An approaching cold front, an unusually high amount of wind shear, and sufficient instability resulted in an outbreak of severe thunderstorms across portions of the lower Deep South, including a violent tornado that moved through Hattiesburg. During the morning hours of February 10th, a line of severe thunderstorms moved into the ArkLaMiss, downing trees and powerlines over portions of southeast Arkansas, northeast Louisiana, and central Mississippi. There was also a barn destroyed near Silver City in Humphreys County. The storms continued to push eastward through the early afternoon, then began to slow down as the cold front began to stall. To the south and east of this line of storms, several supercell thunderstorms developed in the more unstable air mass over south Mississippi, with many of the storms exhibiting strong rotation on radar. Shortly after 4 pm, a tornado developed over southwest Marion County near the Pickwick community and tracked across the county into far western Lamar County before lifting. The same storm which produced this tornado continued eastward across northern Lamar County, producing a large tornado which touched down west of Oak Grove and tracked through the very populated West Hattiesburg area. The tornado continued into Forrest County, tracking through the cities of Hattiesburg and Petal before ending in northwestern Perry County. Considerable damage occurred along the path of this storm, and several people were injured. Scattered severe storms continued to affect the Pine Belt area through the remainder of the evening and into the early morning hours of the 11th, before finally moving out of the area.
In addition to severe weather, flash flooding was a major issue in several areas. From the 10th through the early morning hours of the 11th, the heaviest rainfall occurred over parts of southeast Mississippi, where 5 to 7 inches of rain fell and flash flooding was reported in the area. Rainfall amounts of up to 3 1/2 inches occurred in the Jackson metro area, leading to considerable flash flooding. Quick rises occurred on several streams in the city of Jackson.

Tornado in LAMAR, MISSISSIPPI
From 10-FEB-13 17:03:00 to 10-FEB-13 17:15:00 (CST-6)
Location: OAK GROVE
Tornado F-scale: EF4
Property damage: 13.50M
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

The tornado started along Highway 589, where some limbs and small trees were blown down. It became intense rather quickly, producing significant damage as it moved through the West Lake Serene area. The tornado reached its maximum intensity in the area around and just southwest of Oak Grove High School where maximum winds were estimated at 170 mph, which is EF-4 strength. There was a brick home in a subdivision southwest of the high school, just west of old Highway 11, that was completely leveled with all interior and exterior walls down, and a fair amount of large debris was blown downstream. Additionally, very high end timber damage occurred in this location with a number of trees showing debarking and denuding. Several other homes in this subdivision also sustained EF-2 to EF-3 damage. As the tornado crossed old Highway 11, it produced extensive damage on the campus of Oak Grove High School. The field house adjoining the football stadium was destroyed, the baseball stadium and a large metal building adjoining the stadium were essentially destroyed, and several large steel/concrete light standards were snapped at both the baseball and football stadiums. A vehicle was thrown from the parking lot adjoining the baseball stadium, up a small hill and was deposited near the pitching mound in the middle of the baseball field. The main building of the high school also suffered roof damage.
The tornado then moved northeast into the heavily populated areas of Oak Grove and West Hattiesburg, including areas along Lincoln Road Extension, Weathersby Road, Oak Grove Road, and the area just south of Highway 98 along Clark, Lamar and Foxgate Avenues. Numerous homes were destroyed or suffered major damage, and a few homes showed evidence of high end EF-3 damage. Dozens of power poles were snapped and extensive tree damage occurred. Video evidence and ground survey damage appeared to indicate that the tornado was multi-vortex in nature during its Lamar County portion. Just before crossing Interstate 59, it caused significant roof damage to a number of apartment buildings just west of the interstate. In total in Lamar County, emergency management indicated that 51 homes were destroyed and 170 suffered major damage.
The tornado then moved into Forrest County just to the south of Hardy Street damaging numerous homes with the damage in the EF-2 and EF-3 category. It then crossed Hardy Street impacting the southeast corner of the University of Southern Mississippi campus. Numerous buildings were damaged in this area including several campus buildings and a large church. Numerous power poles were blown down in this area and several metal traffic lights were bent or torn off their bases. Damage in this area was also EF-2 and EF-3.
The tornado continued across Highway 49 impacting multiple neighborhoods. Numerous roofs were blown off houses and many trees fell on houses and vehicles. The tornado crossed North Main Street causing significant damage to the Red Cross building, the Girl Scouts building, and bending large metal poles at the Hattiesburg High School athletic fields. The tornado then moved across east 7th Street causing significant damage to several large brick buildings. Damage in the area between north Main Street and east 7th Avenue was in the high end EF-3 range with maximum winds around 160 mph.
The tornado continued into Petal with the most significant damage occurring to an Ace Hardware store on South Main Street. Numerous homes in the vicinity of the hardware store also had roofs torn off and exterior walls collapsed. This damage was also rated high end EF-3 with maximum winds around 160 mph.
The tornado began to weaken as it crossed the Evelyn Gandy Parkway to the northeast of Petal. Damage in this area was mainly EF-1 and EF-2 and consisted of roof damage and snapped trees. The tornado strengthened one last time as it moved through a neighborhood just off Twin Lakes Road. Numerous well built homes experienced EF-2 damage to the roofs in this neighborhood. The tornado weakened as it approached the Perry County line and dissipated a couple of miles into Perry County. Damage at the end of the track was in the EF-0 to EF-1 range.
In Forrest County, emergency management indicated that 133 homes were destroyed and 207 suffered major damage. There were 63 reported injuries.
This is the second violent tornado to impact Lamar and Forrest Counties in recorded history. The other violent tornado was the infamous Purvis tornado on April 24, 1908 that was on the ground for 155 miles and impacted many counties across Mississippi. In total, 143 people were killed by this tornado, including 60 in Lamar County and 4 in Forrest County.

Flash Flood in JONES, MISSISSIPPI
From 10-FEB-13 19:05:00 to 10-FEB-13 19:40:00 (CST-6)
Location: OVETT
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

There was flooding on Ovett Moselle Road in front of the post office.

Flash Flood in JONES, MISSISSIPPI
From 10-FEB-13 19:25:00 to 10-FEB-13 20:15:00 (CST-6)
Location: MOSELLE
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Flooding occurred on Pittman Road near Phillips Road.

Thunderstorm Wind in WARREN, MISSISSIPPI
From 10-FEB-13 10:56:00 to 10-FEB-13 10:56:00 (CST-6)
Location: EAGLE BEND
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Property damage: 2.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Law Enforcement

Numerous trees were blown down in the area.

Thunderstorm Wind in YAZOO, MISSISSIPPI
From 10-FEB-13 11:08:00 to 10-FEB-13 11:08:00 (CST-6)
Location: RENSHAW
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Law Enforcement

One tree was blown down on Carson Road.

Thunderstorm Wind in WARREN, MISSISSIPPI
From 10-FEB-13 11:15:00 to 10-FEB-13 11:15:00 (CST-6)
Location: HAYNES BLUFF
Magnitude: 53.00 EG
Property damage: 15.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Several power lines were blown down along Floweree Road.

Thunderstorm Wind in HOLMES, MISSISSIPPI
From 10-FEB-13 11:35:00 to 10-FEB-13 11:35:00 (CST-6)
Location: DURANT
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Property damage: 5.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Law Enforcement

A few power lines were blown down in Durant.

Tornado in LAWRENCE, MISSISSIPPI
From 10-FEB-13 15:39:00 to 10-FEB-13 15:43:00 (CST-6)
Location: ARM
Tornado F-scale: EF1
Property damage: 75.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

This tornado started in a wooded area between River Road and GW Smith Road. As it moved east northeast, it snapped and uprooted a couple dozen hardwood and softwood trees along GW Smith Road. It also downed a couple power lines in this area. Several hay barns were damaged with tin thrown along the path. A well defined convergent pattern was noted with the tree damage. Also along this road, a mobile home had the front porch removed, and three other homes sustained minor roof damage. The tornado dissipated as it crossed highway 43. Maximum wind speeds were estimated at 95 mph.

Hail in LAWRENCE, MISSISSIPPI
From 10-FEB-13 16:38:00 to 10-FEB-13 16:38:00 (CST-6)
Location: ARM
Magnitude: 1.00 
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Tornado in MARION, MISSISSIPPI
From 10-FEB-13 16:23:00 to 10-FEB-13 16:49:00 (CST-6)
Location: PICKWICK
Tornado F-scale: EF2
Property damage: 300.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

This tornado started just inside Marion County on New Hope Road where a few outbuildings were destroyed. On the east side of the road, a home had a good portion of the roof torn off. The tornado then crossed Hurricane Creek Road and approached Mt Carmel Church Road, which is where the most intense damage occurred. Three mobile homes were completely destroyed with just the undercarriage left (3 injuries occurred here). A bit further northeast, the tornado crossed Regan Road where three homes sustained significant roof damage. Numerous trees were snapped or uprooted in this area as well. The tornado weakened as it crossed Hwy 35, but continued to produce low end tree damage across Hwy 13 South and Game Reserve Road. Additional damage to structures occurred near the Lamar County line along Columbia-Purvis Road, Powell Lane and Culdesac Drive. The tornado then entered Lamar County causing additional damage to structures with one home off Wiley Lott Road having the roof removed. A number of power poles were snapped in this area as well, along with significant tree damage. The tornado dissipated shortly after producing this damage. Maximum wind speeds were estimated at 120 mph.

Flash Flood in COPIAH, MISSISSIPPI
From 10-FEB-13 16:30:00 to 10-FEB-13 17:00:00 (CST-6)
Location: GALLATIN
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

A couple of roads had to be closed due to flooding.

Tornado in LAMAR, MISSISSIPPI
From 10-FEB-13 16:49:00 to 10-FEB-13 16:50:00 (CST-6)
Location: TATUMS CAMPS
Tornado F-scale: EF2
Property damage: 75.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

This tornado started just inside Marion County on New Hope Road where a few outbuildings were destroyed. On the east side of the road, a home had a good portion of the roof torn off. The tornado then crossed Hurricane Creek Road and approached Mt Carmel Church Road, which is where the most intense damage occurred. Three mobile homes were completely destroyed with just the undercarriage left (3 injuries occurred here). A bit further northeast, the tornado crossed Regan Road where three homes sustained significant roof damage. Numerous trees were snapped or uprooted in this area as well. The tornado weakened as it crossed Hwy 35, but continued to produce low end tree damage across Hwy 13 South and Game Reserve Road. Additional damage to structures occurred near the Lamar County line along Columbia-Purvis Road, Powell Lane and Culdesac Drive. The tornado then entered Lamar County causing additional damage to structures with one home off Wiley Lott Road having the roof removed. A number of power poles were snapped in this area as well, along with significant tree damage. The tornado dissipated shortly after producing this damage. Maximum wind speeds were estimated at 120 mph.

Tornado in FORREST, MISSISSIPPI
From 10-FEB-13 17:15:00 to 10-FEB-13 17:33:00 (CST-6)
Location: HATTIESBURG
Tornado F-scale: EF3
Property damage: 25.00M
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

The tornado started along Highway 589, where some limbs and small trees were blown down. It became intense rather quickly, producing significant damage as it moved through the West Lake Serene area. The tornado reached its maximum intensity in the area around and just southwest of Oak Grove High School where maximum winds were estimated at 170 mph, which is EF-4 strength. There was a brick home in a subdivision southwest of the high school, just west of old Highway 11, that was completely leveled with all interior and exterior walls down, and a fair amount of large debris was blown downstream. Additionally, very high end timber damage occurred in this location with a number of trees showing debarking and denuding. Several other homes in this subdivision also sustained EF-2 to EF-3 damage. As the tornado crossed old Highway 11, it produced extensive damage on the campus of Oak Grove High School. The field house adjoining the football stadium was destroyed, the baseball stadium and a large metal building adjoining the stadium were essentially destroyed, and several large steel/concrete light standards were snapped at both the baseball and football stadiums. A vehicle was thrown from the parking lot adjoining the baseball stadium, up a small hill and was deposited near the pitching mound in the middle of the baseball field. The main building of the high school also suffered roof damage.
The tornado then moved northeast into the heavily populated areas of Oak Grove and West Hattiesburg, including areas along Lincoln Road Extension, Weathersby Road, Oak Grove Road, and the area just south of Highway 98 along Clark, Lamar and Foxgate Avenues. Numerous homes were destroyed or suffered major damage, and a few homes showed evidence of high end EF-3 damage. Dozens of power poles were snapped and extensive tree damage occurred. Video evidence and ground survey damage appeared to indicate that the tornado was multi-vortex in nature during its Lamar County portion. Just before crossing Interstate 59, it caused significant roof damage to a number of apartment buildings just west of the interstate. In total in Lamar County, emergency management indicated that 51 homes were destroyed and 170 suffered major damage.
The tornado then moved into Forrest County just to the south of Hardy Street damaging numerous homes with the damage in the EF-2 and EF-3 category. It then crossed Hardy Street impacting the southeast corner of the University of Southern Mississippi campus. Numerous buildings were damaged in this area including several campus buildings and a large church. Numerous power poles were blown down in this area and several metal traffic lights were bent or torn off their bases. Damage in this area was also EF-2 and EF-3.
The tornado continued across Highway 49 impacting multiple neighborhoods. Numerous roofs were blown off houses and many trees fell on houses and vehicles. The tornado crossed North Main Street causing significant damage to the Red Cross building, the Girl Scouts building, and bending large metal poles at the Hattiesburg High School athletic fields. The tornado then moved across east 7th Street causing significant damage to several large brick buildings. Damage in the area between north Main Street and east 7th Avenue was in the high end EF-3 range with maximum winds around 160 mph.
The tornado continued into Petal with the most significant damage occurring to an Ace Hardware store on South Main Street. Numerous homes in the vicinity of the hardware store also had roofs torn off and exterior walls collapsed. This damage was also rated high end EF-3 with maximum winds around 160 mph.
The tornado began to weaken as it crossed the Evelyn Gandy Parkway to the northeast of Petal. Damage in this area was mainly EF-1 and EF-2 and consisted of roof damage and snapped trees. The tornado strengthened one last time as it moved through a neighborhood just off Twin Lakes Road. Numerous well built homes experienced EF-2 damage to the roofs in this neighborhood. The tornado weakened as it approached the Perry County line and dissipated a couple of miles into Perry County. Damage at the end of the track was in the EF-0 to EF-1 range.
In Forrest County, emergency management indicated that 133 homes were destroyed and 207 suffered major damage. There were 63 reported injuries.
This is the second violent tornado to impact Lamar and Forrest Counties in recorded history. The other violent tornado was the infamous Purvis tornado on April 24, 1908 that was on the ground for 155 miles and impacted many counties across Mississippi. In total, 143 people were killed by this tornado, including 60 in Lamar County and 4 in Forrest County.

Thunderstorm Wind in HUMPHREYS, MISSISSIPPI
From 10-FEB-13 10:49:00 to 10-FEB-13 10:49:00 (CST-6)
Location: SILVER CITY
Magnitude: 55.00 EG
Property damage: 25.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Public

A barn was destroyed along Highway 149.

Thunderstorm Wind in MADISON, MISSISSIPPI
From 10-FEB-13 11:38:00 to 10-FEB-13 11:38:00 (CST-6)
Location: FLORA
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Property damage: 25.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Law Enforcement

Trees and power lines were blown down around Flora, as well as much of southwestern Madison County.

Thunderstorm Wind in MADISON, MISSISSIPPI
From 10-FEB-13 11:50:00 to 10-FEB-13 11:50:00 (CST-6)
Location: CAMDEN
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Property damage: 2.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Public

A few older trees were blown down around town.

Thunderstorm Wind in ATTALA, MISSISSIPPI
From 10-FEB-13 11:54:00 to 10-FEB-13 11:54:00 (CST-6)
Location: MC ADAMS
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Property damage: 2.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Trees were blown down across Highway 14 West south of McAdams, and a few power lines were blown down just east of Kosciusko.

Flash Flood in WARREN, MISSISSIPPI
From 10-FEB-13 12:20:00 to 10-FEB-13 13:00:00 (CST-6)
Location: STOUT
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 30.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Numerous streets were flooded in the Vicksburg area. The fire department had to make several water rescues of people in flooded vehicles.

Flash Flood in MADISON, MISSISSIPPI
From 10-FEB-13 13:00:00 to 10-FEB-13 13:30:00 (CST-6)
Location: MADISON
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Public

Water was across Madison Avenue near the train tracks.

Thunderstorm Wind in KEMPER, MISSISSIPPI
From 10-FEB-13 13:35:00 to 10-FEB-13 13:35:00 (CST-6)
Location: SCOOBA
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Property damage: 2.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Law Enforcement

A power line was blown down in the area.

Thunderstorm Wind in HINDS, MISSISSIPPI
From 10-FEB-13 13:40:00 to 10-FEB-13 13:40:00 (CST-6)
Location: COOPERS WELLS
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Property damage: 3.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Utility Company

Power lines were blown down south of Raymond.

Flash Flood in RANKIN, MISSISSIPPI
From 10-FEB-13 13:55:00 to 10-FEB-13 14:55:00 (CST-6)
Location: FLOWOOD
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Public

Flooding occurred at Autry Street and Skylane Drive, as well as on Pemberton Drive in Pearl.

Flash Flood in HINDS, MISSISSIPPI
From 10-FEB-13 14:30:00 to 10-FEB-13 15:30:00 (CST-6)
Location: SIWELL
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 1.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Public

Several streets were flooded all across south Jackson and out toward Clinton.

Thunderstorm Wind in COPIAH, MISSISSIPPI
From 10-FEB-13 15:10:00 to 10-FEB-13 15:10:00 (CST-6)
Location: CRYSTAL SPGS
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

A tree was blown down along Highway 27.

Hail in JONES, MISSISSIPPI
From 10-FEB-13 16:55:00 to 10-FEB-13 16:55:00 (CST-6)
Location: ELLISVILLE
Magnitude: 0.88 
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Amateur Radio

Hail in MARION, MISSISSIPPI
From 10-FEB-13 17:40:00 to 10-FEB-13 17:40:00 (CST-6)
Location: GOSS
Magnitude: 2.75 
Property damage: 150.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Baseball to softball size hail fell in and around Goss.

Hail in JEFFERSON DAVIS, MISSISSIPPI
From 10-FEB-13 17:43:00 to 10-FEB-13 17:43:00 (CST-6)
Location: HATHORN
Magnitude: 1.00 
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Official NWS Observations

Hail in LAMAR, MISSISSIPPI
From 10-FEB-13 23:12:00 to 10-FEB-13 23:12:00 (CST-6)
Location: PURVIS
Magnitude: 1.00 
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Public

Flash Flood in JEFFERSON DAVIS, MISSISSIPPI
From 10-FEB-13 17:45:00 to 10-FEB-13 18:15:00 (CST-6)
Location: PRENTISS
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Law Enforcement

Water covered a portion of John Street, which had to be closed for a while.