The November 4, 2022 Tornado Outbreak

Leading up to November 4th, the Storm Prediction Center was tracking an upper-level trough that continued to intensify as the days went on. Dew points were expected to be unseasonably high along with strong vertical shear. This led to favorable conditions for supercells and an increase in the severe potential as we got closer to Friday.

This was one of the strongest tornadoes that occurred in Texas during the November 4th tornado outbreak. The tornado began near High City in Lamar County and traveled 26 miles to the Oklahoma border. The tornado then continued another 18 miles across southern Choctaw County, Oklahoma. The tornado was on the ground in Lamar County from 3:16 pm to 3:46 pm.

At 3:16 pm in High City, Texas a tornado touched down and began causing EF-1 damage. This tornado moved quickly northeastward and rapidly intensified as it did. EF-3 damage was found just northwest of Paris Texas. The primary damage to these structures was the total loss of roofs and large-scale interior and exterior wall failure. At around 3:30 pm the tornado strengthened to an EF-4 which was evident by the frame of a home being damaged and removed from its foundation. The tornado then continued to cause EF-3 damage as it traveled just north of Paris and lasted for another 16 minutes before it reached the Red River at 3:46 pm. Maximum estimated winds were 170 mph.

This EF-2 tornado immediately started causing destruction once it touched down in Hopkins County at 4:15 pm. A home had its roof and attic ripped off in Greenview, Texas. The tornado continued to travel northeast causing more damage to homes along CR 1181, pushing one home off its supports. The tornado devastated more homes after crossing CR 1181 and dissipated shortly thereafter. In all no fatalities or injuries were reported with this storm. Maximum estimated winds were 120 mph.

This EF-1 tornado began in northern Rains County at 4:08 pm. As the tornado moved northeastward it caused damage to a carport and the Clifton Cemetery. The tornado continued causing damage to trees into southern Hopkins County. At 4:14 pm, just 6 minutes after touching down, the tornado dissipated. The tornado traveled for about 3 and a half miles and had maximum estimated winds of 100 mph.

The Henderson County tornado touched down at 5:35 pm and began a northeastern track towards Athens, Texas. Damage to homes and trees was left in the path of the tornado. The most significant damage occurred just north of Athens to the Athens Steel Building Corporation where the southern portion of the building collapsed. After damaging more homes north of the city the tornado dissipated at 5:58 pm. In all the tornado lasted for 23 minutes and traveled for 15 miles with maximum estimated winds of 115 mph.