EF2 tornado in Bolivar County, Mississippi

An EF-2 tornado touched down in Bolivar County near the Mississippi River. Tree damage could be seen from atop the levee just west of Benoit. The tornado tracked through farmland just north of Benoit where it knocked down trees and power lines. It also damaged heavy farm equipment and destroyed a farm equipment shelter, ripping and tossing its concrete anchors over 100 yards. The tornado then crossed Highway 1, where it destroyed some large grain bins and snapped numerous power poles. The tornado proceeded into the Dahomey National Wildlife Refuge where it knocked down trees and power poles. The most substantial damage was noted as the tornado crossed Highway 8 between Pace and Cleveland. It snapped more than 40 wooden power poles along Highway 8. The tornado uprooted and snapped trees and damaged some well built homes in the area northwest of Cleveland. This is also the area where the tornado snapped several concrete power poles. Several mobile homes were destroyed along South Bayou Road, injuring three people. More mobile homes were destroyed on McCain Road, injuring one person. The tornado proceeded to cross US 61 where it snapped more power poles and damaged homes near Tolliver Road. It also damaged some steel power trusses and a business along US 61 in Renova. The tornado lifted east of US 61 before crossing into Sunflower County. Maximum peak winds were estimated around 130 mph.

A warm, moist airmass was in place across the region ahead of a potent January weather system. Ample wind energy also was present, which not only helped bring damaging winds with severe storms but also allowed for strong gradient winds to occur ahead of an eastward advancing squall line. Severe weather occurred in the early morning hours of January 11th and continued across the ArkLaMiss region before noon, resulting in widespread wind damage as well as some tornadoes.