The tornado would obliterate many brick buildings in Guin and would kill twenty-three residents before exiting the town, which was left in ruins.

Based upon real-time satellite imagery and model data, differential positive vorticity advection coincided with the left exit region of an upper-level jet streak which reached wind speeds of up to 130 kn (150 mph) (66.9 m/s (241 km/h)), thereby enhancing thunderstorm growth.

[4] Although the exact time that the tornado touched down is unknown, it is estimated to have been at approximately 8:25 pm CDT near Caledonia, Mississippi.

[6] A short time later and after further strengthening, the tornado would impact several homes located in the Beaverton area, destroying five and producing a damage path that would later be visible on satellite imagery.

[6][7][8] The tornado would then cross into Marion County, tracking directly at the city of Guin while retaining a speed of 45 miles per hour (72 km/h).

As the tornado entered the city, it destroyed the White Rock Church of Christ and damaged several other homes located nearby.

Crossing into Winston County, the tornado struck the small community of Delmar, destroying additional homes and killing 5 people.

Past Delmar, the tornado grew up to a mile wide as it tore through the William B. Bankhead National Forest, flattening a huge swath of trees.

Surveyors noted that timber damage was equally severe at all elevations in this area, with numerous trees snapped both along exposed ridges and in deep gorges.