EF0 tornado in Hancock County, Mississippi

A NWS survey team concluded that an EF-1 tornado tracked northeast across Hancock county. Tree damage was widespread along the track including several large trees uprooted and snapped. Minor damage was done to several properties. Additional revisions via high resolution satellite analysis concluded the tornado began west of Standard Dedeaux Rd, north of Rock Hill Dedeaux Rd where it quickly strengthened into an EF-1 tornado and reached its peak width of 275 yards wide. The tornado exited Hancock County, entering Harrison County at Deschamp Road.

A mesoscale convective system formed on the eastern side of Post-Tropical Storm Arthur on June 18th. Favorable low level winds allowed for multiple mini-supercells to form on the leading edge of the mesoscale convective system resulting in a few tornadoes affecting coastal Mississippi. These tornadoes were rated as EF-0 and EF-1 events. A bow echo also developed over coastal Mississippi leading to severe winds and thunderstorm wind damage in the Gulfport-Biloxi metro area. Additionally, the mesoscale convective complex tapped into a region of deep tropical moisture with atmospheric moisture content well above normal levels for mid-June. This resulted in several significant flash flooding events in portions of coastal Mississippi including the city of Picayune. Two fatalities occurred near Picayune where rainfall rates of 2 to 3 inches per hour and QPE of 10 to 15 inches was noted. This very high rainfall total resulted in major flooding on the West Hobolochitto Creek on June 18th and this is where the fatalities occurred. Lingering moisture and weak upper level troughing associated with the slow moving remnants of Post-Tropical Storm Arthur produced additional thunderstorm activity on June 20th. This activity was focused in Biloxi where additional flash flooding occurred.