementary school in Cosby. The cafeteria, library, and gymnasium suffered the most damage.

Thunderstorm Wind in SEQUATCHIE, TENNESSEE
From 30-NOV-16 02:30:00 to 30-NOV-16 02:30:00 (CST-6)
Location: CAGLE
Magnitude: 60.00 EG
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Several trees and power lines were reported down.

High Wind in SEVIER/SMOKY MOUNTAINS, TENNESSEE
From 30-NOV-16 03:00:00 to 30-NOV-16 03:00:00 (EST-5)
Magnitude: 66.00 MG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Park/Forest Service

The wind gust was recorded at Cove Mountain tower.

Flash Flood in HAMILTON, TENNESSEE
From 30-NOV-16 09:45:00 to 30-NOV-16 11:15:00 (EST-5)
Location: CHICKAMAUGA
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: 911 Call Center

A few roads were covered by water and partially closed.

Thunderstorm Wind in SEQUATCHIE, TENNESSEE
From 30-NOV-16 02:50:00 to 30-NOV-16 02:50:00 (CST-6)
Location: DUNLAP
Magnitude: 60.00 EG
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Trees and power lines were reported down.

Thunderstorm Wind in MEIGS, TENNESSEE
From 30-NOV-16 04:30:00 to 30-NOV-16 04:30:00 (EST-5)
Location: DECATUR
Magnitude: 55.00 EG
Reported by: Trained Spotter

Trees were reported down in the Decatur area.

Thunderstorm Wind in HAMILTON, TENNESSEE
From 30-NOV-16 04:30:00 to 30-NOV-16 04:30:00 (EST-5)
Location: CHICKAMAUGA
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Reported by: State Official

Trees were reported down.

Flash Flood in MONROE, TENNESSEE
From 30-NOV-16 10:15:00 to 30-NOV-16 11:30:00 (EST-5)
Location: MADISONVILLE
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: 911 Call Center

Several roads partially closed due to water.

Tornado in POLK, TENNESSEE
From 30-NOV-16 02:28:00 to 30-NOV-16 02:33:00 (EST-5)
Location: OCOEE
Tornado F-scale: EF3
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

The tornado formed south of Ocoee with several large trees snapped. It strengthened to an EF-2 and moved north northeast and collapsed a cell phone tower. It quickly increased to an EF-3 and heavily damaged a post office. Several more buildings were heavily damaged along with some manufactured homes. Two fatalities occurred in the manufactured housing. Twenty other people were injured in this area. The tornado weakened to an EF-0 as it moved northeast towards Benton. It snapped off the tops of a few pine trees.

Thunderstorm Wind in JOHNSON, TENNESSEE
From 30-NOV-16 05:15:00 to 30-NOV-16 05:15:00 (EST-5)
Location: MOUNTAIN CITY
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Reported by: Department of Highways

Several trees were downed and a utility building was blown over.

Thunderstorm Wind in MCMINN, TENNESSEE
From 30-NOV-16 05:00:00 to 30-NOV-16 05:00:00 (EST-5)
Location: ATHENS
Magnitude: 60.00 EG
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Trees and power lines were downed in the Athens area. Widespread power outages were reported.

Thunderstorm Wind in MONROE, TENNESSEE
From 30-NOV-16 05:20:00 to 30-NOV-16 05:20:00 (EST-5)
Location: MC GHEE
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Reported by: Trained Spotter

Trees were reported down.

Tornado in MARION, TENNESSEE
From 29-NOV-16 23:03:00 to 29-NOV-16 23:04:00 (CST-6)
Location: MORGANVILLE
Tornado F-scale: EF2
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

A tornado formed in far northern Marion County, about one half mile from the Sequatchie County border and quickly intensified to a strong EF-2 tornado with winds of 130 mph as it crossed into Sequatchie County. A double wide mobile home was completely destroyed and an adjacent church roof was heavily damaged. The tornado passed through a grove of trees snapping nearly all of them halfway up the trunk. The strong tornado passed through a farm and caused significant damage to a two story family home. This part of the tornado path was determined to be at the high end of the EF-2 rating. As the tornado continued along a northeasterly track, two additional homes were heavily damaged before moving along an unpopulated ridge. The tornado likely skipped along this ridge as it crossed Highway 127 and then crossed Highway 111. A mobile home roof was completely removed near the corner of Shell Road and Tri Mile Road along with numerous trees that were either uprooted or snapped. The damage track seemed to end near Snow Bird Lane and Raven Cliff Road. Rear flank downdraft damage was noted farther east along Lewis Chapel Road to about Laurelwood Trail. Major roof damage was seen along Natures Trail and Lewis Chapel Road where winds were estimated around 100 mph.