A vigorous, fast-moving, early autumn storm system brought severe weather to portions of the ArkLaMiss region from the evening of October 17th, 2012 into the early morning hours of October 18th. The combination of intense wind shear, strong winds and adequate moisture and instability resulted in severe storms developing along and ahead of a strong cold front as it raced across the forecast area. Numerous reports of wind damage from supercell and bowing-type thunderstorms were received as the storms produced strong straight line winds and tornadoes from the Delta region, southeast into Central Mississippi, and reaching into parts of east central and southeast Mississippi. There were sporadic reports of hail, but with such fierce wind shear over the region, straight line winds and tornadoes were the primary modes of severe weather during this event.
To put some historical perspective on this rare early Fall severe weather event, the EF-3 that occurred across Scott and Newton counties was only the second F3 to occur in the month of October in Mississippi in recorded history. The three strong tornadoes for this event is second all time to the Oct 17, 1980 event where 7 tornadoes occurred (6 of which were strong (F2)). Additionally, there were eleven total tornadoes during this event which ties October 13, 2001 for the most tornadoes during any October event.

Hail in LAUDERDALE, MISSISSIPPI
From 18-OCT-12 00:55:00 to 18-OCT-12 00:55:00 (CST-6)
Location: SAVOY
Magnitude: 1.00 
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Nickel to quarter size hail fell in Savoy.

Thunderstorm Wind in FRANKLIN, MISSISSIPPI
From 18-OCT-12 01:09:00 to 18-OCT-12 01:09:00 (CST-6)
Location: MC CALL CREEK
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Property damage: 5.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Law Enforcement

Power lines were blown down near Mccall Creek.

Tornado in GRENADA, MISSISSIPPI
From 17-OCT-12 21:12:00 to 17-OCT-12 21:12:00 (CST-6)
Location: W V JCT
Tornado F-scale: EF1
Property damage: 50.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

A roof was torn off a house and damage occurred to a fence. In addition, trees and limbs were blown down along the path. Maximum winds were estimated at 105 mph.

Thunderstorm Wind in SUNFLOWER, MISSISSIPPI
From 17-OCT-12 20:26:00 to 17-OCT-12 20:26:00 (CST-6)
Location: ROME
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Property damage: 2.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Trees were blown down near Rome.

Tornado in BOLIVAR, MISSISSIPPI
From 17-OCT-12 20:07:00 to 17-OCT-12 20:09:00 (CST-6)
Location: HUSHPUCKENA
Tornado F-scale: EF2
Property damage: 200.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

Concentrated damage occurred along a short path length northeast of Shelby. One mobile home was destroyed with heavy damage occurring to a few other homes and buildings. A radio tower was snapped and a grain silo was destroyed. In addition, several sheds were destroyed and multiple power poles snapped. Maximum winds were estimated at 115 miles per hour.

Thunderstorm Wind in ISSAQUENA, MISSISSIPPI
From 17-OCT-12 21:30:00 to 17-OCT-12 21:30:00 (CST-6)
Location: GRACE
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Property damage: 15.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Broadcast Media

A boat was blown off of a trailer, and siding was damaged on a house along Lott Road.

Strong Wind in JASPER, MISSISSIPPI
From 18-OCT-12 02:05:00 to 18-OCT-12 02:05:00 (CST-6)
Magnitude: 35.00 EG
Property damage: 5.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Several large limbs were blown down within the city limits of Bay Springs. One home received some damage when a limb fell onto a service line, which ripped away from the house.

Thunderstorm Wind in KEMPER, MISSISSIPPI
From 18-OCT-12 00:42:00 to 18-OCT-12 00:42:00 (CST-6)
Location: MT NEBO
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Property damage: 1.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Law Enforcement

A tree was blown down across New Hope Road southwest of De Kalb.

Hail in BOLIVAR, MISSISSIPPI
From 17-OCT-12 20:04:00 to 17-OCT-12 20:04:00 (CST-6)
Location: DUNCAN
Magnitude: 1.00 
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

Tornado in HUMPHREYS, MISSISSIPPI
From 17-OCT-12 21:43:00 to 17-OCT-12 21:45:00 (CST-6)
Location: LOUISE
Tornado F-scale: EF2
Property damage: 50.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

Several mobile homes were heavily damaged or destroyed, and dozens of power poles were snapped. Maximum wind speeds were estimated at 125 miles per hour. This tornado continued out of Sharkey County.

Tornado in SHARKEY, MISSISSIPPI
From 17-OCT-12 21:40:00 to 17-OCT-12 21:43:00 (CST-6)
Location: RICHEY
Tornado F-scale: EF2
Property damage: 200.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

Several mobile homes were heavily damaged or destroyed, and dozens of power poles were snapped. Maximum winds were estimated at 125 mph. The tornado continued into Humphreys County.

Thunderstorm Wind in WEBSTER, MISSISSIPPI
From 17-OCT-12 21:55:00 to 17-OCT-12 21:55:00 (CST-6)
Location: MONTEVISTA
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Property damage: 5.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

A tree fell on a power line.

Tornado in HUMPHREYS, MISSISSIPPI
From 17-OCT-12 21:56:00 to 17-OCT-12 21:59:00 (CST-6)
Location: LAKE CITY
Tornado F-scale: EF1
Property damage: 50.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

This tornado damaged several outbuildings, travel trailers and snapped several trees. Maximum winds were estimated at 90 mph.

Thunderstorm Wind in HUMPHREYS, MISSISSIPPI
From 17-OCT-12 22:08:00 to 17-OCT-12 22:08:00 (CST-6)
Location: BELZONI
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Property damage: 2.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

A couple of trees were down along with some limbs in Belzoni.

Tornado in YAZOO, MISSISSIPPI
From 17-OCT-12 22:29:00 to 17-OCT-12 22:32:00 (CST-6)
Location: FORDYKE
Tornado F-scale: EF1
Property damage: 10.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

This tornado primarily caused tree damage. Maximum winds were estimated at 90 mph.

Thunderstorm Wind in GRENADA, MISSISSIPPI
From 17-OCT-12 21:09:00 to 17-OCT-12 21:09:00 (CST-6)
Location: RIVERDALE
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Property damage: 2.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Trees were blown down along Carpenter and Pearidge Road.

Thunderstorm Wind in YAZOO, MISSISSIPPI
From 17-OCT-12 22:30:00 to 17-OCT-12 22:30:00 (CST-6)
Location: JONESTOWN
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Property damage: 15.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Law Enforcement

A tree was blown onto a home along Myrleville Road.

Tornado in HUMPHREYS, MISSISSIPPI
From 17-OCT-12 21:46:00 to 17-OCT-12 21:49:00 (CST-6)
Location: LOUISE
Tornado F-scale: EF1
Property damage: 40.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

The tornado damaged several roofs and outbuildings along the path. Maximum winds were estimated at 110 mph.

Thunderstorm Wind in YAZOO, MISSISSIPPI
From 17-OCT-12 22:02:00 to 17-OCT-12 22:02:00 (CST-6)
Location: NORWAY
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Property damage: 5.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Trees were blown down along Lake City Road.

Tornado in SCOTT, MISSISSIPPI
From 17-OCT-12 23:46:00 to 18-OCT-12 00:08:00 (CST-6)
Location: STEEL
Tornado F-scale: EF3
Property damage: 1.50M
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

This tornado began along Old Jackson Road east of Hillsboro. Initially the tornado tracked southeast downing multiple trees as it crossed Harrison Road and MS Highway 21. There were also a few homes with roof damage in this area and outbuildings were damaged by fallen trees. The tornado then began a more easterly course along Greer Road and began to snap and uproot several additional trees as it crossed Ephesus Road, Langsmill Road, and Russell Community Road. Along Russell Community Road multiple trees fell on structures, including one that fell through a home causing an injury. The tornado continued eastward, downing additional trees and caused minor roof damage at a residence on George Road.
As the tornado reached the Lewis Road area, there was a notable increase in the number of hardwood trees that were snapped along the path. Along the northern end of the track, part of the roof of a small barn was removed. Extensive tree damage continued to the Salem Road area, where the tornado reached its peak intensity of around 140 mph. At this location, three large steel transmission towers were bent toward the ground between Salem Road and Jim Owens Road. Along Jim Owens Road, a large shed and a travel trailer were demolished. Farther east the tornado blew a mobile home into the roadway at Conehatta Road. The roof and walls were separated from the undercarriage and the contents of the home were scattered in the area. There were two occupants in the home at the time, and both escaped without significant injury. Along Stroud Road portions of the roof of an outbuilding were removed and a small silo was blown over before the tornado crossed into Newton County.
The tornado crossed Tuscolameta Creek, continuing to uproot and snap several trees as it passed over the southern end of the town of Conehatta. A small shed was demolished along Hoye Pace Road. Additional homes suffered roof damage along Newton-Conehatta Road and Caney Creek Road. One mobile home was shifted off its foundation and an adjacent barn had much of its metal roof removed. An outbuilding was destroyed by a falling tree along Woodrow Ezell Road. Farther east, much of a metal roof was removed from a shed along Pleasant Valley Road and a home sustained roof damage along Braddock Road. Additional tree damage occurred as the tornado tracked eastward nearly paralleling Braddock Road before lifting near Beaver Dam Road.

Thunderstorm Wind in WASHINGTON, MISSISSIPPI
From 17-OCT-12 20:35:00 to 17-OCT-12 20:40:00 (CST-6)
Location: GREENVILLE
Magnitude: 78.00 EG
Property damage: 150.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

Sign damage occurred along Reed Road, and hundreds of trees were downed across the south side of Greenville. A few buildings at the Cottonwood Apartments were damaged. Approximately 5,700 people were without power. Straight line winds were determined to have caused the damage with maximum winds estimated at 80 to 90 miles per hour.

Tornado in NEWTON, MISSISSIPPI
From 17-OCT-12 23:58:00 to 18-OCT-12 00:09:00 (CST-6)
Location: HAZEL
Tornado F-scale: EF3
Property damage: 1.00M
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

This tornado began along Old Jackson Road east of Hillsboro. Initially the tornado tracked southeast downing multiple trees as it crossed Harrison Road and MS Highway 21. There were also a few homes with roof damage in this area and outbuildings were damaged by fallen trees. The tornado then began a more easterly course along Greer Road and began to snap and uproot several additional trees as it crossed Ephesus Road, Langsmill Road, and Russell Community Road. Along Russell Community Road multiple trees fell on structures, including one that fell through a home causing an injury. The tornado continued eastward, downing additional trees and caused minor roof damage at a residence on George Road.
As the tornado reached the Lewis Road area, there was a notable increase in the number of hardwood trees that were snapped along the path. Along the northern end of the track, part of the roof of a small barn was removed. Extensive tree damage continued to the Salem Road area, where the tornado reached its peak intensity of around 140 mph. At this location, three large steel transmission towers were bent toward the ground between Salem Road and Jim Owens Road. Along Jim Owens Road, a large shed and a travel trailer were demolished. Farther east the tornado blew a mobile home into the roadway at Conehatta Road. The roof and walls were separated from the undercarriage and the contents of the home were scattered in the area. There were two occupants in the home at the time, and both escaped without significant injury. Along Stroud Road portions of the roof of an outbuilding were removed and a small silo was blown over before the tornado crossed into Newton County.
The tornado crossed Tuscolameta Creek, continuing to uproot and snap several trees as it passed over the southern end of the town of Conehatta. A small shed was demolished along Hoye Pace Road. Additional homes suffered roof damage along Newton-Conehatta Road and Caney Creek Road. One mobile home was shifted off its foundation and an adjacent barn had much of its metal roof removed. An outbuilding was destroyed by a falling tree along Woodrow Ezell Road. Farther east, much of a metal roof was removed from a shed along Pleasant Valley Road and a home sustained roof damage along Braddock Road. Additional tree damage occurred as the tornado tracked eastward nearly paralleling Braddock Road before lifting near Beaver Dam Road.

Tornado in HINDS, MISSISSIPPI
From 18-OCT-12 00:01:00 to 18-OCT-12 00:03:00 (CST-6)
Location: BOLTON
Tornado F-scale: EF1
Property damage: 35.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

This tornado touched down just to the west of East Northside Drive and tracked east northeast. Initially, a handful of trees had broken limbs. As the tornado neared and crossed West Northside Drive, almost a dozen hardwood trees were snapped and one power pole was blown down. The tornado continued to the east northeast across a cotton field and dissipated. Maximum winds were estimated at 100 mph.

Hail in LAUDERDALE, MISSISSIPPI
From 18-OCT-12 00:42:00 to 18-OCT-12 00:42:00 (CST-6)
Location: LOST GAP
Magnitude: 1.75 
Property damage: 10.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Broadcast Media

Half dollar to golf ball size hail fell west of Key Field.

Thunderstorm Wind in MADISON, MISSISSIPPI
From 17-OCT-12 23:09:00 to 17-OCT-12 23:23:00 (CST-6)
Location: MILL TOWN
Magnitude: 60.00 EG
Property damage: 30.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

A swath of damaging thunderstorm winds downed power lines and trees along a path east and southeast of Canton. Specific locations include Barnes Road, Dampeer Road, Highway 43, and Rankin Road.

Tornado in LEAKE, MISSISSIPPI
From 17-OCT-12 23:11:00 to 17-OCT-12 23:12:00 (CST-6)
Location: OFAHOMA
Tornado F-scale: EF1
Property damage: 50.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

A wide but brief tornado produced some significant roof damage to two homes, although most other damage was limited to trees. Maximum wind speed was estimated at 95 mph.

Thunderstorm Wind in FRANKLIN, MISSISSIPPI
From 18-OCT-12 02:05:00 to 18-OCT-12 02:05:00 (CST-6)
Location: MC CALL CREEK
Magnitude: 40.00 EG
Property damage: 3.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Several tree limbs blown down in the city. One home sustained minor damage after a tree line fell onto the power line connected to the house.

Hail in CLARKE, MISSISSIPPI
From 18-OCT-12 00:50:00 to 18-OCT-12 00:50:00 (CST-6)
Location: STONEWALL
Magnitude: 1.75 
Property damage: 30.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Public

Hail stones up to golf ball size fell in Stonewall.

Tornado in LEAKE, MISSISSIPPI
From 17-OCT-12 23:32:00 to 17-OCT-12 23:34:00 (CST-6)
Location: MC AFEE
Tornado F-scale: EF1
Property damage: 400.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

Tornado began along East Franklin Street and tracked east along it for roughly three quarters of a mile, producing significant damage to several homes and destroying outbuildings and sheds. The tornado then turned more east southeast, producing tree damage and more sporadic structural damage as it crossed Highway 16. The tornado lifted shortly thereafter, but not before seriously damaging several chicken houses. Maximum wind speeds were estimated at 110 mph.

Thunderstorm Wind in LEAKE, MISSISSIPPI
From 17-OCT-12 23:35:00 to 17-OCT-12 23:40:00 (CST-6)
Location: ESTESMILL
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Property damage: 10.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Law Enforcement

Several trees were blown down along Highway 35 and Highway 487 near Standing Pine.

Tornado in NESHOBA, MISSISSIPPI
From 18-OCT-12 00:12:00 to 18-OCT-12 00:14:00 (CST-6)
Location: MC DONALD
Tornado F-scale: EF1
Property damage: 100.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

This tornado caused mainly tree damage except where it crossed County Road 519 where a mobile home was pushed off its foundation, a metal and wood frame building was destroyed, and a roof to a well built home was damaged. Maximum winds were estimated at 100 mph.