EF1 tornado in Rankin County, Mississippi

This tornado started along McLaurin Drive and crossed Oriole Way and Swan Drive where several large tree branches were snapped. The tornado then moved into Alpine Park where it strengthened to an EF-1 snapping several soft and hardwood trees. Power lines were downed as the tornado crossed Old Fannin Road and entered the Bridlewood subdivision. Here, several trees were snapped or uprooted with numerous large branches snapped. One tree fell on a house and caused roof damage. The tornado dissipated after crossing Poplar Ridge Road. Maximum estimated winds 95 MPH.

During the daytime hours of April 18th, a developing storm system helped generate a large line of thunderstorms which then moved across the region. From this, a regional outbreak of tornadoes along with widespread wind damage occurred. This line became efficient at producing tornadoes as a meso-scale vortex developed. The combination of multiple environmental features, set the stage for 43 tornadoes to occur over the forecast area. This ranks as 4th most for a single event across the forecast area. In addition to the tornadoes, widespread wind damage occurred as well.