A strong upper level system and evolving surface low moved across the region late on March 3rd. These features combined to bring a potent weather system to the area and a healthy round of severe thunderstorms from late afternoon through around midnight. It was a line of thunderstorms which brought most of the severe weather, but a few supercells did occur just ahead of the line. Ten tornadoes occurred, two of which were strong (EF-2), along with a good deal of wind damage as the line pushed east across Mississippi.

Thunderstorm Wind in LINCOLN, MISSISSIPPI
From 03-MAR-08 16:39:00 to 03-MAR-08 16:42:00 (CST-6)
Location: NORFIELD
Magnitude: 55.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Public

A few trees were blown down across the southern portion of the county.

Thunderstorm Wind in JEFFERSON DAVIS, MISSISSIPPI
From 03-MAR-08 18:38:00 to 03-MAR-08 18:38:00 (CST-6)
Location: OAK VALE
Magnitude: 55.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Law Enforcement

A few trees were blown down.

Tornado in SIMPSON, MISSISSIPPI
From 03-MAR-08 21:01:00 to 03-MAR-08 21:02:00 (CST-6)
Location: MENDENHALL
Tornado F-scale: EF1
Property damage: 5.00K
Crop damage: 30.00K
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

This tornado touched down along Peacock Road, a few miles south of Mendenhall. Numerous pine trees were snapped and uprooted. Minor damage occurred to the roof of one home. Maximum winds were 100 mph.

Thunderstorm Wind in SIMPSON, MISSISSIPPI
From 03-MAR-08 21:02:00 to 03-MAR-08 21:02:00 (CST-6)
Location: MAGEE MUNI ARPT
Magnitude: 57.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Law Enforcement

A few trees were blown down off Airport Road.

Thunderstorm Wind in JEFFERSON DAVIS, MISSISSIPPI
From 03-MAR-08 21:06:00 to 03-MAR-08 21:06:00 (CST-6)
Location: GWINVILLE
Magnitude: 55.00 EG
Property damage: 12.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Law Enforcement

A few trees and power lines were blown down off Shivers Booth Road.

Thunderstorm Wind in LAMAR, MISSISSIPPI
From 03-MAR-08 22:01:00 to 03-MAR-08 22:01:00 (CST-6)
Location: EPLEY
Magnitude: 60.00 EG
Property damage: 18.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

A few power lines were blown down off near the intersection of Highway 98 and Highway 589.

Thunderstorm Wind in JASPER, MISSISSIPPI
From 03-MAR-08 21:57:00 to 03-MAR-08 21:57:00 (CST-6)
Location: LOUIN
Magnitude: 60.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Several trees were blown down.

Thunderstorm Wind in JONES, MISSISSIPPI
From 03-MAR-08 22:11:00 to 03-MAR-08 22:11:00 (CST-6)
Location: SOSO
Magnitude: 60.00 EG
Property damage: 30.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

A tree fell on a house and a couple power lines were blown over.

Thunderstorm Wind in NEWTON, MISSISSIPPI
From 03-MAR-08 22:12:00 to 03-MAR-08 22:13:00 (CST-6)
Location: PERDUE
Magnitude: 60.00 EG
Property damage: 2.00K
Crop damage: 15.00K
Reported by: County Official

Numerous trees were blown down around Highway 494 and Hopewell Road in northeast Newton County.

Hail in JONES, MISSISSIPPI
From 03-MAR-08 22:20:00 to 03-MAR-08 22:25:00 (CST-6)
Location: MOSELLE
Magnitude: 1.00 
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Thunderstorm Wind in LAUDERDALE, MISSISSIPPI
From 03-MAR-08 23:21:00 to 03-MAR-08 23:21:00 (CST-6)
Location: OBADIAH
Magnitude: 55.00 EG
Property damage: 50.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

A large oak tree fell onto a detached garage and part of a house in the Obidiah Community.

Thunderstorm Wind in FORREST, MISSISSIPPI
From 03-MAR-08 23:40:00 to 03-MAR-08 23:40:00 (CST-6)
Location: CARNES
Magnitude: 58.00 EG
Property damage: 10.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

A few trees and power lines were blown down across Carnes Road.

Thunderstorm Wind in JASPER, MISSISSIPPI
From 03-MAR-08 23:26:00 to 03-MAR-08 23:26:00 (CST-6)
Location: ORANGE
Magnitude: 60.00 EG
Property damage: 2.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Several trees were blown down near the Jasper/Clarke county line.

Thunderstorm Wind in MARION, MISSISSIPPI
From 03-MAR-08 21:31:00 to 03-MAR-08 21:31:00 (CST-6)
Location: COLUMBIA
Magnitude: 55.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Law Enforcement

A few trees were blown down off Rankin Road.

Thunderstorm Wind in JONES, MISSISSIPPI
From 03-MAR-08 22:38:00 to 03-MAR-08 22:38:00 (CST-6)
Location: SERVICE
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

A couple trees were blown down on Spring Hill Road.

Thunderstorm Wind in KEMPER, MISSISSIPPI
From 03-MAR-08 22:43:00 to 03-MAR-08 22:45:00 (CST-6)
Location: BLACKWATER
Magnitude: 75.00 EG
Property damage: 50.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Utility Company

Several trees and power lines were blown down between Blackwater and the Meridian NAS.

Tornado in KEMPER, MISSISSIPPI
From 03-MAR-08 22:49:00 to 03-MAR-08 22:50:00 (CST-6)
Location: OAK GROVE
Tornado F-scale: EF0
Property damage: 55.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

This tornado touched down briefly about 6 miles west southwest of Porterville. Several trees were snapped and uprooted, a shed was destroyed and a wooden fence was knocked down. Minor damage also occurred to a church steeple. Maximum winds were around 85 mph.

Hail in MARION, MISSISSIPPI
From 03-MAR-08 21:33:00 to 03-MAR-08 21:35:00 (CST-6)
Location: LOVELACE
Magnitude: 0.75 
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Thunderstorm Wind in SMITH, MISSISSIPPI
From 03-MAR-08 21:47:00 to 03-MAR-08 21:48:00 (CST-6)
Location: MIZE
Magnitude: 65.00 EG
Property damage: 25.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Law Enforcement

Several trees were blown down around Mize. Near the intersection of Highway 35 and 28, a few trees were down across the road and caused a semi-truck to run off the road.

Tornado in NEWTON, MISSISSIPPI
From 03-MAR-08 21:53:00 to 03-MAR-08 21:54:00 (CST-6)
Location: HAZEL
Tornado F-scale: EF0
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

This was the continuation of the Lake tornado. It had just moved into Newton County before dissipating. Minimal tree damage occurred to a handful of trees as it dissipated. Total path length was 4 miles with a total rating of EF-1.

Thunderstorm Wind in NEWTON, MISSISSIPPI
From 03-MAR-08 22:05:00 to 03-MAR-08 22:05:00 (CST-6)
Location: STRATTON
Magnitude: 55.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

A few trees were blown down off Decatur-Stratton Road.

Flash Flood in LAMAR, MISSISSIPPI
From 03-MAR-08 23:00:00 to 04-MAR-08 00:20:00 (CST-6)
Location: WARDWELL STATION
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 60.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Locally heavy rain across West Hattiesburg caused three houses to flood.

Tornado in SIMPSON, MISSISSIPPI
From 03-MAR-08 21:10:00 to 03-MAR-08 21:12:00 (CST-6)
Location: MARTINVILLE
Tornado F-scale: EF1
Property damage: 300.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

This tornado touched down in the Martinville Community. Damage started just south of Blackwell Road in an open field and tracked north northeast. The heaviest damage was along Blackwell Road were a large sed was destroyed and several trees were snapped and uprooted. A power lines was also down and a trampoline was thrown and heavily damaged. The shed had its roof removed and a few wall collapsed. Tin and debris was thrown for 100 to 300 yards. The tornado then crossed Highway 540, several large limbs were snapped with a few uprooted trees. Insulation from the shed was scattered along the path.

Flash Flood in LINCOLN, MISSISSIPPI
From 03-MAR-08 20:30:00 to 03-MAR-08 22:00:00 (CST-6)
Location: ARLINGTON
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 5.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Public

Locally heavy rain caused several roads to become flooded around Bogue Chitto.

Thunderstorm Wind in JASPER, MISSISSIPPI
From 03-MAR-08 23:14:00 to 03-MAR-08 23:14:00 (CST-6)
Location: WALDRUP
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Property damage: 25.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

A couple trees were blown down, one large tree was down on a house at 2020 County Road 31, just north of Highway 528.

Thunderstorm Wind in RANKIN, MISSISSIPPI
From 03-MAR-08 20:38:00 to 03-MAR-08 20:38:00 (CST-6)
Location: STAR
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

A couple trees were blown down.

Thunderstorm Wind in LAWRENCE, MISSISSIPPI
From 03-MAR-08 20:45:00 to 03-MAR-08 20:45:00 (CST-6)
Location: NEW HEBRON
Magnitude: 55.00 EG
Property damage: 20.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Law Enforcement

A couple of trees were blown down, one tree was down on a house.

Flash Flood in SCOTT, MISSISSIPPI
From 03-MAR-08 20:50:00 to 03-MAR-08 22:50:00 (CST-6)
Location: FORKVILLE
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 12.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Locally heavy rain caused a few roads to flood near the Branch Community. Highway 481 and Pickel Road were covered by several feet of water.

Thunderstorm Wind in SIMPSON, MISSISSIPPI
From 03-MAR-08 20:57:00 to 03-MAR-08 20:57:00 (CST-6)
Location: JAYNESVILLE
Magnitude: 58.00 EG
Property damage: 1.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Law Enforcement

A few trees were blown down across Highway 13, just south of Highway 28.

Thunderstorm Wind in SIMPSON, MISSISSIPPI
From 03-MAR-08 21:15:00 to 03-MAR-08 21:15:00 (CST-6)
Location: SARATOGA
Magnitude: 52.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Thunderstorm Wind in SMITH, MISSISSIPPI
From 03-MAR-08 21:24:00 to 03-MAR-08 21:24:00 (CST-6)
Location: RALEIGH
Magnitude: 60.00 EG
Property damage: 3.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Law Enforcement

Several trees were blown down around Raleigh.

Thunderstorm Wind in MARION, MISSISSIPPI
From 03-MAR-08 21:24:00 to 03-MAR-08 21:24:00 (CST-6)
Location: KOKOMO
Magnitude: 55.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Law Enforcement

A few trees were blown down along Shilo Firetower Road.

Thunderstorm Wind in LAUDERDALE, MISSISSIPPI
From 03-MAR-08 23:08:00 to 03-MAR-08 23:08:00 (CST-6)
Location: LOST GAP
Magnitude: 60.00 EG
Property damage: 20.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

A few trees were blown down along with some power lines and phone lines.

Tornado in FORREST, MISSISSIPPI
From 03-MAR-08 23:12:00 to 03-MAR-08 23:13:00 (CST-6)
Location: MC LAURIN
Tornado F-scale: EF1
Property damage: 1.50M
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

This tornado touched down at Camp Shelby and snapped or uprooted numerous trees, and downed several power lines along the short path. Twelve buildings, mostly barracks, were damaged. Several buildings had the roofs severely damaged with one roof nearly completely torn off. Several walls of the barrack buildings collapsed where the roof support was lost. A hummer was turned over and windows were blown out of several other vehicles. Maximum wind speed was 110 mph.

Lightning in JONES, MISSISSIPPI
From 03-MAR-08 23:03:00 to 03-MAR-08 23:03:00 (CST-6)
Location: OVETT
Property damage: 10.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Newspaper

House was struck by lightning which caused a minor fire.

Lightning in MARION, MISSISSIPPI
From 03-MAR-08 21:30:00 to 03-MAR-08 21:30:00 (CST-6)
Location: COLUMBIA
Property damage: 100.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Two homes and a service station were struck by lightning. Fire caused some damage to all three structures.

Strong Wind in LAUDERDALE, MISSISSIPPI
From 03-MAR-08 21:30:00 to 03-MAR-08 21:30:00 (CST-6)
Magnitude: 43.00 EG
Property damage: 0.10K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Strong gradient winds blew down a few large trees on Highway 19 S.

Thunderstorm Wind in NEWTON, MISSISSIPPI
From 03-MAR-08 22:00:00 to 03-MAR-08 22:00:00 (CST-6)
Location: LAWRENCE
Magnitude: 55.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

A few trees were blown down on Lawrence Bethel Road.

Thunderstorm Wind in LAUDERDALE, MISSISSIPPI
From 03-MAR-08 23:20:00 to 03-MAR-08 23:20:00 (CST-6)
Location: OBADIAH
Magnitude: 75.00 EG
Property damage: 10.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Numerous trees were blown down.

Thunderstorm Wind in KEMPER, MISSISSIPPI
From 03-MAR-08 23:15:00 to 03-MAR-08 23:15:00 (CST-6)
Location: BLACKWATER
Magnitude: 70.00 EG
Property damage: 40.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

A home sustained some roof damage and a barn had some siding ripped off.

Tornado in SCOTT, MISSISSIPPI
From 03-MAR-08 21:43:00 to 03-MAR-08 21:45:00 (CST-6)
Location: OTHO
Tornado F-scale: EF1
Property damage: 5.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

This tornado touched down briefly, near Highway 501, just north of the Smith County line. Numerous trees were blown down along the path, with a number of them across Highway 501. Maximum wind speed was 95 mph.

Tornado in SCOTT, MISSISSIPPI
From 03-MAR-08 21:49:00 to 03-MAR-08 21:53:00 (CST-6)
Location: LAKE
Tornado F-scale: EF1
Property damage: 1.20M
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

This tornado touched down in a rural area just southwest of Lake and downed many trees as it approached the City of Lake. Before it crossed I-20, two homes sustained roof damage. It then crossed the interstate, more trees were blown down along with a highway sign. The most extensive damage occurred in the City of Lake. Several homes suffered roof damage, three large grain bins were destroyed, two railroad light standards were  bent, two cinder block buildings were nearly destroyed, and a mobile home was destroyed by a large tree which fell on it. After the tornado moved through Lake, it continued to produce tree damage which gradually became lesser. It finally dissipated just after crossing into Newton County. Maximum wind speed was 100 mph. Total path length was 4 miles with a total rating of EF-1.

Tornado in SHARKEY, MISSISSIPPI
From 03-MAR-08 17:25:00 to 03-MAR-08 17:34:00 (CST-6)
Location: RED ROCK
Tornado F-scale: EF2
Property damage: 2.00K
Crop damage: 400.00K
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

This strong tornado touched down just north of Highway 16 and tracked northeast for nearly 7 miles through the Delta National Forest. Timber damage was significant as a few thousand trees were snapped and uprooted. At the end of the track, a hunting camp sustained minor damage. Maximum winds were estimated at 120 mph.

Tornado in CLARKE, MISSISSIPPI
From 03-MAR-08 23:20:00 to 03-MAR-08 23:30:00 (CST-6)
Location: SHUBUTA
Tornado F-scale: EF2
Property damage: 400.00K
Crop damage: 500.00K
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

This tornado started in a rural area and downed trees and limbs along its path until causing its most intense damage at it crossed County Road 250.  Here, it moved a large two story frame house several feet off its foundation, along with blowing out numerous windows and causing roof damage. Additionally, many dozens of large trees were snapped and uprooted in the vicinity. The tornado continued to move north northeast, causing extensive tree damage with hundreds of trees snapped or uprooted. Very near the end point, just east southeast of the DeSoto Community, roof damage occurred to two homes. Maximum  wind speed was 115 mph.

Tornado in MARION, MISSISSIPPI
From 03-MAR-08 21:25:00 to 03-MAR-08 21:26:00 (CST-6)
Location: JAMESTOWN
Tornado F-scale: EF1
Property damage: 250.00K
Crop damage: 25.00K
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

This tornado touched down about 5 miles southwest of the Foxworth Community. A livestock barn was seriously damaged and numerous hardwood trees were snapped or uprooted.A roof was blown off a outbuilding and a trampoline was thrown into a pond. One cow was killed. Maximum winds were 100 mph.

Tornado in SHARKEY, MISSISSIPPI
From 03-MAR-08 17:17:00 to 03-MAR-08 17:18:00 (CST-6)
Location: ISSAQUENA
Tornado F-scale: EF0
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

This tornado was spotted a few mile east southeast of Cary as it briefly touched down in an open field.

Thunderstorm Wind in FORREST, MISSISSIPPI
From 03-MAR-08 23:07:00 to 03-MAR-08 23:09:00 (CST-6)
Location: MC LAURIN
Magnitude: 66.00 EG
Property damage: 5.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Several trees were blown down just west of Highway 49 and around Paul B Johnson Lake.