Thunderstorm Wind in Lowndes County, Mississippi

A major derechho storm moved eastward across much of the northern half of Lowndes County. The storm caused extensive damage across the county including: $500,000 in damage to the East Mississippi Community College in Mayhew, $1 million to Columbus public schools, and over $1 million in damage to the Mississippi University for Women in Columbus. Damage reports indicated 17 houses and 21 mobile homes were destroyed, 512 houses and 16 mobile homes sustained major damage, and 1732 houses and 110 mobile homes received minor damage. There were two apartment units that were destroyed, six units had major damage, and 63 apartment units sustained minor damage. The Columbus-Lownes Recreational authority estimated $200,000 in damage to city and county parks. Many buildings also had roof and sign damage. One business located in the corner of a strip mall shopping center had a wall collapse after the winds lifted up the roof. Despite the widespread damage in the county, no serious injuries were reported.