December 10, 2021, was unseasonably warm over the region. Temperatures broke several long-standing records. Memphis hit 80��F which broke a 103-year-old high-temperature record.
A strong upper-level trough was approaching from the west, providing strong lift within the unseasonably warm and unstable air mass.  MLCAPE reached the 1500-2000 J/kg range by 6 PM. The wind field was impressive with plenty of vertical wind shear needed for organized thunderstorms. Effective 0-1 km storm-relative helicity values ranged from 300-400 m2/s2 with effective bulk shear values of 70 knots - more than sufficient to support discrete supercells in the warm sector ahead of the cold front.
The first supercell developed in central Arkansas and tracked into northeast Arkansas producing a few weak tornadoes initially before intensifying across eastern Craighead and Mississippi Counties and killing two people. The tornado eventually strengthened into an EF-4 while moving through the Missouri Bootheel, resulting in 2 direct and one indirect fatality in Pemiscot County. The tornado then tracked across the Mississippi River into northwest Tennessee, producing an additional 4 fatalities near Reelfoot Lake. This tornado lifted for a brief time in Obion County, reorganized, and then moved into Kentucky. All told, the mesocyclone tracked for over 300 miles and was producing tornadoes for over 250 miles. This storm was responsible for at least 9 fatalities and many injuries in the NWS Memphis CWA along with millions of dollars of damage.
As the initial supercell was crossing the state line into Kentucky, a string of supercells was moving into eastern Arkansas. A few brief tornadoes produced minor damage near Cash in western Craighead County and in the Fisher area of western Poinsett County. As the dominant supercell moved into eastern Poinsett County, the mesocyclone quickly intensified and the storm produced an EF-2 tornado in Trumann with several injuries and widespread damage.
A new supercell developed in Mississippi County causing straight-line wind damage initially. This supercell intensified as it crossed the Mississippi River and produced another long-track tornado starting in Dyer County,  Tennessee. This tornado tracked east-northeast across northwest Tennessee into Henry County, and eventually into Kentucky. This tornado was rated EF-3 and resulted in several injuries with Kenton and Dresden, Tennessee being the hardest hit.
The convection eventually evolved into a QLCS as it moved east. A mesovortex developed south of I-40 near Jackson that resulted in 3 tornadoes across eastern Madison, Henderson, and Decatur Counties including an EF-2. Non-tornadic storms moved across the Memphis metropolitan area, producing straight-line wind damage as a mesovortex moved through the city. A fatality was reported in Shelby County after a large tree fell on a home in South Memphis. Later that night, an EF-1 tornado occurred in Prentiss County before the severe weather threat began to wind down around 6 AM on December 11, 2021.
In total, there were 18 tornadoes across the NWS Memphis CWA.  Along with tornadoes, several incidents of wind damage and minor flash flooding also occurred.

Tornado in OBION, TENNESSEE
From 10-DEC-21 20:39:00 to 10-DEC-21 20:40:00 (CST-6)
Location: SPOUT SPGS
Tornado F-scale: EF1
Property damage: 5.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

A brief tornado uprooted trees along Marvin Vaught Road northeast of Samburg. Peak winds were estimated at 90 mph.

Tornado in OBION, TENNESSEE
From 10-DEC-21 20:43:00 to 10-DEC-21 20:44:00 (CST-6)
Location: DIXIE
Tornado F-scale: EF0
Property damage: 5.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

A brief tornado damaged trees along Highway 22 west of Union City. Peak winds were estimated at 70 mph.

Tornado in LAKE, TENNESSEE
From 10-DEC-21 20:10:00 to 10-DEC-21 20:13:00 (CST-6)
Location: HATHAWAY
Tornado F-scale: EF2
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

The tornado tracked along the oxbows of the Mississippi River between Pemiscot County, Missouri, and Lake County, Tennessee. Aerial and satellite imagery showed ground scouring marks in this area across the Mississippi River.

Tornado in OBION, TENNESSEE
From 10-DEC-21 20:54:00 to 10-DEC-21 20:56:00 (CST-6)
Location: WOODLAND MILLS
Tornado F-scale: EF0
Property damage: 25.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

The supercell that produced the long track EF-4 tornado from Craighead County, Arkansas into western Obion County, Tennessee reintensified and formed another tornado in northern Obion County near Woodland Mills. A home suffered roof damage on Woodland Mills Road and trees were uprooted north of Woodland Mills. The tornado then crossed into Fulton County and eventually intensified into an EF-4 as it approached Mayfield, Kentucky. Peak winds in Obion County were estimated at 75 mph.

Thunderstorm Wind in SHELBY, TENNESSEE
From 11-DEC-21 00:05:00 to 11-DEC-21 00:10:00 (CST-6)
Location: BUNTYN
Magnitude: 65.00 EG
Property damage: 250.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Numerous trees were knocked down from Orange Mound into East Buntyn. Several trees fell onto houses and vehicles. A fatality occurred when a large tree landed on a house.

Thunderstorm Wind in SHELBY, TENNESSEE
From 11-DEC-21 00:01:00 to 11-DEC-21 00:06:00 (CST-6)
Location: RUGBY
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Property damage: 2.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

A tree was knocked down across Alta Vista Avenue in Frasyer.

Thunderstorm Wind in SHELBY, TENNESSEE
From 11-DEC-21 00:17:00 to 11-DEC-21 00:22:00 (CST-6)
Location: ELLENDALE
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Public

A tree fell on a home on Broadway, causing significant damage to the structure.

Thunderstorm Wind in SHELBY, TENNESSEE
From 11-DEC-21 00:50:00 to 11-DEC-21 00:55:00 (CST-6)
Location: BAILEY
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Employee

A tree and utility pole was knocked down on Frank Road near Houston Levee.

Thunderstorm Wind in MADISON, TENNESSEE
From 11-DEC-21 01:20:00 to 11-DEC-21 01:25:00 (CST-6)
Location: OAKFIELD
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Property damage: 3.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Public

A tree fell on a fence in Oakfield. The siding was blown off parts of the house.

Thunderstorm Wind in HENDERSON, TENNESSEE
From 11-DEC-21 01:51:00 to 11-DEC-21 01:56:00 (CST-6)
Location: ALBERTON
Magnitude: 74.00 EG
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

Trees were uprooted in Natchez Trace State Park south of the EF-2 tornado track.

Thunderstorm Wind in DECATUR, TENNESSEE
From 11-DEC-21 01:59:00 to 11-DEC-21 02:04:00 (CST-6)
Location: YELLOW SPGS
Magnitude: 65.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

Straight-line winds caused roof damage to outbuildings on Prospect Road in northwest Decatur County.

Thunderstorm Wind in OBION, TENNESSEE
From 10-DEC-21 20:41:00 to 10-DEC-21 20:46:00 (CST-6)
Location: PROTEMUS
Magnitude: 70.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

Trees snapped on Cecil Roberts Road in Obion County.

Tornado in LAKE, TENNESSEE
From 10-DEC-21 20:18:00 to 10-DEC-21 20:30:00 (CST-6)
Location: MOORING
Tornado F-scale: EF4
Property damage: 4.50M
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

After traveling along the Mississippi River the tornado crossed into Lake County, Tennessee southwest of Wynnburg. The tornado significantly damaged trees with debarking southwest of Wynnburg. Homes and shop buildings suffered substantial damage north of Wynnburg. The tornado approached the Reelfoot Lake area and caused significant damage to a hotel, convenience store, restaurant, and camping facilities in the Cypress Point area. Three fatalities occurred in this area. On the southeast shore of Reelfoot Lake, the tornado damaged cabins and numerous recreational vehicles that were parked in a storage area. The tornado then crossed into Obion County, Tennessee. Peak winds in Lake County were estimated at 165-170 mph.

Hail in GIBSON, TENNESSEE
From 10-DEC-21 22:55:00 to 10-DEC-21 23:00:00 (CST-6)
Location: DYER
Magnitude: 1.00 
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

Quarter-sized hail fell four miles north of Dyer.

Hail in SHELBY, TENNESSEE
From 11-DEC-21 00:26:00 to 11-DEC-21 00:31:00 (CST-6)
Location: SHELBY FARMS
Magnitude: 0.88 
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Storm Chaser

Nickel-sized hail fell near East Memphis.

Tornado in OBION, TENNESSEE
From 10-DEC-21 20:30:00 to 10-DEC-21 20:36:00 (CST-6)
Location: LASSITER CORNER
Tornado F-scale: EF2
Property damage: 2.50M
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

The tornado crossed from Lake County to Obion County. The tornado's width was shrinking as it approached Samburg, however, it was still strong enough to damage homes, businesses, and city buildings in Samburg. Many homes suffered partial roof loss, and several mobile homes were separated from their undercarriages. A recreational vehicle in a mobile home park along Lake Drive in Samburg was destroyed, resulting in one fatality. The tornado continued northeast from Samburg, damaging several homes along Old Samburg Road. The last observed damage was west of Treece Road. Peak winds in Obion County were estimated at 130 mph.

Flash Flood in SHELBY, TENNESSEE
From 11-DEC-21 01:30:00 to 11-DEC-21 03:30:00 (CST-6)
Location: NORTH
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Numerous reports of flooding across the Downtown and Midtown areas of Memphis.

Tornado in HENDERSON, TENNESSEE
From 11-DEC-21 01:40:00 to 11-DEC-21 01:58:00 (CST-6)
Location: SAND RIDGE
Tornado F-scale: EF2
Property damage: 4.00M
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

The tornado began just southwest of US-412 off Pine Crest Drive where several trees were damaged. The tornado crossed US-412 and destroyed an outbuilding then moved northeast towards Highway 104 and damaged the roof of a home. It continued to move northeast across northern Beech Lake and produced more damage in the Timberlake community. A couple of metal power poles were bent and a couple of metal buildings were significantly damaged or destroyed in an industrial park. The most significant damage occurred just east of this area where two TVA transmission towers were completely destroyed. The tornado then continued traveling northeast into Natchez Trace State Park snapping and de-barking numerous trees along its path. One injury was reported in the area of Timberlake Wildersville Road. Peak winds were estimated to be 135 mph.

Tornado in DYER, TENNESSEE
From 10-DEC-21 22:32:00 to 10-DEC-21 22:38:00 (CST-6)
Location: NEWBERN
Tornado F-scale: EF2
Property damage: 650.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

The first observed damage was in Newbern, Tennesee near Washington Street. A convenience store was heavily damaged. Several outbuildings were damaged in Newbern. The elementary school and an auto shop suffered roof damage. The tornado moved northeast, uprooting and snapping numerous trees along its path, and then moved into Gibson County. Peak winds were estimated at 135 mph in Dyer County.

Tornado in GIBSON, TENNESSEE
From 10-DEC-21 22:38:00 to 10-DEC-21 22:48:00 (CST-6)
Location: COOL SPGS
Tornado F-scale: EF3
Property damage: 4.00M
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

The tornado crossed from Dyer County into Gibson County and continued northeast, uprooting and snapping trees. Several homes had significant roof damage as the tornado moved across rural parts of the county. The tornado strengthened as it approached the city of Kenton causing significant damage to numerous homes. The tornado then crossed into Obion County. Peak winds were estimated at 140 mph in Gibson County.

Tornado in OBION, TENNESSEE
From 10-DEC-21 22:48:00 to 10-DEC-21 22:50:00 (CST-6)
Location: KENTON
Tornado F-scale: EF2
Property damage: 250.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

The tornado moved from Gibson County into the southeast corner of Obion County. The tornado uprooted and snapped trees along its path and heavily damaged a couple of homes on Sidonia Kenton Road. The tornado then crossed back into Gibson County. Peak winds were estimated at 125 mph in Obion County.

Tornado in FAYETTE, TENNESSEE
From 11-DEC-21 00:40:00 to 11-DEC-21 00:41:00 (CST-6)
Location: LAMBERT
Tornado F-scale: EF0
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Broadcast Media

A weak tornado touched down in rural Fayette County. No damage was observed.

Thunderstorm Wind in SHELBY, TENNESSEE
From 11-DEC-21 00:45:00 to 11-DEC-21 00:50:00 (CST-6)
Location: CAPLEVILLE
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

A tree fell on a house on East Shelby Drive and a utility pole was knocked down on Castle Heights Drive.

Tornado in MADISON, TENNESSEE
From 11-DEC-21 01:32:00 to 11-DEC-21 01:36:00 (CST-6)
Location: BEECH BLUFF
Tornado F-scale: EF1
Property damage: 550.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

The tornado began on Beech Bluff Road near Ranger Road where a tree was uprooted and a metal outbuilding was damaged. The tornado then moved east-northeast where a home sustained significant roof damage near the intersection of Beech Bluff Road and Willoughby Road. It then moved northeast where a couple of homes sustained roof and siding damage near the intersection of Fowler and Old Jackson-Lexington Road. The tornado then moved northeast where an outbuilding and small building were destroyed. In total, 15 to 20 homes suffered at least some damage in Madison County.  The tornado then moved into Henderson County. Peak winds were estimated to be 100 mph in Madison County.

Tornado in HENRY, TENNESSEE
From 10-DEC-21 23:18:00 to 10-DEC-21 23:48:00 (CST-6)
Location: COTTAGE GROVE
Tornado F-scale: EF3
Property damage: 4.00M
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

The tornado crossed from Weakley County into Henry County. The tornado damaged or destroyed several homes near Cottage Grove. The tornado continued northeast toward Buchanan mostly uprooting and snapping trees. A few homes and mobile homes were damaged near Buchanan. As the tornado approached Kentucky Lake several mobile homes were significantly damaged. The tornado then crossed into Calloway County, Kentucky. Peak winds in Henry County were estimated at 150 mph.

Tornado in OBION, TENNESSEE
From 10-DEC-21 20:41:00 to 10-DEC-21 20:44:00 (CST-6)
Location: PROTEMUS
Tornado F-scale: EF0
Property damage: 100.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

A tornado damaged trees and storage buildings along Shawtown Road. Peak winds were estimated at 80 mph.

Thunderstorm Wind in OBION, TENNESSEE
From 10-DEC-21 20:36:00 to 10-DEC-21 20:41:00 (CST-6)
Location: ANTIOCH
Magnitude: 65.00 EG
Property damage: 25.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

Straight-line winds damaged several outbuildings and caused tree damage along West Shawtown Road.

Tornado in DECATUR, TENNESSEE
From 11-DEC-21 02:00:00 to 11-DEC-21 02:07:00 (CST-6)
Location: YELLOW SPGS
Tornado F-scale: EF1
Property damage: 200.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

The tornado initially touched down southwest of Inman Ridge and just east of Willow Creek in western Decatur County. It moved due east and hit a mobile home on the corner of Ora Bawcum Lane and Verlie Inman Road. At this location, several trees were snapped at their base, one of which fell onto and demolished half of the mobile home. Insulation and debris from the home were lofted and scattered into a nearby field. The tornado continued along an easterly path through the community of Yellow Springs and crossed over US-641 and into the southern part of Sugar Tree. Intermittent tree damage was noted on high-resolution satellite imagery along its path. The tornado then continues into Benton County. Peak winds were estimated to be 90 mph in Decatur County.

Tornado in BENTON, TENNESSEE
From 11-DEC-21 02:07:00 to 11-DEC-21 02:08:00 (CST-6)
Location: MC ILLWAIN
Tornado F-scale: EF0
Property damage: 20.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

The tornado crossed into Benton County from Decatur County. Tree damage was noted along the path. The tornado lifted near Redbud Lane. Peak winds were estimated to be 80 mph in Benton County.

Tornado in WEAKLEY, TENNESSEE
From 10-DEC-21 22:51:00 to 10-DEC-21 23:18:00 (CST-6)
Location: SIDONIA
Tornado F-scale: EF3
Property damage: 6.10M
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

The tornado tracked from Gibson County northeast into Weakley County. The tornado passed north of Sharon mainly uprooting and snapping trees. The tornado strengthened as it approached Dresden causing significant damage to several homes along Highway 89. The tornado was at its peak intensity as it moved through Dresden. Numerous homes and businesses were destroyed or damaged in Dresden. In total, 187 homes were damaged in Weakley County with 100 of those being complete losses. Twenty-one businesses were also affected across the county. The tornado continued northeast and moved into Henry County. Peak winds were estimated at 160 mph in Weakley County.

Tornado in GIBSON, TENNESSEE
From 10-DEC-21 22:50:00 to 10-DEC-21 22:51:00 (CST-6)
Location: WALNUT GROVE
Tornado F-scale: EF1
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

The tornado crossed from Obion County back into Gibson County for a brief time causing more tree damage. The tornado then tracked northeast into Weakley County.

Tornado in HENDERSON, TENNESSEE
From 11-DEC-21 01:36:00 to 11-DEC-21 01:40:00 (CST-6)
Location: LURAY
Tornado F-scale: EF1
Property damage: 150.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

The tornado moved from Madison County into Henderson County. Damage was observed on Crucifer Road where a shed was destroyed and a home damaged. The tornado came to an end between Crucifer and Wilson Roads. Peak winds were estimated to be 95 mph in Henderson County.