Heads-Up for possible severe weather this weekend

Over Easter weekend, a widespread tornado outbreak in the south Saturday, April 11, to Monday, April 13, was responsible for over 900 incidents of severe weather, including over 140 tornado reports. Every state in the south experienced severe weather. The storms killed 34 people over 6 states, including, according to Governor Reeves, fourteen deaths in Mississippi.

The travails of the coronavirus pandemic, along with its requirements for isolation and social distancing, seem to have decreased the news coverage that such a devastating outbreak of storms would normally have received in the media.

One of the two tornadoes in southeastern Mississippi on Sunday has been confirmed to be the widest tornado on record in the state of Mississippi. The EF4 tornado’s winds were in excess of 170 mph. It was as wide as two miles, and was on the ground for 1 hour and 17 minutes, along a 67-mile path through Jefferson Davis and Clarke counties.

People who are still reeling from Easter weekend should be aware that the same general areas which were involved are being warned of potentially damaging storms again this weekend. Though they are not currently expected to be as bad as Easter’s outbreak, there is a potential for tornadoes. Those who may still be working to salvage belongings, make repairs, etc. should ensure that they have a safe place available nearby should dangerous conditions reappear.

“All forms of severe weather are anticipated with the event that is forecast to span Sunday into early Monday in the South,” AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Rob Miller said. “The strongest storms will have the potential to bring wind gusts to 70 mph, flash flooding, large hail and perhaps even a tornado during the upcoming severe weather outbreak.”