An outbreak of severe weather occurred on Easter Sunday, 2020. This was a multifaceted event with a few different waves of activity, each of which brought their own unique hazardous weather to the residents of the region. This outbreak had a total of 20 tornadoes across the NWS Jackson service area. Of these, two tornadoes were long tracked and in excess of 60 miles. Additionally, the most intense tornado was historically significant as it was the widest tornado in Mississippi history at 2.25 miles and ranks as the third widest nationally. Unfortunately, fatalities occurred across the region, most of which came from the two long track tornadoes. Total fatalities were 14, which were across several counties and almost 100 people were injured. Of the 20 tornadoes, two were rated as EF4, one was an EF3, four were EF2, ten were EF1 and there were three EF0.
The first wave of severe storms moved out of northeast Louisiana as a line of thunderstorms or QLCS. The bowing segment of this line was efficient at producing tornadoes as it moved across northeast Louisiana parishes and through central sections of Mississippi before tracking across Alabama. This part of the QLCS produced 13 tornadoes across the service area with the strongest being three EF2s that occurred west of Pioneer LA, northwest of Yazoo City MS, and north of Macon MS.
The next wave was focused around two large supercell storms where each produced long track tornadoes, and were the phenomena that had the greatest impact across south and southeast Mississippi. The first storm produced two EF4 tornadoes, one of which was on the ground for 68 miles before dissipating. This tornado was up to two miles wide in several locations, with the maximum width at 2.25 miles making it the widest tornado in Mississippi history. On the heels of this supercell, another supercell developed and produced a long track EF3 tornado, which was on the ground for 84 miles.
The third and final wave was associated with the southeast surge of the cold front and driven by the strong lift and winds from the core of the upper level low. This wave was a bit unique as there were not as many thunderstorms associated with the line of strong and damaging winds. However, this line of activity produced widespread wind damage across southeast Arkansas, northeast Louisiana and all of the northern half of Mississippi, including the Mississippi Delta where winds of 70 to 90 mph occurred. While many structures sustained some sort of damage, widespread trees and power lines were blown down during the late evening and early morning hours with the final wave.

Tornado in WEST CARROLL, LOUISIANA
From 12-APR-20 11:12:00 to 12-APR-20 11:20:00 (CST-6)
Location: BEAR SKIN
Tornado F-scale: EF1
Property damage: 25.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

This tornado began in far northern Richland Parish east of the intersection of LA Highways 134 and 183. It crossed into southwestern West Carroll Parish, crossing Fusilier Rd, Gwin Rd, LA Highway 134, Duckworth Rd, and Sharplin Rd before crossing and ending just northeast of Waller Rd. Along the path, several trees were uprooted and multiple irrigation pivots were flipped. The total path length was 6.18 miles. The maximum estimated winds of the tornado occurred in West Carroll Parish at 105 mph. The maximum width was 700 yards.

Thunderstorm Wind in RICHLAND, LOUISIANA
From 12-APR-20 11:27:00 to 12-APR-20 11:27:00 (CST-6)
Location: DELHI
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Property damage: 5.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Public

Trees and several large limbs were blown down in town.

Tornado in WEST CARROLL, LOUISIANA
From 12-APR-20 11:12:00 to 12-APR-20 11:16:00 (CST-6)
Location: EPPS
Tornado F-scale: EF0
Property damage: 3.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

This tornado began in northern Richland Parish along Goose Hollow Rd. It traveled northeastward crossing Lingefelt Rd and then Mitchiner Rd, where it crossed into southwestern West Carroll Parish. The tornado then crossed Guice Rd, then lifted along LA Highway 134 just east of the damage path of another tornado that was occurring simultaneously in the same area. Along the path, multiple trees were uprooted and an irrigation pivot was flipped. The total path length was 4.65 miles. The maximum estimated winds in West Carroll Parish were 80mph. The overall tornado was rated an EF1 with 100 mph winds. The maximum width of the tornado was 150 yards.

Tornado in MOREHOUSE, LOUISIANA
From 12-APR-20 11:02:00 to 12-APR-20 11:06:00 (CST-6)
Location: COLLINSTON
Tornado F-scale: EF1
Property damage: 20.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

This tornado started in a wooded area just south of Frank Bell Road and snapped and uprooted multiple trees along field edges and as it crossed Highway 425. As the tornado crossed Frank Bell Road, a home sustained roof damage and a shed was destroyed with debris thrown across the field. Maximum winds were 100mph.

Hail in FRANKLIN, LOUISIANA
From 12-APR-20 15:41:00 to 12-APR-20 15:41:00 (CST-6)
Location: FT NECESSITY
Magnitude: 1.00 
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Public

Dime to quarter size hail fell.

Thunderstorm Wind in WEST CARROLL, LOUISIANA
From 12-APR-20 15:51:00 to 12-APR-20 15:51:00 (CST-6)
Location: EPPS
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Property damage: 3.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Social Media

A tree was blown down in Epps.

Thunderstorm Wind in MADISON, LOUISIANA
From 12-APR-20 16:10:00 to 12-APR-20 16:10:00 (CST-6)
Location: TALLULAH
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Property damage: 6.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Public

A tree was blown down onto a power line.

Hail in MOREHOUSE, LOUISIANA
From 12-APR-20 19:35:00 to 12-APR-20 19:35:00 (CST-6)
Location: MER ROUGE
Magnitude: 1.00 
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Public

Thunderstorm Wind in MOREHOUSE, LOUISIANA
From 12-APR-20 19:21:00 to 12-APR-20 19:21:00 (CST-6)
Location: BEEKMAN
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Property damage: 10.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Several trees were blown down.

Thunderstorm Wind in MOREHOUSE, LOUISIANA
From 12-APR-20 19:27:00 to 12-APR-20 19:27:00 (CST-6)
Location: BASTROP MEML ARPT
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Property damage: 12.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Trees and power lines were blown down.

Tornado in WEST CARROLL, LOUISIANA
From 12-APR-20 11:12:00 to 12-APR-20 11:22:00 (CST-6)
Location: BEAR SKIN
Tornado F-scale: EF2
Property damage: 30.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

This tornado began in far southeastern Morehouse Parish near the intersection of Trails End Rd and Bingham Ranch Rd, crossing the Boeuf River into far northern Richland Parish, where it crossed LA Highway 585. It then crossed Wiles Rd into western West Carroll Parish again crossing LA Highway 585, Henry Jones Rd, and then LA Highway 585 for a third time. The tornado crossed Smith Rd, Clay Rd, and Clear Lake Rd before ending along Copes Rd. Along the path, a few homes sustained minor roof damage, a couple mobile homes received minor damage, a motor home was overturned, a couple sheds were damaged, and several trees were snapped or uprooted. The tornado was strongest as it crossed LA Highway 585 near the intersection of Self Rd where five utility poles were snapped, several trees were snapped or uprooted, and a home was damaged by a fallen tree. The tornado was rated EF2 overall with winds of 115mph with a max width of 700 yards. Total path length was 9.52 miles.

Thunderstorm Wind in RICHLAND, LOUISIANA
From 12-APR-20 20:30:00 to 12-APR-20 20:30:00 (CST-6)
Location: RAYVILLE MUNI ARPT
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Property damage: 10.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Law Enforcement

Trees were blown down in the Rayville area, including some that were blown down across roads.

Tornado in EAST CARROLL, LOUISIANA
From 12-APR-20 11:41:00 to 12-APR-20 11:43:00 (CST-6)
Location: LAKE PROVIDENCE
Tornado F-scale: EF0
Property damage: 75.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

This weak tornado started on the south side of Lake Providence and moved north-northeast through the middle of the city. Tree damage was minor and sporadic. Several buildings near City Hall were damaged with minor roof damage and some bricks fell from an exterior wall. The tornado lifted just after cross the levee by the city dump. Maximum estimated winds were 85 mph.

Thunderstorm Wind in MOREHOUSE, LOUISIANA
From 12-APR-20 11:01:00 to 12-APR-20 11:01:00 (CST-6)
Location: MER ROUGE BACON ARPT
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Property damage: 5.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Law Enforcement

Trees were blown down south of Bastrop along Higginbotham Road.

Thunderstorm Wind in RICHLAND, LOUISIANA
From 12-APR-20 11:01:00 to 12-APR-20 11:01:00 (CST-6)
Location: RAYVILLE
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Property damage: 8.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Public

Several trees were blown down around Rayville.

Tornado in RICHLAND, LOUISIANA
From 12-APR-20 11:11:00 to 12-APR-20 11:12:00 (CST-6)
Location: CUTHBERT
Tornado F-scale: EF1
Property damage: 9.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

This tornado began in northern Richland Parish along Goose Hollow Rd. It traveled northeastward crossing Lingefelt Rd and then Mitchiner Rd, where it crossed into southwestern West Carroll Parish. The tornado then crossed Guice Rd, then lifted along LA Highway 134 just east of the damage path of another tornado that was occurring simultaneously in the same area. Along the path, multiple trees were uprooted and an irrigation pivot was flipped. The total path length was 4.65 miles. The maximum estimated winds in Richland Parish were 100mph and the overall tornado was rated an EF1. The maximum width of the tornado was 150 yards.

Tornado in RICHLAND, LOUISIANA
From 12-APR-20 11:11:00 to 12-APR-20 11:12:00 (CST-6)
Location: CUTHBERT
Tornado F-scale: EF0
Property damage: 1.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

This tornado began in far northern Richland Parish east of the intersection of LA Highways 134 and 183. It crossed into southwestern West Carroll Parish, crossing Fusilier Rd, Gwin Rd, LA Highway 134, Duckworth Rd, and Sharplin Rd before crossing and ending just northeast of Waller Rd. Along the path, several trees were uprooted and multiple irrigation pivots were flipped. The total path length was 6.18 miles. The maximum winds estimated in Richland Parish was 70mph and rated an EF0, while the maximum rating and winds of EF1 and 105 mph occurred in West Carroll Parish. The maximum width was 700 yards.

Tornado in MOREHOUSE, LOUISIANA
From 12-APR-20 11:10:00 to 12-APR-20 11:11:00 (CST-6)
Location: OAK RIDGE
Tornado F-scale: EF1
Property damage: 3.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

This tornado began in far southeastern Morehouse Parish near the intersection of Trails End Rd and Bingham Ranch Rd, crossing the Boeuf River into far northern Richland Parish, where it crossed LA Highway 585. It then crossed Wiles Rd into western West Carroll Parish again crossing LA Highway 585, Henry Jones Rd, and then LA Highway 585 for a third time. The tornado crossed Smith Rd, Clay Rd, and Clear Lake Rd before ending along Copes Rd. Along the path, a few homes sustained minor roof damage, a couple mobile homes received minor damage, a motor home was overturned, a couple sheds were damaged, and several trees were snapped or uprooted. The tornado was strongest as it crossed LA Highway 585 near the intersection of Self Rd where five utility poles were snapped, several trees were snapped or uprooted, and a home was damaged by a fallen tree. The maximum estimated winds were 90mph in Morehouse Parish. The tornado was rated EF2 overall with winds of 115mph with a max width of 700 yards. Total path length was 9.52 miles.

Tornado in RICHLAND, LOUISIANA
From 12-APR-20 11:11:00 to 12-APR-20 11:12:00 (CST-6)
Location: BOEUFF RIVER
Tornado F-scale: EF1
Property damage: 3.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

This tornado began in far southeastern Morehouse Parish near the intersection of Trails End Rd and Bingham Ranch Rd, crossing the Boeuf River into far northern Richland Parish, where it crossed LA Highway 585. It then crossed Wiles Rd into western West Carroll Parish again crossing LA Highway 585, Henry Jones Rd, and then LA Highway 585 for a third time. The tornado crossed Smith Rd, Clay Rd, and Clear Lake Rd before ending along Copes Rd. Along the path, a few homes sustained minor roof damage, a couple mobile homes received minor damage, a motor home was overturned, a couple sheds were damaged, and several trees were snapped or uprooted. The tornado was strongest as it crossed LA Highway 585 near the intersection of Self Rd where five utility poles were snapped, several trees were snapped or uprooted, and a home was damaged by a fallen tree. The maximum estimated winds were 88mph in Richland Parish. The tornado was rated EF2 overall with winds of 115mph with a max width of 700 yards. Total path length was 9.52 miles.