Tropical Storm — Wilkinson, Mississippi

2020-10-09 · Wilkinson, Mississippi

Event narrative

Delta produced minor to moderate impacts across the county due to tropical storm force winds and wind gusts. Peak wind gusts were estimated in the 60 to 70 mph range, though higher gusts may have occurred across the far western portion of the county closest to Delta's track. Trees, power lines, and power poles were downed throughout the county and nearly the entire county was without power at the peak. The wind and falling trees caused major damage to 14 homes and affected numerous roads. A woman drove into a downed tree. There was also a small child in the car. They both had minor injuries.

Wider weather episode

Delta first developed into a tropical depression in the Caribbean just south of Jamaica on the afternoon of October 4th. As it tracked across the western Caribbean, it rapidly intensified into a Category 4 hurricane. In fact, intensifying from tropical depression to Category strength in 40 hours is the fastest rate of intensification of any storm on record in the Atlantic Basin. Delta quickly weakened to a category 1 hurricane after making its first landfall on the Yucatan Peninsula. It gradually recurved north towards the Louisiana coastline, fluctuating in intensity between Category 2 and 3. Hurricane Delta ultimately arrived with an intensity of 105 mph, strong category 2 storm. Local impacts include 50 to 70 MPH wind gusts across the area, surge of 2 to 3 feet above ground and widespread tree and structure damage. There were approximately 6 injuries. Delta caused approximately $10 million worth of damage across southwest and coastal Mississippi.

It made landfall around 5 pm CT east of Cameron LA or about 15 miles east of where Category 4 Hurricane Laura made landfall just a couple of months earlier this year. Delta became the 4th named storm to make landfall in Louisiana this hurricane season.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 925091. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.