A round of severe thunderstorms, containing tornadoes and damaging straight line winds, occurred Wednesday night, March 25, into early Thursday morning, March 26. These storms developed as a strong upper level disturbance encountered an unstable environment over the lower Mississippi Valley. A squall line of showers and thunderstorms pushed rapidly eastward across the area. One supercell storm formed ahead of the main line and produced a strong tornado which hit the town of Magee.
Eight tornadoes were confirmed from this event. Of the 8 tornadoes, 1 was rated EF3, 1 was rated EF2, 4 were rated EF1, and 2 were rated EF0. Numerous other locations experienced damaging straight line winds in excess of 60-70 mph. The worst damage occurred from a tornado which laid a 17.5 mile long track across Simpson and Smith counties. This storm was rated as EF3 with estimated 150 mph maximum winds near Magee. A second strong tornado, rated EF2 with 125 mph winds, effected Jones County near Soso.

Tornado in JASPER, MISSISSIPPI
From 26-MAR-09 01:31:00 to 26-MAR-09 01:52:00 (CST-6)
Location: MONTROSE
Tornado F-scale: EF1
Property damage: 2.00M
Crop damage: 150.00K
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

This tornado started just off of County Road 20, on private property, about 1 mile ESE of Montrose. Several trees were uprooted/snapped at this location and again just to the east along County Road 206. The tornado moved across several miles of wooded bottom land before crossing County Road 2414. Substantial damage occurred along County Road 2414, 4 homes were heavily damaged. The worst was where a home on pillars was pushed off its blocks. One quarter of the roof was heavily damaged. Numerous trees were snapped and uprooted with 2 large trees down through a mobile home. An ATV was rolled down a hill over 100 yards. The tornado then crossed Highway 503 and destroyed an old church building. The weakly fastened roof was blown off and then the walls collapsed inward. Numerous trees and several power lines snapped. Path width was around 500 yds at this point. The tornado continued to the ENE through northern Jasper County. Another home was pushed off its pillars and peeled all the tin off the roof, this occurred on County Road 24. The tornado then crossed County Road 2422 and downed many more trees, tore part of the roof off one home and damaged an old shed. Another old structure had some of the tin roof peeled off. The tornado crossed into Newton County at 2:52 am. It then crossed Griffis Fountain Road. The tornado crossed Parks Mill Road and dissipated just to the east of that point. Many trees were damaged along Parks Mill Road. The total path length across both counties was 19 miles. Maximum winds were around 110 mph.

Tornado in NEWTON, MISSISSIPPI
From 26-MAR-09 01:52:00 to 26-MAR-09 01:57:00 (CST-6)
Location: ROSE HILL
Tornado F-scale: EF1
Property damage: 15.00K
Crop damage: 100.00K
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

This tornado started just off of County Road 20, on private property, about 1 mile ESE of Montrose. Several trees were uprooted/snapped at this location and again just to the east along County Road 206. The tornado moved across several miles of wooded bottom land before crossing County Road 2414. Substantial damage occurred along County Road 2414, 4 homes were heavily damaged. The worst was where a home on pillars was pushed off its blocks. One quarter of the roof was heavily damaged. Numerous trees were snapped and uprooted with 2 large trees down through a mobile home. An ATV was rolled down a hill over 100 yards. The tornado then crossed Highway 503 and destroyed an old church building. The weakly fastened roof was blown off and then the walls collapsed inward. Numerous trees and several power lines snapped. Path width was around 500 yds at this point. The tornado continued to the ENE through northern Jasper County. Another home was pushed off its pillars and peeled all the tin off the roof, this occurred on County Road 24. The tornado then crossed County Road 2422 and downed many more trees, tore part of the roof off one home and damaged an old shed. Another old structure had some of the tin roof peeled off. The tornado crossed into Newton County at 2:52 am. It then crossed Griffis Fountain Road. The tornado crossed Parks Mill Road and dissipated just to the east of that point. Many trees were damaged along Parks Mill Road. The total path length across both counties was 19 miles. Maximum winds were around 110 mph.

Thunderstorm Wind in YAZOO, MISSISSIPPI
From 25-MAR-09 22:31:00 to 25-MAR-09 22:31:00 (CST-6)
Location: YAZOO CITY BARRIER A
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Property damage: 5.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Law Enforcement

A few trees were blown down across the railroad track. A train ran into those trees that blocked the tracks.

Tornado in MADISON, MISSISSIPPI
From 25-MAR-09 23:13:00 to 25-MAR-09 23:15:00 (CST-6)
Location: ROCKY HILL
Tornado F-scale: EF1
Property damage: 5.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

This tornado touched down just southeast of Brownsville along Lorance Road and traced east across northern Hinds County before moving into southwest Madison County. Hundreds of trees were snapped and uprooted along the path along with several power lines down. Several roads were blocked by downed trees along with Highway 49 just south of Pocahontas. Maximum winds were around 105 mph with a total path length across Hinds and Madison Counties of 12 miles.

Tornado in MADISON, MISSISSIPPI
From 25-MAR-09 23:17:00 to 25-MAR-09 23:22:00 (CST-6)
Location: MANSDALE
Tornado F-scale: EF1
Property damage: 300.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

Numerous large hardwood and softwood trees were snapped and uprooted along the path. Several homes had minor to moderate damage, mostly to roofs. Maximum winds were around 110 mph.

Tornado in HINDS, MISSISSIPPI
From 25-MAR-09 23:00:00 to 25-MAR-09 23:13:00 (CST-6)
Location: BROWNSVILLE
Tornado F-scale: EF1
Property damage: 65.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

This tornado touched down just southeast of Brownsville along Lorance Road and traced east across northern Hinds County before moving into southwest Madison County. Hundreds of trees were snapped and uprooted along the path along with several power lines down. Several roads were blocked by downed trees along with Highway 49 just south of Pocahontas. Maximum winds were around 105 mph with a total path length across Hinds and Madison Counties of 12 miles.

Thunderstorm Wind in HINDS, MISSISSIPPI
From 25-MAR-09 22:56:00 to 25-MAR-09 22:56:00 (CST-6)
Location: CAYUGA
Magnitude: 53.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

A few trees were blown down in the Cayuga area.

Thunderstorm Wind in HINDS, MISSISSIPPI
From 25-MAR-09 23:15:00 to 25-MAR-09 23:15:00 (CST-6)
Location: CLINTON
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Property damage: 1.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

A few trees were down across Norrell Road.

Thunderstorm Wind in JEFFERSON, MISSISSIPPI
From 25-MAR-09 23:08:00 to 25-MAR-09 23:10:00 (CST-6)
Location: MC NAIR
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Property damage: 1.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Law Enforcement

A few trees were blown down across McNair Road.

Tornado in HINDS, MISSISSIPPI
From 25-MAR-09 22:44:00 to 25-MAR-09 22:47:00 (CST-6)
Location: MT MORIAH
Tornado F-scale: EF0
Property damage: 70.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

This tornado blew most of a roof off an antebellum house and caused shingle damage to 3 other homes. Several hardwood and softwood trees were uprooted and numerous limbs were snapped off. Maximum winds were around 85 mph.

Thunderstorm Wind in YAZOO, MISSISSIPPI
From 25-MAR-09 22:51:00 to 25-MAR-09 22:51:00 (CST-6)
Location: BENTON
Magnitude: 58.00 EG
Property damage: 3.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Law Enforcement

Several trees were blown down with a few blocking Old Benton Road.

Tornado in MADISON, MISSISSIPPI
From 25-MAR-09 23:20:00 to 25-MAR-09 23:22:00 (CST-6)
Location: MADISON
Tornado F-scale: EF0
Property damage: 55.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

Several small pines were snapped and one large oak tree was uprooted. Minor shingle damage occurred to several houses. Maximum winds were around 85 mph.

Thunderstorm Wind in MADISON, MISSISSIPPI
From 25-MAR-09 23:24:00 to 25-MAR-09 23:30:00 (CST-6)
Location: MADISON
Magnitude: 83.00 EG
Property damage: 500.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Employee

Intense straight line winds occurred across the northern end of the City of Madison. Near the northern entrance to Ashbrooke Subdivision, across Catlett Road and along Quail Ridge Drive several hardwood and softwood trees were uprooted. Numerous homes had shingles missing and one had a large section of the aluminum roofing torn off. Two homes also sustained damage from uprooted trees. The swath of wind damage was almost a mile long and around 200 yards wide. Maximum winds were between 85 and 95 mph.

Thunderstorm Wind in WARREN, MISSISSIPPI
From 25-MAR-09 22:24:00 to 25-MAR-09 22:32:00 (CST-6)
Location: GRANGE HALL
Magnitude: 65.00 EG
Property damage: 40.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

A small band of severe storms caused trees to go down on Nilor Road and power lines down on Jefferson Davis Road. Trees were also blown down on a house on Walnut Circle, Pool Road and Harrison Street.

Tornado in SIMPSON, MISSISSIPPI
From 26-MAR-09 00:36:00 to 26-MAR-09 00:54:00 (CST-6)
Location: JAYNESVILLE
Tornado F-scale: EF3
Property damage: 5.00M
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

The tornado first touched down just north of Mount Zion Road in Southwest Simpson County and continued northeast through the northwest side of Magee and then across the Smith County line before lifting near South County Road 503. Along the path, 60 homes were damaged or destroyed. A large, well-built church was destroyed. A warehouse was significantly damaged and a radio tower was snapped. Hundreds of hardwood and softwood trees were snapped and uprooted. The highest winds occurred at the church and nearby houses and trees just southwest of Magee along and just off Highway 28. Maximum winds were around 150 mph.
The EF3 rating was in Simpson County while the highest rated damage in Smith County was EF1. Total path length across both counties was near 18 miles.

Thunderstorm Wind in NEWTON, MISSISSIPPI
From 26-MAR-09 01:07:00 to 26-MAR-09 01:07:00 (CST-6)
Location: PROSPECT
Magnitude: 53.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

A few trees were blown down off Prospect Cedar Lane.

Flash Flood in FORREST, MISSISSIPPI
From 25-MAR-09 11:40:00 to 25-MAR-09 13:00:00 (CST-6)
Location: DIXIE PINE
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 200.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

A series of storms moved across the northern portion of Forrest county. Widespread 1 to 3 inches of rainfall was reported in the Hattiesburg area. Flooding was reported on numerous roads and streets around Hattiesburg. Three to four cars were flooded within a mile of Forrest General Hospital with a person trapped in his car from high water.

Thunderstorm Wind in CLAIBORNE, MISSISSIPPI
From 25-MAR-09 22:18:00 to 25-MAR-09 22:20:00 (CST-6)
Location: WESTSIDE
Magnitude: 60.00 EG
Property damage: 2.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Law Enforcement

Several trees were blown down along Rodney Road.

Hail in ADAMS, MISSISSIPPI
From 25-MAR-09 02:40:00 to 25-MAR-09 02:51:00 (CST-6)
Location: CARTHAGE
Magnitude: 0.75 
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

A short swath of penny sized hail fell just southwest of Natchez and across some of the City. Frequent lightning was also observed with this storm.

Tornado in LAUDERDALE, MISSISSIPPI
From 25-MAR-09 09:59:00 to 25-MAR-09 10:07:00 (CST-6)
Location: OKATIBBEE
Tornado F-scale: EF1
Property damage: 100.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

This tornado began near the Lauderdale-Clarke county line about one quarter of a mile from Sam Gray Road. Along the path, a roof was blown off a house and a barn was damaged. Numerous trees were blown down along the path with some trees on a church. A portion of Highway 45 was closed due to trees across the road. Maximum winds were around 95 mph.

Tornado in JONES, MISSISSIPPI
From 26-MAR-09 01:43:00 to 26-MAR-09 01:54:00 (CST-6)
Location: REDDOCH
Tornado F-scale: EF2
Property damage: 800.00K
Crop damage: 150.00K
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

This tornado touched down along Mason Creek Rd about 6 miles west of Soso. Several trees were snapped and uprooted and some minor roof damage occurred to a few homes. The tornado intensified as it crossed Summerland Road. Here the tornado widened to 500 yds and reached peak intensity, especially within a narrow corridor which lasted about 3/4 of a mile. One well constructed home suffered major damage with half of the roof torn off and other wall sections of that side the house ripped out and thrown into the back yard. Two well built storage buildings were destroyed with the contents thrown into a field. Additionally, a weekly built barn was destroyed with tin thrown along the path. Numerous trees were snapped and uprooted in this area with splintered trees within the most intense core. One large tree in this location was uprooted and actually thrown and rolled a small distance. The tornado continued to track just east of north across several more roads, including Highway 28 and 503, uprooting and snapping numerous trees. On the east side of Highway 28, a mobile home was pushed off its foundation and the person inside was injured. The tornado continued to weaken as it crossed Highway 503 and damaged more trees and caused minor damage to several mobile homes and heavily damaged a couple sheds. Maximum winds were around 125 mph.

Thunderstorm Wind in JASPER, MISSISSIPPI
From 26-MAR-09 01:56:00 to 26-MAR-09 01:56:00 (CST-6)
Location: MOSS
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Property damage: 8.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

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

Thunderstorm Wind in COPIAH, MISSISSIPPI
From 25-MAR-09 23:41:00 to 25-MAR-09 23:41:00 (CST-6)
Location: GALLATIN
Magnitude: 60.00 EG
Property damage: 12.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Law Enforcement

Several trees and a few power lines were blown down along Highway 28.

Thunderstorm Wind in FRANKLIN, MISSISSIPPI
From 25-MAR-09 23:30:00 to 25-MAR-09 23:55:00 (CST-6)
Location: ROXIE
Magnitude: 60.00 EG
Property damage: 5.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Law Enforcement

Several trees were blown down along Highway 98 across a large section of Franklin County.

Tornado in SMITH, MISSISSIPPI
From 26-MAR-09 00:54:00 to 26-MAR-09 00:57:00 (CST-6)
Location: COHAY
Tornado F-scale: EF1
Property damage: 15.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

The tornado first touched down just north of Mount Zion Road in southwest Simpson County and continued northeast through the northwest side of Magee and then across the Smith County line before lifting near South County Road 503. Along the path, 60 homes were damaged or destroyed. A large, well-built church was destroyed. A warehouse was significantly damaged and a radio tower was snapped. Hundreds of hardwood and softwood trees were snapped and uprooted. The highest winds occurred at the church and nearby houses and trees just southwest of Magee along and just off Highway 28. Maximum winds were around 150 mph.
The EF3 rating was in Simpson County while the highest rated damage in Smith County was EF1. Total path length across both counties was near 18 miles.

Thunderstorm Wind in SMITH, MISSISSIPPI
From 26-MAR-09 01:01:00 to 26-MAR-09 01:01:00 (CST-6)
Location: TRAXLER
Magnitude: 60.00 EG
Property damage: 10.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

A carport was blown away.

Thunderstorm Wind in ADAMS, MISSISSIPPI
From 25-MAR-09 23:05:00 to 25-MAR-09 23:20:00 (CST-6)
Location: SIBLEY
Magnitude: 62.00 EG
Property damage: 50.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Newspaper

Numerous trees were blown down with many across roads throughout the southern portion of Adams County. Additionally, several power lines were taken down as well which resulted in 100 to 200 customers without power.

Thunderstorm Wind in LAWRENCE, MISSISSIPPI
From 26-MAR-09 00:34:00 to 26-MAR-09 00:54:00 (CST-6)
Location: LAMBERTS STORE
Magnitude: 74.00 EG
Property damage: 100.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Dozens of trees and numerous power lines were blown down across a large section of central Lawrence County. Wind gusts within the squall line ranged from 70 to 85 mph.

Thunderstorm Wind in JEFFERSON DAVIS, MISSISSIPPI
From 26-MAR-09 01:01:00 to 26-MAR-09 01:01:00 (CST-6)
Location: PRENTISS
Magnitude: 58.00 EG
Property damage: 8.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Law Enforcement

Power lines and a few trees were blown down in Prentiss.

Thunderstorm Wind in JEFFERSON DAVIS, MISSISSIPPI
From 26-MAR-09 01:00:00 to 26-MAR-09 01:10:00 (CST-6)
Location: HEBRON
Magnitude: 75.00 EG
Property damage: 75.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Numerous trees and several power lines were blown down across the northern portion of the county. This occurred as a squall line moved across the area.

Thunderstorm Wind in LINCOLN, MISSISSIPPI
From 26-MAR-09 00:11:00 to 26-MAR-09 00:15:00 (CST-6)
Location: ARLINGTON
Magnitude: 83.00 EG
Property damage: 250.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Dozens of trees were uprooted and snapped in the Center Ridge and West Lincoln Communities as intense straight line winds (95 mph) occurred within a squall line. Many of these trees were down across roads, a few on homes as well as several power lines blown down. Some of the worst damage was across Jackson Liberty Road and Arlington Road.

Thunderstorm Wind in LINCOLN, MISSISSIPPI
From 26-MAR-09 00:19:00 to 26-MAR-09 00:30:00 (CST-6)
Location: THAYER
Magnitude: 83.00 EG
Property damage: 600.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Another portion of Lincoln County was hit by intense straight line winds along a squall line which ranged from 80 to 95 mph. Numerous trees and power lines were blown down along a swath starting a few miles south of the I-55 and Highway 84 intersection and continued generally east to the Harmony and East Lincoln Communities. Several trees were down on homes and a few chicken houses were damaged.

Thunderstorm Wind in JONES, MISSISSIPPI
From 26-MAR-09 02:17:00 to 26-MAR-09 02:20:00 (CST-6)
Location: TUCKERS CROSSING
Magnitude: 65.00 EG
Property damage: 80.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

A mobile home was moved and a garage door was damaged at another home. A chicken house also sustained minimal damage. This occurred as a squall line moved across the area.

Thunderstorm Wind in LAUDERDALE, MISSISSIPPI
From 26-MAR-09 02:28:00 to 26-MAR-09 02:33:00 (CST-6)
Location: INCREASE
Magnitude: 67.00 EG
Property damage: 20.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Employee

A roof was peeled off a mobile home off Vimville-Causeyville Road and several trees were blown down across the southern portion of the county.