It’s Been 10 Years Since An EF-3 Tornado Ravaged Century (With Photo Gallery)

February 16, 2026

Sunday marked the 10th anniversary of an EF-3 tornado that ripped through Century.

The tornado first touched down southwest of Lambert Bridge Road southwest of McDavid at 3:32 p.m. on February 15, 2016. The first EF-2 intensity damage was on Holland Road where a workshop was destroyed. As it moved into Century, the tornado reached peak intensity with widespread EF-2 damage with isolated EF-3 level damage from 152 mph winds that destroyed numerous homes and businesses, according to the National Weather Service.

The tornado continued to track across the state line into Alabama with EF-2 damage on Old Fannie Road east of Flomaton. The tornado continued toward Pollard, AL, where it weakened and lifted at 3:55 p.m.

The EF-3 tornado was on the ground 16.5 miles with a path up to 300 yards wide.

The photos on this page and in the first gallery below were taken by NorthEscambia.com just minutes after the tornado touchdown in Century. In the top photo seen around the world, neighbors and first responders came together to rescue a woman who was trapped in her overturned mobile home.

For a photo gallery, click here.
The gallery includes NorthEscambia.com exclusive photos from February 15, 2016, along with additional damage photos, the Century United Methodist Church, and Gov. Rick Scott’s visit to Century.

NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.

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Written by William Reynolds · Filed Under TOP STORIES