NWS Jackson, MS - Jan 20 & 21, 2009 Severe Weather - Copiah Tornado

Severe Storms Produce Tornado Near Hazlehurst

County: Copiah County

Time of event: 1250 am CST 1/21/10

Beginning Point: 2.5 SE Hazlehurst, 32.825N, 90.379W

Ending Point: 4 E Hazlehurst, 31.861N, 90.335W

Rating: EF2, Max Winds 115 mph

Path Length: 3.9 miles

Maximum Width: 500 yd

Fatalities: 0

Injuries: 0

Summary of Damages:

Tornado started along James Road, where several chicken houses were significantly damaged, including one collapsing. Other outbuildings were damaged and a number of trees and power lines were downed. Debris was carried for hundreds of yards along the path. The tornado traveled northeast, and reached its maximum intensity and width as it crossed Monticello Road. Hundreds of trees in this area were snapped or uprooted, including a number of large hardwoods. Convergence in the damage path was very apparent here. A barn was leveled and at least two power poles were snapped. A couple of other outbuildings were heavily damaged. The tornado continued northeast from there, crossing Perrett Road and Highway 472. Numerous trees continued to be snapped and uprooted along its path, and several outbuildings were damaged or destroyed. The tornado dissipated shortly after crossing Highway 472.