Thunderstorm Wind in Rankin County, Mississippi

A very intense downburst occurred across a good portion of central Rankin County, generally covering areas from the east side of Pearl through the south side of Brandon to areas just southeast of Brandon. This downburst occurred just after the EF1 tornado moved through the heart of Pearl. The wind damage began on the southeast portion of Pearl, generally between Interstate 20, Highway 475 and Highway 468. Numerous trees were blown down and a large portion of a wooden fence was blown down at an auto salvage. The swath of wind damage continued to the east toward the western side of Brandon where Interstate 20 intersects with Crossgates Blvd. Here, significant wind damage occurred as numerous trees were uprooted and snapped, dozens of homes were suffered shingle damage off Greenfield Road. The Honda Auto Dealer lost several signs and had a few dozen cars damaged. Several power poles were taken down at this location as well. An apartment complex suffered substantial shingle damage to nearly all units. Winds were the most intense in this area and were estimated around 100 mph. The damaging winds continued across the southern half of Brandon where several hundred trees were uprooted or snapped. Several power lines were taken down by fallen trees along with about 6 homes damaged from downed trees. Nearly all the damage occurred between Interstate 20 and the new Highway 18.

A potent storm system dropped out of the Southern Plains on February 12th and pushed a squall line of thunderstorms through the region. This squall line produced widespread wind damage across portions of northeast Louisiana as well as central and southern Mississippi. The line of storms was very efficient in terms of producing severe wind gusts, many of which were between 75 and 90 mph. Thousands of trees were damaged with many falling on homes and taking down power lines. Five brief tornadoes also occurred with this line of storms.