News Summary
Lafayette County in Mississippi was hit by a confirmed EF2 tornado on April 5th, leaving behind significant damage. The tornado traveled 40 miles, causing injuries and damaging approximately 17 homes. This event is notable as it marks the first confirmed tornado in the area since 2011. As the community unites to recover, LAfayette County showcases resilience amidst the challenges posed by the storm.
Lafayette County Recovers from EF2 Tornado Damage
In a whirlwind of events, Lafayette County, Mississippi, was recently rocked by a confirmed EF2 tornado that touched down on the evening of April 5th. This tornado was part of an intense four-day storm system that swept across north Mississippi and west Tennessee between April 2 and April 6, leaving behind a trail of destruction.
The Tornado’s Path
The tornado began its journey at approximately 6:12 p.m., originating northwest of Tula. With an impressive peak wind speed of 120 mph, it made its way across the region, traveling a staggering 40 miles and reaching a width of 600 yards. Initially, it caused minor tree damage as it formed along Highway 331, nestled between the communities of Cornish and Tula.
Intensification of Damage
Unfortunately, as it crossed Highway 6 near Lafayette Springs, the tornado showed its true colors, snapping power poles and trees like twigs. The level of destruction noted in the aftermath was consistent with the classification of an EF2 tornado. By the time it crossed into northwest Pontotoc County, the tornado had already caused significant damage to trees and utility poles before it finally dissipated around 7:11 p.m..
Injuries and Damage Reports
In the wake of this powerful storm, there were reports of one injury, which adds a somber note to this event. Furthermore, according to the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency, preliminary information has indicated that around 17 homes sustained damage in Lafayette County, although this data is still being reviewed.
A Tornado Rare for the Area
This tornado marks the first confirmed touchdown in Lafayette County since an EF3 tornado hit the Pine Flat community back in 2011, which had devastating impacts that wiped out several homes in the southern part of the county. The similarities in damage between the two storms highlight how rare and intense tornadoes can be in this region.
Tornadoes in Surrounding Areas
The storm system wasn’t just limited to Mississippi. Over the span of these four days, the National Weather Service confirmed that at least 14 tornadoes touched down across Mississippi. In nearby Lafayette County, Arkansas, two EF1 tornadoes were confirmed on April 2. The first tornado happened near the Miller/Lafayette County line at 6:48 p.m., boasting peak winds of 110 mph and stretching 7.81 miles. A second EF1 tornado then formed shortly after at 7:17 p.m., with peak winds of 95 mph, although this tornado’s path was short, only covering a distance of 0.28 miles.
Other Storm Impacts
In Texas, an EF2 tornado struck Lone Star on April 4, also with peak winds of 120 mph, traveling 4.09 miles. Thankfully, no injuries were reported from these additional tornadoes in Arkansas and Texas. However, the storm brought significant flooding to areas like Texarkana and surrounding counties, leading to the issuing of disaster declarations in Miller, Bowie, and Cass counties due to various storm impacts.
Community Resilience
As Lafayette County begins the road to recovery from this latest storm event, residents are coming together to lend a hand to those affected. It’s a reminder of the community’s resilience in the face of nature’s fury. Let’s hold tight as they work towards restoring normalcy amidst the aftermath of this incredible storm.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Severe Storms Cause Destruction in Lafayette County, MS
Severe Weather Alerts in Western Lafayette County
Oxford Awakened by Early Morning Storms and Flooding, No Damage Reported
Additional Resources
- Oxford Eagle: NWS Confirms EF2 Tornado Hit Lafayette County
- Wikipedia: Tornado
- KARK: National Weather Service Confirms Two EF-1 Tornadoes in Lafayette County
- Google Search: Lafayette County tornadoes
- KSLA: National Weather Service Confirms 3 Tornadoes in ArkLaTex
- Google Scholar: EF2 tornado
- Texarkana Gazette: Three Tornadoes Confirmed in Lafayette County
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Tornado
- Oxford Eagle: Severe Storms Damage at Least 17 Homes in East Lafayette County
- Google News: Lafayette County
