A regional severe weather outbreak unfolded during Christmas Day 2012 as a result of an anomalously strong and southward positioned trough axis over the southern plains and lower Mississippi River valley. Very strong cyclonically curved winds in the mid-levels of the atmosphere near 115 mph and a rapidly deepening surface low over Louisiana and Mississippi aided in strong low-level wind shear and destabilization for severe thunderstorm development. Early Christmas morning, a large elevated rain and thunderstorm shield overspread the entire ArkLaMiss region. A warm front pushed north through southern Louisiana and Mississippi through late morning and through the afternoon while a quickly advancing cold front and developing squall line were occurring across portions of Texas and Louisiana. A Particularly Dangerous Situation (PDS) Tornado Watch was issued for all of southern Louisiana and Mississippi late Christmas morning for the expected potency of the rotating thunderstorms. Supercells began to develop ahead of the squall line across southern Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama south of the warm front during the afternoon. With such ample wind and speed shear, strong tornadoes developed that afternoon. The most notable tornadoes in NWS Jackson's area were two EF2 tornadoes in Lawrence and southern Forrest counties that destroyed several mobile homes and campers, snapped power poles, and uprooted or snapped hundreds of trees. Luckily, no fatalities occurred in association with the tornadoes. The tornado damage in Forrest County was part of a 61 mile long tornado that began in Pearl River County Mississippi, where EF-3 damage occurred, and ended in western Greene County. Numerous trees were reported down across much of central Mississippi from the advancing squall line and its damaging straight-line winds. Flash flooding also occurred across many areas leading to road closures. The severe weather and cold front finally cleared Mississippi by early Christmas evening.

Thunderstorm Wind in MADISON, MISSISSIPPI
From 25-DEC-12 14:42:00 to 25-DEC-12 14:42:00 (CST-6)
Location: MADISON STATION
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Property damage: 1.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

A large tree was blown down along Madison Avenue near Highway 51.

Lightning in MADISON, MISSISSIPPI
From 25-DEC-12 14:45:00 to 25-DEC-12 14:45:00 (CST-6)
Location: RIDGELAND
Property damage: 200.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Fire Department/Rescue

A home was destroyed along Rockwood Drive by a lightning induced fire.

Flash Flood in HINDS, MISSISSIPPI
From 25-DEC-12 15:10:00 to 25-DEC-12 16:30:00 (CST-6)
Location: WEST JACKSON
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 10.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Street flooding was ongoing across the city of Jackson. Cars were being stalled in the water on Terry Road near McDowell Road.

Thunderstorm Wind in COPIAH, MISSISSIPPI
From 25-DEC-12 15:15:00 to 25-DEC-12 15:15:00 (CST-6)
Location: HAZLEHURST
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Property damage: 1.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

A tree was blown down across Highway 51.

Thunderstorm Wind in LEAKE, MISSISSIPPI
From 25-DEC-12 15:20:00 to 25-DEC-12 15:20:00 (CST-6)
Location: THOMASTOWN
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Property damage: 1.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Trees were blown down on Highway 43.

Thunderstorm Wind in SIMPSON, MISSISSIPPI
From 25-DEC-12 15:25:00 to 25-DEC-12 15:25:00 (CST-6)
Location: BRAXTON
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Property damage: 5.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

A tree and a power line were blown down in Braxton.

Tornado in LAWRENCE, MISSISSIPPI
From 25-DEC-12 15:35:00 to 25-DEC-12 15:44:00 (CST-6)
Location: LAMBERTS STORE
Tornado F-scale: EF2
Property damage: 200.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

The tornado touched down in a wooded area near Trace Road producing mostly tree and minor roof damage to the homes in the area. As it moved to the northeast, the width increased to near 0.25 miles near Ford-Calcote and James Fox Roads producing significant tree damage. As it continued northeast crossing Conley Peavey Road, a carport awning was removed and part of a barn was destroyed, along with more heavy tree damage. As it approached Highway 84, the width decreased to around 1/10 if a mile and the tornado increased in intensity. It was at this time that the tornado was most intense (EF-2) resulting in several mobile homes and travel trailers being lofted and ultimately destroyed. A small business had substantial roof damage with two walls being blown out. An abandoned brick gas station had its roof removed and windows blown out, with the awning support poles bent and awning roof blown away. As the tornado approached Highway 27 northwest of Monticello, more tree damage was noted while it collapsed a patio roof on a house on Friendship Lane just north of Monticello. Minor tree damage occurred along the remainder of the track. Maximum winds were estimated at 120 mph.

Thunderstorm Wind in NESHOBA, MISSISSIPPI
From 25-DEC-12 15:45:00 to 25-DEC-12 16:00:00 (CST-6)
Location: ARLINGTON
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Property damage: 5.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Trees were blown down on Highway 19. Trees and power lines were blown down blocking MS Highway 395 near the Winston County line. A tree was on a power line on County Road 747.

Thunderstorm Wind in SIMPSON, MISSISSIPPI
From 25-DEC-12 15:45:00 to 25-DEC-12 15:45:00 (CST-6)
Location: PINOLA
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

A tree was blown down.

Thunderstorm Wind in SCOTT, MISSISSIPPI
From 25-DEC-12 15:50:00 to 25-DEC-12 15:50:00 (CST-6)
Location: HARPERVILLE
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

A couple of trees were blown down.

Thunderstorm Wind in SCOTT, MISSISSIPPI
From 25-DEC-12 16:00:00 to 25-DEC-12 16:00:00 (CST-6)
Location: LAKE
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Property damage: 1.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

A tree was blown down.

Tornado in JONES, MISSISSIPPI
From 25-DEC-12 16:09:00 to 25-DEC-12 16:11:00 (CST-6)
Location: OVETT
Tornado F-scale: EF1
Property damage: 50.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

Numerous soft and hardwood trees were snapped and uprooted. A single-wide mobile home had partial roof damage. A small barn had the walls collapse. A small out building was blown over. The roof collapsed on a small barn. A family residence had significant roof and siding damage. Maximum winds were estimated at 105 mph.

Thunderstorm Wind in CLARKE, MISSISSIPPI
From 25-DEC-12 16:25:00 to 25-DEC-12 16:25:00 (CST-6)
Location: ENTERPRISE
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Property damage: 3.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

Several trees were blown down around the county.

Tornado in LAUDERDALE, MISSISSIPPI
From 25-DEC-12 16:35:00 to 25-DEC-12 16:37:00 (CST-6)
Location: SAVOY
Tornado F-scale: EF0
Property damage: 55.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

The tornado touched down on County Road 356 producing minor roof damage to a couple of homes. As the tornado continued to the northeast, a tin roof was peeled back on a home on MS Highway 145 and a fence was blown over at a residence. The tornado uprooted a few trees along the path. The tornado finally ended near MS Highway 145 and US Highway 45 as it caused minor roof damage to a residence. Maximum winds were estimated at 80 mph.

Flash Flood in MADISON, MISSISSIPPI
From 25-DEC-12 12:30:00 to 25-DEC-12 13:30:00 (CST-6)
Location: FLORA
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Amateur Radio

Street flooding was reported in Flora.

Thunderstorm Wind in RANKIN, MISSISSIPPI
From 25-DEC-12 13:22:00 to 25-DEC-12 13:22:00 (CST-6)
Location: LUCKNEY
Magnitude: 63.00 MG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: ASOS

Measured at the Jackson Medgar Wiley Evers International Airport.

Thunderstorm Wind in RANKIN, MISSISSIPPI
From 25-DEC-12 13:22:00 to 25-DEC-12 13:25:00 (CST-6)
Location: LUCKNEY
Magnitude: 63.00 EG
Property damage: 15.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Employee

A few signs were bent, a gate was damaged, and a tree fell on a fence at the Jackson International Airport. Just north of the airport, a business and an apartment building had siding damage, and a few small trees were snapped.

Flash Flood in WARREN, MISSISSIPPI
From 25-DEC-12 13:24:00 to 25-DEC-12 14:30:00 (CST-6)
Location: VICKSBURG
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Several streets were flooded around Vicksburg.

Thunderstorm Wind in CLAIBORNE, MISSISSIPPI
From 25-DEC-12 13:40:00 to 25-DEC-12 13:40:00 (CST-6)
Location: PORT GIBSON
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

A large tree was blown down, along with several limbs.

Thunderstorm Wind in WARREN, MISSISSIPPI
From 25-DEC-12 13:45:00 to 25-DEC-12 13:45:00 (CST-6)
Location: VICKSBURG
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Property damage: 2.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Two trees were blown down in the city.

Thunderstorm Wind in ADAMS, MISSISSIPPI
From 25-DEC-12 13:45:00 to 25-DEC-12 13:48:00 (CST-6)
Location: KINGSTON
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Property damage: 3.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Several trees were blown down in southeastern Adams County. A couple trees were blown down near the Natchez airport as well.

Thunderstorm Wind in JEFFERSON, MISSISSIPPI
From 25-DEC-12 14:00:00 to 25-DEC-12 14:00:00 (CST-6)
Location: CHURCH HILL
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Property damage: 2.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Law Enforcement

A few trees were blown down.

Thunderstorm Wind in ADAMS, MISSISSIPPI
From 25-DEC-12 14:10:00 to 25-DEC-12 14:10:00 (CST-6)
Location: NATCHEZ
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Property damage: 3.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Several additional trees were blown down around the county.

Thunderstorm Wind in HINDS, MISSISSIPPI
From 25-DEC-12 14:17:00 to 25-DEC-12 14:17:00 (CST-6)
Location: EDWARDS
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Property damage: 55.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

A large tree fell on a house in Edwards causing heavy damage. Two people were injured.

Thunderstorm Wind in FRANKLIN, MISSISSIPPI
From 25-DEC-12 14:30:00 to 25-DEC-12 14:30:00 (CST-6)
Location: ROXIE
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Property damage: 2.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

A few trees were blown down.

Thunderstorm Wind in COPIAH, MISSISSIPPI
From 25-DEC-12 14:40:00 to 25-DEC-12 14:40:00 (CST-6)
Location: BARLOW
Magnitude: 52.00 EG
Property damage: 5.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

A tree was blown down and an awning was ripped off a home on Highway 28.

Thunderstorm Wind in LAUDERDALE, MISSISSIPPI
From 25-DEC-12 16:36:00 to 25-DEC-12 16:36:00 (CST-6)
Location: OKATIBBEE
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Property damage: 15.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Broadcast Media

A tree was blown down onto a house along Wesley Chapel Road.

Thunderstorm Wind in LOWNDES, MISSISSIPPI
From 25-DEC-12 16:50:00 to 25-DEC-12 16:50:00 (CST-6)
Location: NEW HOPE
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Property damage: 2.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

A few trees were blown down around the county.

Flash Flood in WARREN, MISSISSIPPI
From 25-DEC-12 14:45:00 to 25-DEC-12 15:30:00 (CST-6)
Location: VICKSBURG
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 2.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Street flooding occurred in Vicksburg. Some storm covers were blown off of drains.

Tornado in FORREST, MISSISSIPPI
From 25-DEC-12 15:55:00 to 25-DEC-12 16:05:00 (CST-6)
Location: FRUITLAND PARK
Tornado F-scale: EF2
Property damage: 200.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

Numerous soft and hardwood trees were snapped and uprooted. Multiple power poles were snapped. Two double wide mobile homes were completely destroyed, a pickup truck was rolled, and a single-wide mobile home suffered major damage. Large oaks were uprooted and a travel trailer was demolished by a falling tree. Maximum wind speeds were estimated at 130 mph in Forrest County.
This is the continuation of a longer tornado that started in Pearl River County at 3:10pm. This tornado was at it's strongest in Pearl River County with estimated wind speeds of 140 mph, which is EF-3 strength. The tornado finally ended in Greene County at 4:34pm. The total path length was 60.8 miles.

Flash Flood in LAUDERDALE, MISSISSIPPI
From 25-DEC-12 17:35:00 to 25-DEC-12 18:00:00 (CST-6)
Location: BAILEY
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Amateur Radio

Flooding occurred on Highway 493.