The first significant event to produce widespread severe weather across the Mid-South for 2023 occurred on March 24, during the afternoon and evening hours.  This severe weather episode occurred mainly over portions of the Lower Mississippi and Tennessee Valleys. Surface analysis for this day depicted a quasi-stationary boundary from the Mid-Atlantic States and Ohio Valley through northern portions of West Tennessee and Arkansas and stretching back through Central Texas. Low pressure tracked along the stalled front into southeast Missouri during the evening. Meanwhile, a potent mid-level trough ejected out of the southwest U.S. Upper air analysis indicated the Lower Mississippi Valley was in the right entrance region of a strong 300 mb upper-level jet streak. This produced sufficient upper-level divergence and lift needed for severe thunderstorm development.
Moderate instability combined with strong wind shear resulted in a QLCS (Quasi-Linear Convective System) convective mode. This northern part of the QLCS initially started over Western Arkansas Friday afternoon and moved east into Eastern Arkansas by early evening and then across West Tennessee. The northern part of QLCS produced scattered wind damage, flash flooding, and a weak tornado.  The southern end of this QLCS scraped across north Mississippi with numerous reports of flash flooding, damaging winds, and several weak tornadoes.
The most significant storm of the night occurred during the late evening hours of March 24, as thunderstorms developing in advance of the QLCS streamed northeast Calhoun and Chickasaw Counties. A tight and small circulation developed in Chickasaw County (MS) about 5 miles east-northeast of Trebloc and quickly grew in strength as it moved into Monroe County (MS), producing significant damage from New Wren to Amory and Smithville, with the most significant damage occurring in Amory.

Thunderstorm Wind in LAFAYETTE, MISSISSIPPI
From 24-MAR-23 19:47:00 to 24-MAR-23 19:48:00 (CST-6)
Location: BURGESS
Magnitude: 74.00 EG
Property damage: 10.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

The rear flank down draft from a nearby tornado damaged an outbuilding and uprooted trees along County Road 317.

Tornado in LAFAYETTE, MISSISSIPPI
From 24-MAR-23 19:48:00 to 24-MAR-23 19:51:00 (CST-6)
Location: BURGESS
Tornado F-scale: EF1
Property damage: 70.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

This tornado moved from Panola County into LaFayette County. The tornado generally followed County Road 317 and caused sporadic, but significant, tree damage from Murphy Ridge Road to County Road 362. Minor structural damage was noted along the path, mainly to barns and outbuildings. Peak winds in LaFayette County were estimated at 100 mph.

Flash Flood in PANOLA, MISSISSIPPI
From 24-MAR-23 21:00:00 to 24-MAR-23 22:00:00 (CST-6)
Location: BATESVILLE PANOLA AR
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 40.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Brewer Road was washed out due to flash flooding at Buck Horn Creek.

Flash Flood in LAFAYETTE, MISSISSIPPI
From 24-MAR-23 21:18:00 to 24-MAR-23 22:18:00 (CST-6)
Location: COLLEGE HILL
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Flash flooding occurred in the Twelve Oaks Subdivision northwest of Oxford. Water was several feet deep on Ohara Road.

Tornado in CHICKASAW, MISSISSIPPI
From 24-MAR-23 21:38:00 to 24-MAR-23 21:40:00 (CST-6)
Location: EGYPT
Tornado F-scale: EF1
Property damage: 20.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

The tornado began near County Roads 173 and 182 southwest of Egypt in far eastern Chickasaw County. It traveled northeast across County Road 179, causing numerous snapped and uprooted trees. This tornado moved into Monroe County as it crossed Highway 45 near the intersection of Old Houston Road. Peak winds were estimated at 95 mph in Chickasaw County.

Hail in LAFAYETTE, MISSISSIPPI
From 24-MAR-23 20:00:00 to 24-MAR-23 20:05:00 (CST-6)
Location: OXFORD
Magnitude: 1.00 
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

Tornado in ITAWAMBA, MISSISSIPPI
From 24-MAR-23 22:04:00 to 24-MAR-23 22:09:00 (CST-6)
Location: NEW SALEM
Tornado F-scale: EF1
Property damage: 25.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

A tornado crossed from northern Monroe County into southern Itawamba County. Tree damage became more intermittent as the tornado moved into southern Itawamba County with additional trees down across State Line Road. The tornado finally lifted as it approached Wilson Road. Peak winds were estimated at 90 mph in Itawamba County.

Thunderstorm Wind in MONROE, MISSISSIPPI
From 24-MAR-23 21:58:00 to 24-MAR-23 22:00:00 (CST-6)
Location: HATLEY
Magnitude: 70.00 EG
Property damage: 5.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

The rear flank downdraft of the Monroe County tornado heavily damaged an outbuilding along Phillips Schoolhouse Road.

Thunderstorm Wind in CHICKASAW, MISSISSIPPI
From 24-MAR-23 21:37:00 to 24-MAR-23 21:38:00 (CST-6)
Location: TREBLOC
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Property damage: 5.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

Minor siding and roof damage to a mobile home on Highway 8 East.

Thunderstorm Wind in TALLAHATCHIE, MISSISSIPPI
From 24-MAR-23 19:25:00 to 24-MAR-23 19:26:00 (CST-6)
Location: TEASDALE
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Property damage: 5.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

Trees were knocked down along Bethel Road.

Thunderstorm Wind in PANOLA, MISSISSIPPI
From 24-MAR-23 19:47:00 to 24-MAR-23 19:48:00 (CST-6)
Location: CENTRAL ACADEMY
Magnitude: 74.00 EG
Property damage: 25.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

The rear flank downdraft of a nearby tornado uprooted trees and caused roof damage to a house along Shady Grove Road.

Thunderstorm Wind in YALOBUSHA, MISSISSIPPI
From 24-MAR-23 19:40:00 to 24-MAR-23 19:45:00 (CST-6)
Location: WATER VLY MUNI APT
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Property damage: 10.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Large tree fell on a home near Enid Lake causing significant damage to the roof.

Thunderstorm Wind in PONTOTOC, MISSISSIPPI
From 24-MAR-23 20:35:00 to 24-MAR-23 20:40:00 (CST-6)
Location: RANDOLPH
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Property damage: 5.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

A tree and powerline were knocked down.

Thunderstorm Wind in UNION, MISSISSIPPI
From 24-MAR-23 20:39:00 to 24-MAR-23 20:40:00 (CST-6)
Location: PACKS
Magnitude: 70.00 EG
Property damage: 15.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

The rear flank downdraft from a nearby tornado uprooted trees along County Road 180 and caused roof damage to a home.

Tornado in PANOLA, MISSISSIPPI
From 24-MAR-23 19:38:00 to 24-MAR-23 19:44:00 (CST-6)
Location: EUREKA SPGS
Tornado F-scale: EF1
Property damage: 140.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

The tornado formed near the intersection of Eureka Road and Crouch Road, moving northeast and affecting the areas along Holmes Road and Henderson Road. Numerous trees were snapped or uprooted along this path with minor roof damage observed and a few snapped utility poles. This tornado then crossed both Dees Road and Highway 315 where significant tree damage was observed. Minor damage occurred to trees and a few outbuildings along Joiner Road where the tornado finally lifted. Peak winds were estimated at 110 mph.

Tornado in LEE, MISSISSIPPI
From 24-MAR-23 20:45:00 to 24-MAR-23 20:57:00 (CST-6)
Location: BIRMINGHAM
Tornado F-scale: EF1
Property damage: 300.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

The tornado initially touched down just east of the Lee and Union County border at the intersection of County Roads 251 and 2250. A house sustained minor roof damage and had its carport destroyed. The majority of the track was highlighted by snapped and/or uprooted trees, outbuilding damage, and minor roof damage to several homes. The most significant damage occurred near the railroad tracks on Main Street in Guntown, where two large sheds were destroyed and an adjacent house had its wall shifted. The tornado then tracked northeastward to the north side of Five County Sportsman Lake where several trees were damaged. Intermittent damage continued into the northeast portion of the county before dissipating near the Prentiss and Lee County line. Peak winds were estimated at 100 mph.

Flash Flood in PONTOTOC, MISSISSIPPI
From 24-MAR-23 21:27:00 to 24-MAR-23 22:27:00 (CST-6)
Location: THAXTON
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Highway 336 was flooded in Thaxton.

Tornado in UNION, MISSISSIPPI
From 24-MAR-23 20:38:00 to 24-MAR-23 20:39:00 (CST-6)
Location: PACKS
Tornado F-scale: EF1
Property damage: 55.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

The short-lived tornado initially touched down just southwest of County Road 222. Numerous trees were snapped and uprooted at the beginning of the path. The tornado traveled northeast and damaged an outbuilding and patio at a residence. Numerous trees were uprooted on the same property. This tornado traveled up County Road 180 causing minor roof damage to several homes. The tornado lifted just north of the intersection of County Roads 180 and 222. A lone injury occurred in the same area as a tree fell on a moving vehicle with a male passenger inside. Peak winds were estimated at 90 mph.

Thunderstorm Wind in LAFAYETTE, MISSISSIPPI
From 24-MAR-23 19:57:00 to 24-MAR-23 20:02:00 (CST-6)
Location: COLLEGE HILL STATION
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Property damage: 10.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

A tree was knocked down on a house on County Road 104 north of Oxford.

Hail in LEE, MISSISSIPPI
From 24-MAR-23 21:00:00 to 24-MAR-23 21:05:00 (CST-6)
Location: BALDWYN
Magnitude: 1.75 
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Golfball sized hail reported in Baldwyn.

Tornado in PANOLA, MISSISSIPPI
From 24-MAR-23 19:47:00 to 24-MAR-23 19:48:00 (CST-6)
Location: CENTRAL ACADEMY
Tornado F-scale: EF0
Property damage: 10.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

The tornado produced minor damage near the intersection of Shady Grove Road and Perkins Road in extreme eastern Panola County. It then moved east-northeast into Lafayette County. Peak winds in Panola County were estimated at 85 mph.

Thunderstorm Wind in PONTOTOC, MISSISSIPPI
From 24-MAR-23 20:32:00 to 24-MAR-23 20:37:00 (CST-6)
Location: ECRU
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Property damage: 15.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

A metal carport was flipped over. Several trees and power lines were knocked down.

Thunderstorm Wind in LEE, MISSISSIPPI
From 24-MAR-23 20:50:00 to 24-MAR-23 20:52:00 (CST-6)
Location: CORRONA
Magnitude: 55.00 EG
Property damage: 30.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Public

Fifteen trees were uprooted at a residence along County Road 2726.

Thunderstorm Wind in PANOLA, MISSISSIPPI
From 24-MAR-23 19:40:00 to 24-MAR-23 19:41:00 (CST-6)
Location: SHUFORD
Magnitude: 74.00 EG
Property damage: 15.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

The rear flank downdraft from a nearby tornado uprooted trees from Crouch Road to Dees Road.

Flash Flood in PRENTISS, MISSISSIPPI
From 24-MAR-23 21:28:00 to 24-MAR-23 22:28:00 (CST-6)
Location: FRANKSTOWN
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Fire Department/Rescue

The downtown area of Baldwyn was heavily flooded.

Thunderstorm Wind in PANOLA, MISSISSIPPI
From 24-MAR-23 19:38:00 to 24-MAR-23 19:43:00 (CST-6)
Location: EUREKA SPGS
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Property damage: 5.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

Trees were uprooted on Bell Road.

Thunderstorm Wind in UNION, MISSISSIPPI
From 24-MAR-23 20:20:00 to 24-MAR-23 20:25:00 (CST-6)
Location: ENTERPRISE
Magnitude: 70.00 EG
Property damage: 10.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

Trees were uprooted along Highway 30 east of Etta.

Thunderstorm Wind in MONROE, MISSISSIPPI
From 24-MAR-23 21:39:00 to 24-MAR-23 21:47:00 (CST-6)
Location: GIBSON
Magnitude: 70.00 EG
Property damage: 15.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

The rear flank downdraft of the Monroe County tornado caused a swatch of straight-line wind damage from Highway 45 to McAllister Road. A road sign was damaged, trees were snapped and an outbuilding was damaged.

Tornado in MONROE, MISSISSIPPI
From 24-MAR-23 21:40:00 to 24-MAR-23 22:04:00 (CST-6)
Location: GIBSON
Tornado F-scale: EF3
Property damage: 80.00M
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

This tornado crossed into Monroe County from Chickasaw County near the Highway 45 and Old Houston Road intersection, rapidly intensifying as it approached Egypt and Tumblin Roads. Several structures sustained significant damage, including the total destruction of a couple of single-wide, manufactured homes. Numerous trees and utility poles were heavily damaged in the area and roof damage was noted on several homes.
Several injuries were reported in this area. The tornado continued to move northeast, crossing White Rock Road and causing widespread, significant tree damage, and roof damage to several homes in the path. The tornado strengthened further as it approached McAllister Road. Several homes in the area of McAllister and Herndon Roads suffered significant damage with missing roofs and collapsed walls. A single-wide, manufactured home on Herndon Road was separated from its frame and completely destroyed, resulting in 2 fatalities and multiple significant injuries. Tree damage was severe with many hardwood trees snapped or uprooted. Additional home and widespread, significant tree damage was observed along Whatley Road near the intersection with Highway 45 East south of New Wren. The tornado was nearly one mile wide at this point. One manufactured home was destroyed with debris blown 200 yards down to the highway. A church was destroyed and several homes suffered significant damage. Several homes sustained severe damage along Little Coontail Road, including the complete destruction of multiple manufactured homes. A boat was tossed more than 50 yards and an SUV was thrown into a tree. Some of this damage along Highway 45 East and Little Coontail Road was rated EF3. Farther east along Coontail Road, damage to homes was less significant and was generally confined to minor roof damage. However, severe tree damage continued. The tornado then moved into more wooded, wetland areas, crossing Highway 278 where it intersects with the Tennessee Tombigbee Waterway. Widespread, significant damage to homes and trees was observed all throughout the northern half of Amory. Several locations in Amory sustained damage rated as EF3. The tornado continued to cause damage to trees and homes as it moved across the Amory Golf Course and then affected Myrtle and Elliott Roads. A few homes suffered significant roof damage to the south of Smithville near Parham Store Road and Williams Young Road and widespread tree damage continued. The tornado path began to narrow as the storm moved into northern Monroe County with tree damage found along Highway 23 and State Line Road.  Peak winds were estimated at 155 mph in Monroe County.

Tornado in PANOLA, MISSISSIPPI
From 24-MAR-23 19:25:00 to 24-MAR-23 19:34:00 (CST-6)
Location: TOCOWA
Tornado F-scale: EF1
Property damage: 75.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

The tornado developed along Three Wheeler Road in extreme southern Panola County. This tornado caused intermittent tree damage as it moved northeast across Cole Road and Crowder Pope Road. Additional tree damage was noted along Gleaton Road and Main Street on the southwest side of Pope. A structure sustained minor roof damage in this area. Numerous trees were uprooted across eastern Pope with one large tree falling on a home and causing structural damage. The tornado continued to move northeast across Green Road, causing damage to trees and an outbuilding near Interstate 55 and Hentz Road. This tornado lifted shortly after crossing the Interstate. Peak winds were estimated at 95 mph.