PADUCAH, Ky. (WSIL) -- The National Weather Service and the National Oceanic Atmospheric Association are reflecting on the devastating tornado outbreak of December 10-11, 2021. This event marked the deadliest December tornado outbreak on record, with 89 deaths and more than $3 billion in damage.

A powerful weather system produced 66 confirmed tornadoes, impacting multiple states across the Midwest and Ohio Valley. The focus remains on the 61 tornadoes that struck Missouri, Illinois, Arkansas, Tennessee, and Kentucky. The late-fall timing caught many off guard, adding to the severity of the disaster.

Meteorologists said several atmospheric components were needed simultaneously to cause a tornado. The combination of instability, strong wind shear, and unusually warm, moist air created the

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