During the afternoon of January 3rd, a strong upper level low was moving through the central Plains and a cold front began to move into the region. Across the Lower Mississippi River Valley, peak heating and upper 60s to low 70s dewpoints contributed to decent instability in the developing warm sector in advance of the front. Strong low level wind shear and winds aloft were in place, which made a favorable environment for tornadoes. This helped to support widespread thunderstorms along with a few supercell storms.
A long lived, persistent, storm tracked across the southeastern counties (Lawrence, Jefferson Davis, Covington, Jasper and Lauderdale County) and produced eight tornadoes. Considerable damage occurred in Jasper County, north of Rose Hill, and also near Mount Olive in Covington County and Meehan and Bailey in Lauderdale County. Severe storms moved out of the region by early Saturday evening. The front slowly moved to the east through the area through the evening of January 3rd.
In addition to the severe storms and tornadoes, widespread flooding occurred in southeast Mississippi where 3-5 inches of rain fell. Record amounts of moisture for the month of January were observed in the evening weather balloon sounding at the Jackson International Airport, where precipitable water value of 1.74 inches tied the record last set on January 3, 1973. This led to widespread heavy rainfall and flooding. Water covered some roads and water was entering homes near Bay Springs, with one road washed out nearby.

Flash Flood in JASPER, MISSISSIPPI
From 03-JAN-15 17:00:00 to 03-JAN-15 21:30:00 (CST-6)
Location: BAY SPGS
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 15.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Some flooding occurred along Highway 15 on the north side of town. Some water flowed into some homes. Road 18-2 was washed out.

Flash Flood in JEFFERSON DAVIS, MISSISSIPPI
From 03-JAN-15 17:14:00 to 03-JAN-15 19:30:00 (CST-6)
Location: BASSFIELD
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 5.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Flooding occurred on Mississippi Highway 35 south of Bassfield.

Flash Flood in JEFFERSON DAVIS, MISSISSIPPI
From 03-JAN-15 17:25:00 to 03-JAN-15 19:30:00 (CST-6)
Location: BASSFIELD
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 5.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Some flooding occurred on North Williamsburg Road and Jack Kerley Drive.

Flash Flood in COVINGTON, MISSISSIPPI
From 03-JAN-15 16:39:00 to 03-JAN-15 21:30:00 (CST-6)
Location: SMITH
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 5.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Some flooding occurred across Dilmore Dennis Road. A few roads were flooded across the northern part of the county, including four that were barricaded and closed.

Tornado in JASPER, MISSISSIPPI
From 03-JAN-15 15:04:00 to 03-JAN-15 15:16:00 (CST-6)
Location: MOSS HILL
Tornado F-scale: EF2
Property damage: 500.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

The tornado developed about a half mile southeast of the intersection of MS Highway 503 and County Road 20, and quickly strengthened as it moved northeast toward the intersection. The storm was at its strongest at this point, destroying five mobile homes, snapping several utility poles, and causing extensive tree damage. It continued northeast along the east side of Highway 503, downing trees near County Road 50323 and then began to parallel the eastern segment of County Road 20. Along this roadway, much of the roof was removed from a home, several trees were snapped or uprooted and minor damage occurred to another home. The tornado then crossed County Road 2026, where a mobile home was destroyed, and County Road 50325, where more trees were snapped. Farther northeast an outbuilding was destroyed near the intersection of MS Highway 504 and County Road 2420. The tornado damaged utility poles just across the Newton County line where it finally lifted. In all ten homes were destroyed along the path of the tornado.The estimated wind maximum was 130 mph at its strongest in Jasper County. The total path length was around 8 miles.

Tornado in NEWTON, MISSISSIPPI
From 03-JAN-15 15:24:00 to 03-JAN-15 15:26:00 (CST-6)
Location: CHUNKY
Tornado F-scale: EF1
Property damage: 10.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

The tornado began in southeast Newton County along Griffis Fountain Road, where numerous trees were snapped. It continued northeastward into western Lauderdale County, snapping trees as it crossed Point Wanita Lake Road, the Chunky River, and US Highway 80. It then caused roof damage to a house and damaged an outbuilding as it crossed Suqualena Meehan Road. Additional trees were snapped and uprooted as the tornado crossed I-20, then a few trees were snapped along Suqualena Graham Road shortly before the tornado lifted. The estimated maximum winds were 110 mph. The total path length for the tornado was 9.9 miles.

Tornado in LAUDERDALE, MISSISSIPPI
From 03-JAN-15 15:26:00 to 03-JAN-15 15:36:00 (CST-6)
Location: POINT
Tornado F-scale: EF1
Property damage: 20.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

The tornado began in southeast Newton County along Griffis Fountain Road, where numerous trees were snapped. It continued northeastward into western Lauderdale County, snapping trees as it crossed Point Wanita Lake Road, the Chunky River, and US Highway 80. It then caused roof damage to a house and damaged an outbuilding as it crossed Suqualena Meehan Road. Additional trees were snapped and uprooted as the tornado crossed I-20, then a few trees were snapped along Suqualena Graham Road shortly before the tornado lifted. The estimated maximum winds were 110 mph. The total path length for the tornado was 9.9 miles.

Tornado in NEWTON, MISSISSIPPI
From 03-JAN-15 15:16:00 to 03-JAN-15 15:17:00 (CST-6)
Location: HICKORY
Tornado F-scale: EF1
Property damage: 7.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

The tornado developed about a half mile southeast of the intersection of MS Highway 503 and County Road 20, and quickly strengthened as it moved northeast toward the intersection. The storm was at its strongest at this point, destroying five mobile homes, snapping several utility poles, and causing extensive tree damage. It continued northeast along the east side of Highway 503, downing trees near County Road 50323 and then began to parallel the eastern segment of County Road 20. Along this roadway, much of the roof was removed from a home, several trees were snapped or uprooted and minor damage occurred to another home. The tornado then crossed County Road 2026, where a mobile home was destroyed, and County Road 50325, where more trees were snapped. Farther northeast an outbuilding was destroyed near the intersection of MS Highway 504 and County Road 2420. The tornado damaged utility poles just across the Newton County line where it finally lifted. In all ten homes were destroyed along the path of the tornado.The estimated wind maximum was 130 mph at its strongest in Jasper County. The total path length was around 8 miles.

Tornado in COVINGTON, MISSISSIPPI
From 03-JAN-15 14:36:00 to 03-JAN-15 14:39:00 (CST-6)
Location: ARBO
Tornado F-scale: EF1
Property damage: 20.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

The tornado began along Sunset Road, where the roof of a mobile home was damaged. It continued northeast and snapped trees along Cooley Spring-Coulter Road and Stroud Road before it lifted. The estimated maximum wind speed was 90 mph.

Flash Flood in MARION, MISSISSIPPI
From 03-JAN-15 17:25:00 to 03-JAN-15 19:20:00 (CST-6)
Location: COLUMBIA MARION ARPT
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 5.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Some flooding occurred along Cavanaugh Road.

Lightning in JEFFERSON DAVIS, MISSISSIPPI
From 03-JAN-15 14:20:00 to 03-JAN-15 14:20:00 (CST-6)
Location: PRENTISS
Property damage: 10.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Lightning caused a house fire along Mississippi Highway 42 West.

Flash Flood in JASPER, MISSISSIPPI
From 03-JAN-15 17:30:00 to 03-JAN-15 21:10:00 (CST-6)
Location: ROSE HILL
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 7.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

Roadways were flooded at Mississippi Highway 18 and Mississippi Highway 513.

Tornado in LOWNDES, MISSISSIPPI
From 03-JAN-15 16:53:00 to 03-JAN-15 16:53:00 (CST-6)
Location: CALEDONIA
Tornado F-scale: EF0
Property damage: 5.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

A brief tornado snapped the tops of multiple pine trees just north of Grant Road. The estimated maximum wind speed was 70 mph.

Tornado in LAWRENCE, MISSISSIPPI
From 03-JAN-15 14:05:00 to 03-JAN-15 14:05:00 (CST-6)
Location: TILTON
Tornado F-scale: EF0
Property damage: 1.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

A brief tornado touchdown occurred according to multiple spotters near the Oak Vale Community. No notable damage was identified. Estimated maximum winds were 70 mph.

Thunderstorm Wind in COVINGTON, MISSISSIPPI
From 03-JAN-15 14:45:00 to 03-JAN-15 14:45:00 (CST-6)
Location: SMITH
Magnitude: 52.00 EG
Property damage: 10.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Power lines were blown down along Mississippi Highway 532 near William Warren Road.

Flash Flood in JEFFERSON DAVIS, MISSISSIPPI
From 03-JAN-15 18:25:00 to 03-JAN-15 19:20:00 (CST-6)
Location: TERRELL
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 7.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Broadcast Media

Flooding occurred across roadways in the Deen Community.

Flash Flood in LAUDERDALE, MISSISSIPPI
From 03-JAN-15 19:25:00 to 03-JAN-15 22:00:00 (CST-6)
Location: TOOMSUBA
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 8.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Department of Highways

Flooding occurred in both directions on US 80 near Lauderdale-Toomsuba Road.

Tornado in COVINGTON, MISSISSIPPI
From 03-JAN-15 14:39:00 to 03-JAN-15 14:40:00 (CST-6)
Location: ARBO
Tornado F-scale: EF1
Property damage: 40.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

This tornado snapped numerous trees along its path from the east end of Stroud Road. It moved east northeast across Burtons Creek Road. It lifted near Rock Hill Road. The most impressive tree damage occurred along Burtons Creek Road and this is where it reached its peak intensity. The estimated wind speed was 110 mph.

Lightning in JEFFERSON DAVIS, MISSISSIPPI
From 03-JAN-15 14:25:00 to 03-JAN-15 14:25:00 (CST-6)
Location: MT CARMEL
Property damage: 10.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Lightning caused a mobile home fire along James Berry Lane.

Tornado in LAUDERDALE, MISSISSIPPI
From 03-JAN-15 16:31:00 to 03-JAN-15 16:35:00 (CST-6)
Location: LAUDERDALE
Tornado F-scale: EF1
Property damage: 20.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

The tornado began near the intersection of Kewanee Road and Cuba Road. It ended just east of Luther Ray Cobb Road. Multiple trees were either uprooted or snapped. One building received minor structural damage. Maximum estimated wind speeds were 90 mph.

Tornado in LAUDERDALE, MISSISSIPPI
From 03-JAN-15 15:48:00 to 03-JAN-15 15:55:00 (CST-6)
Location: BAILEY
Tornado F-scale: EF1
Property damage: 47.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

The tornado began near the intersection of King Road and Mississippi Highway 495. It tracked northeast along King Road. It then moved across Mississippi Highway 493 and Espey Hedgepeth Road before it lifted just beyond Mount Carmel Road. Numerous pine trees were snapped and several homes experienced roof damage along the path. A shed was also destroyed. The estimated maximum wind speed was 110 mph.

Thunderstorm Wind in SMITH, MISSISSIPPI
From 03-JAN-15 15:05:00 to 03-JAN-15 15:05:00 (CST-6)
Location: TAYLORSVILLE
Magnitude: 51.00 EG
Property damage: 2.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Law Enforcement

A few trees were blown down across the southeast portion of Smith County.

Thunderstorm Wind in RANKIN, MISSISSIPPI
From 03-JAN-15 15:14:00 to 03-JAN-15 15:14:00 (CST-6)
Location: RANKIN
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Property damage: 1.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Law Enforcement

A tree was blown down along I-20 at mile marker 63.

Thunderstorm Wind in CHOCTAW, MISSISSIPPI
From 03-JAN-15 15:40:00 to 03-JAN-15 15:40:00 (CST-6)
Location: FULCHER
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Property damage: 1.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Social Media

A tree was blown down on Highway 12. Another was blown down in Ackerman.

Thunderstorm Wind in OKTIBBEHA, MISSISSIPPI
From 03-JAN-15 15:45:00 to 03-JAN-15 15:45:00 (CST-6)
Location: STURGIS
Magnitude: 53.00 EG
Property damage: 7.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Social Media

Multiple trees were blown down in Sturgis.

Thunderstorm Wind in OKTIBBEHA, MISSISSIPPI
From 03-JAN-15 16:11:00 to 03-JAN-15 16:11:00 (CST-6)
Location: PATRICK
Magnitude: 52.00 EG
Property damage: 2.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Public

A blown down tree had partially blocked Blackjack Road. One home had a large limb through the front window. There was damage to a home at 710 South Montgomery Street from a tree limb that fell through the window.

Thunderstorm Wind in LAUDERDALE, MISSISSIPPI
From 03-JAN-15 16:20:00 to 03-JAN-15 16:20:00 (CST-6)
Location: RUSSELL
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Property damage: 2.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Law Enforcement

Some large limbs and a couple of trees were blown down along Willow Lake Road.

Thunderstorm Wind in LOWNDES, MISSISSIPPI
From 03-JAN-15 16:30:00 to 03-JAN-15 16:30:00 (CST-6)
Location: INTERSTATE CITY
Magnitude: 62.00 EG
Property damage: 30.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

There was roof damage along with numerous uprooted trees.

Strong Wind in LOWNDES, MISSISSIPPI
From 03-JAN-15 16:37:00 to 03-JAN-15 16:37:00 (CST-6)
Magnitude: 45.00 EG
Property damage: 0.10K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Other Federal Agency

A wind gust of 52 mph occurred at the Columbus Air Force Base.