A slow moving storm system combined with abundant moisture to bring nearly 48 hours of rain and thunderstorms to the ArkLaMiss region, beginning on the evening of March 20th and continuing through the afternoon hours of March 22nd. Strong winds in the atmosphere interacted with a cold front to bring severe thunderstorms, tornadoes and widespread flooding to the region. The primary impacts from this system were tornadoes and flooding, but there were also many reports of damaging winds. With rich moisture flowing north from the Gulf of Mexico, many of the storms were efficient rain makers that ended up producing both flash flooding and river flooding. Most areas west of the I-55 corridor received one to three inches, areas along the I-55 corridor received between three and four inches, and up to eight inches was observed east of I-55.

Heavy Rain in NESHOBA, MISSISSIPPI
From 22-MAR-12 08:00:00 to 22-MAR-12 09:00:00 (CST-6)
Location: PHILADELPHIA
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

The Emergency Operations Center in Philadelphia measured 5.16 inches of rainfall.

Flash Flood in NEWTON, MISSISSIPPI
From 22-MAR-12 06:00:00 to 22-MAR-12 10:30:00 (CST-6)
Location: DECATUR
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 200.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

A culvert and a levee in the area were in danger of failing due to the heavy rainfall. Pumping operations took place to relieve the pressure. A few roads in the area were flooded as well.

Thunderstorm Wind in JEFFERSON, MISSISSIPPI
From 21-MAR-12 09:30:00 to 21-MAR-12 09:30:00 (CST-6)
Location: FAYETTE
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Property damage: 50.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Law Enforcement

Numerous trees were blown down. One tree fell on a mobile home.

Flash Flood in MARION, MISSISSIPPI
From 21-MAR-12 18:50:00 to 21-MAR-12 19:50:00 (CST-6)
Location: HUB
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Newspaper

Old River Road was closed near Mississippi Highway 43 due to flooding.

Flash Flood in FORREST, MISSISSIPPI
From 22-MAR-12 07:45:00 to 22-MAR-12 10:00:00 (CST-6)
Location: MC LAURIN
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 50.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Public

Geiger Lake Road in Paul B. Johnson State Park was damaged by flood waters.

Flash Flood in LAMAR, MISSISSIPPI
From 22-MAR-12 06:10:00 to 22-MAR-12 08:20:00 (CST-6)
Location: PURVIS
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Baker Road and Patterson Road were closed due to flooding. Water was over Browns Bridge Road near Baker Road.

Flash Flood in WINSTON, MISSISSIPPI
From 22-MAR-12 08:15:00 to 22-MAR-12 09:00:00 (CST-6)
Location: NOXAPATER
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 100.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Public

Low lying roads were flooded. Creeks were at bankfull and ponds had overflowed through their spillways.

Tornado in JASPER, MISSISSIPPI
From 21-MAR-12 20:03:00 to 21-MAR-12 20:04:00 (CST-6)
Location: PAULDING
Tornado F-scale: EF0
Property damage: 10.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

This tornado snapped and uprooted a number of trees along a narrow path along County Roads 16 and 503. Maximum estimated winds were 75 mph.

Thunderstorm Wind in CLAIBORNE, MISSISSIPPI
From 21-MAR-12 09:30:00 to 21-MAR-12 09:30:00 (CST-6)
Location: ALCORN
Magnitude: 55.00 EG
Property damage: 10.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Trees were blown down across Rodney, Russum Westside, and Nathan Jones Roads.

Thunderstorm Wind in FRANKLIN, MISSISSIPPI
From 21-MAR-12 09:08:00 to 21-MAR-12 09:18:00 (CST-6)
Location: WHITE APPLE
Magnitude: 60.00 EG
Property damage: 50.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

A swath of wind damage started by downing a few trees across Highway 33 south of Roxie. A microburst in Meadville caused extensive damage around town. Numerous trees and power lines were blown down. Three houses were damaged due to trees falling on them, and one mobile home had a tree fall on it. Trees also fell on two sheds.

Tornado in CLAIBORNE, MISSISSIPPI
From 21-MAR-12 09:51:00 to 21-MAR-12 09:54:00 (CST-6)
Location: WILLOWS
Tornado F-scale: EF2
Property damage: 100.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

This tornado first touched down in northern Claiborne County downing trees along Floyd Road. It then crossed the Big Black River into southern Warren County impacting a hunting camp, destroying 2 mobile homes, snapping 4 power poles and snapping numerous trees.  It then moved across Gullett Road where it destroyed 3 large outbuildings, heavily damaged the roof of a brick home, and snapped numerous trees.  The tornado next crossed Campbell Swamp Road where it reached its maximum width and snapped hundreds of trees. The tornado then moved nearly parallel to Price Hill Road again snapping and uprooting many trees. One of the trees fell on a house causing significant damage. The tornado continued downing more trees, but then lifted as it crossed Jeff Davis Road. Maximum estimated wind speeds were 120 mph.

Thunderstorm Wind in JASPER, MISSISSIPPI
From 21-MAR-12 20:15:00 to 21-MAR-12 20:15:00 (CST-6)
Location: ROSE HILL
Magnitude: 55.00 EG
Property damage: 25.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

A roof of a house was damaged and a shed was damaged.

Tornado in RANKIN, MISSISSIPPI
From 21-MAR-12 13:04:00 to 21-MAR-12 13:14:00 (CST-6)
Location: GULDE
Tornado F-scale: EF2
Property damage: 150.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

The tornado started just north of Interstate 20 near Carter Circle where a few trees were uprooted. The tornado continued slightly west of north and remained relatively weak. It blew down a few trees and limbs along the path. The tornado intensified just after crossing US Highway 80 where it caused extensive damage to a large frame home. Most of the roofing structure of the home was destroyed, a back wall was partially collapsed and extensive shingle damage occurred to the remaining roof. In addition, along the narrow path of the tornado, rather intense tree damage occurred north of the home with a number of large trees uprooted and snapped. From this point the tornado continued northward over Pelahatchie Creek and then crossed Lake Road in two spots, snapping and uprooting a number of trees along its narrow path. The tornado continued across Haynes Chapel Road snapping several trees. The tornado dissipated between Haynes Chapel Road and Holly Bush Road. Maximum estimated wind speeds were 115 mph.

Heavy Rain in JASPER, MISSISSIPPI
From 22-MAR-12 06:30:00 to 22-MAR-12 08:33:00 (CST-6)
Location: BAY SPGS
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

The emergency manager measured 6.30 inches of rain at the Emergency Operations Center in Bay Springs.

Flash Flood in JONES, MISSISSIPPI
From 22-MAR-12 08:30:00 to 22-MAR-12 12:00:00 (CST-6)
Location: OVETT
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 250.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Rural roads around the Ovett area were flooded. Numerous roads all around the county were closed due to flooding. A home on Reedy Creek Road had water in it. A home on Reid Road had six inches of water in it.

Tornado in WARREN, MISSISSIPPI
From 21-MAR-12 09:54:00 to 21-MAR-12 10:01:00 (CST-6)
Location: ALLEN
Tornado F-scale: EF2
Property damage: 150.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

This tornado first touched down in northern Claiborne County downing trees along Floyd Road. It then crossed the Big Black River into southern Warren County impacting a hunting camp, destroying 2 mobile homes, snapping 4 power poles and snapping numerous trees.  It then moved across Gullett Road where it destroyed 3 large outbuildings, heavily damaged the roof of a brick home, and snapped numerous trees.  The tornado next crossed Campbell Swamp Road where it reached its maximum width and snapped hundreds of trees. The tornado then moved nearly parallel to Price Hill Road again snapping and uprooting many trees. One of the trees fell on a house causing significant damage. The tornado continued downing more trees, but then lifted as it crossed Jeff Davis Road. Maximum estimated wind speeds were 120 mph.

Tornado in WARREN, MISSISSIPPI
From 21-MAR-12 10:11:00 to 21-MAR-12 10:13:00 (CST-6)
Location: STOUT
Tornado F-scale: EF1
Property damage: 250.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

This tornado touched down near the Army Corps of Engineers Experimental Station where it peeled part of a metal roof off a building and overturned a trailer. The tornado then moved along Porters Chapel Road, where it knocked down trees and overturned a single wide mobile home. The tornado then weakened, but knocked down a few more trees in the Lakewood subdivision, causing some structural damage to a few homes. It lifted as it left the subdivision. Maximum estimated wind speed was 90 mph.

Flash Flood in RANKIN, MISSISSIPPI
From 21-MAR-12 16:45:00 to 21-MAR-12 18:00:00 (CST-6)
Location: PELAHATCHIE
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

Debris showed that water was across Haines Chapel and Lake Roads during the peak of the heavy rain event.

Flash Flood in NESHOBA, MISSISSIPPI
From 22-MAR-12 08:02:00 to 22-MAR-12 10:30:00 (CST-6)
Location: PHILADELPHIA ARPT
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 50.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Multiple roads were flooded across Neshoba County including County Roads 266, 444, and 452.

Thunderstorm Wind in WARREN, MISSISSIPPI
From 21-MAR-12 10:20:00 to 21-MAR-12 10:20:00 (CST-6)
Location: CULKIN ACADAMEY
Magnitude: 43.00 EG
Property damage: 5.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Utility Company

A tree was blown down on a power line along Boy Scout Road.

Thunderstorm Wind in YAZOO, MISSISSIPPI
From 21-MAR-12 10:55:00 to 21-MAR-12 10:55:00 (CST-6)
Location: MECHANICSBURG
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Property damage: 3.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Utility Company

A power pole was blown down along Whitaker Road near Satartia.

Thunderstorm Wind in LAWRENCE, MISSISSIPPI
From 21-MAR-12 11:30:00 to 21-MAR-12 11:30:00 (CST-6)
Location: MONTICELLO
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Property damage: 15.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Public

Power lines and a few trees were blown down.

Strong Wind in JONES, MISSISSIPPI
From 21-MAR-12 15:30:00 to 21-MAR-12 15:30:00 (CST-6)
Magnitude: 43.00 EG
Property damage: 1.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

A tree was blown down along Swamp Road east of Laurel.

Flash Flood in RANKIN, MISSISSIPPI
From 21-MAR-12 15:45:00 to 21-MAR-12 16:30:00 (CST-6)
Location: VALUE
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Public

Two to three inches of water was over Highway 468 near Brandon.

Flash Flood in HINDS, MISSISSIPPI
From 21-MAR-12 16:45:00 to 21-MAR-12 18:00:00 (CST-6)
Location: WEST JACKSON
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Employee

Several portions of Beasley Road were partially covered by water.

Flash Flood in CLARKE, MISSISSIPPI
From 22-MAR-12 08:30:00 to 22-MAR-12 12:15:00 (CST-6)
Location: STONEWALL
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 300.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Broadcast Media

Shubuta Creek was well out of its banks. Numerous county roads were washed out. Water was over County Road 270. A culvert was washed out and County Road 120 was closed.

Thunderstorm Wind in SMITH, MISSISSIPPI
From 21-MAR-12 13:25:00 to 21-MAR-12 13:25:00 (CST-6)
Location: PINEVILLE
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Property damage: 10.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Public

Numerous trees were blown down between Pineville and Louin.

Thunderstorm Wind in SCOTT, MISSISSIPPI
From 21-MAR-12 13:30:00 to 21-MAR-12 13:30:00 (CST-6)
Location: FOREST
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Property damage: 30.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Public

Trees were blown down and roof damage occurred to a house.

Flash Flood in NEWTON, MISSISSIPPI
From 21-MAR-12 07:00:00 to 21-MAR-12 09:00:00 (CST-6)
Location: HICKORY
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 25.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Department of Highways

State Highway 503 was closed due to extensive flood damage to a detour roadway.

Tornado in FORREST, MISSISSIPPI
From 21-MAR-12 15:00:00 to 21-MAR-12 15:02:00 (CST-6)
Location: DRAGON
Tornado F-scale: EF0
Property damage: 20.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

The tornado began off of Longleaf Drive with a couple of softwood trees snapped. One tree fell on a fence and damaged it. The tornado continued north to Eastabuchie Road, where a few more trees were snapped and a few shingles were torn off a roof. It crossed Eastabuchie Road and ended just north of the road snapping a few more trees. Maximum estimated wind speeds were 85 mph.

Hail in JONES, MISSISSIPPI
From 21-MAR-12 16:25:00 to 21-MAR-12 16:25:00 (CST-6)
Location: SERVICE
Magnitude: 1.00 
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Flash Flood in NEWTON, MISSISSIPPI
From 21-MAR-12 22:00:00 to 22-MAR-12 00:00:00 (CST-6)
Location: NEWTON OKEEFE ARPT
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 300.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Eleven occupants were evacuated from their homes along Shiloh Church Road. A propane tank was moved off its foundation due to flooding. A few homes were flooded.

Tornado in JONES, MISSISSIPPI
From 21-MAR-12 16:31:00 to 21-MAR-12 16:32:00 (CST-6)
Location: REDDOCH
Tornado F-scale: EF0
Property damage: 25.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

There was a brief tornado touchdown at a chicken farm on Huey P Road which caused heavy roof damage to one chicken house and uprooted a tree. Maximum estimated wind speed was 75 mph.

Flash Flood in FORREST, MISSISSIPPI
From 21-MAR-12 18:00:00 to 21-MAR-12 20:00:00 (CST-6)
Location: (HBG)HATTIESBURG ARP
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 50.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Flooding was reported at the intersections of West 4th Street and Coliseum Drive, 4th Street and Main Street, South 40th and Maimie Street, and Highway 49 at 4th Street Bridge in Hattiesburg. A few vehicles were stuck in the high water.

Lightning in JONES, MISSISSIPPI
From 21-MAR-12 19:40:00 to 21-MAR-12 19:40:00 (CST-6)
Location: ELLISVILLE JCT
Property damage: 50.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Lightning struck a house along Tuckers Crossing Road resulting in a fire.

Tornado in JEFFERSON, MISSISSIPPI
From 21-MAR-12 09:23:00 to 21-MAR-12 09:29:00 (CST-6)
Location: MC NAIR
Tornado F-scale: EF1
Property damage: 20.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

The tornado snapped numerous pine trees and uprooted oak trees over a rural part of the county. Maximum wind speed was estimated at 94 mph.

Flash Flood in JONES, MISSISSIPPI
From 21-MAR-12 19:30:00 to 21-MAR-12 22:40:00 (CST-6)
Location: TUCKERS CROSSING
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 10.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Water was reported over portions of George Boutwell Road, Summerland Road, Tom Collins Road and Old Palestine Church Road.