Thunderstorm Wind in Rankin County, Mississippi

An intense and long duration downburst event occurred across a large part of Rankin county during the evening of May 20th. Damage began north of Brandon, near the Langford Community, and continued south-southwest along a path through Flowood, Pearl, Richland, Whitfield, Florence, Cleary and Whites. This damage path was nearly 25 miles long and some 7 miles wide. All within the damage swath, several hundred trees were uprooted, snapped or partially broken off. Many trees took down power lines and fell on homes. Many roads were blocked by downed trees and debris as well as having many large and small street and highway signs blown down. Many homes sustained damage to roofs or had sheds/porches blown down.