2023 Rolling Fork–Silver City tornado

On the evening of Friday, March 24, 2023, a large, violent, and long-tracked multi-vortex wedge tornado struck the towns of Rolling Fork and Silver City, Mississippi. The tornado killed 17 people and injured at least 165 others. Part of a wider tornado outbreak sequence across the Southern United States, this tornado was the deadliest and strongest of the event. It caused catastrophic damage in Rolling Fork and significant damage in Silver City. The National Weather Service (NWS) assigned the tornado a rating of EF4 on the Enhanced Fujita scale, with estimated peak winds of 195 miles per hour (314 km/h).

The tornado touched down in Issaquena County and rapidly intensified as it tracked northeastward into Sharkey County, reaching EF4 intensity as it approached Rolling Fork. It caused extensive destruction in Rolling Fork, leveling numerous homes and businesses, including a well-built flower shop that sustained high-end EF4 damage. The tornado continued through Humphreys County, impacting Midnight before causing further significant EF2 damage in Silver City. The tornado remained on the ground for 1 hour and 11 minutes, tracking 59.4 mi (95.6 km) before dissipating in Holmes County.

The devastation led to a major disaster declaration by President Joe Biden. The towns of Rolling Fork and Silver City faced a prolonged recovery, with hundreds of residents displaced and significant rebuilding efforts initiated. Insured losses were estimated near $100 million (2023 USD). Discussions arose among meteorologists regarding whether the tornado warranted an EF5 rating based on certain damage indicators, though it was ultimately rated EF4.