Hurricane Gustav was the 2nd major hurricane of the 2008 Atlantic Hurricane Season. It took shape as a tropical depression on the morning of August 25th just southeast of Haiti, and rapidly strengthened to hurricane status by the morning of August 26th.
Every event with a place to put it; 11 filed by county or forecast zone are drawn at its center, in a lighter ring. Tap one for its entry below.
Deaths and injuries are direct and indirect together, as the offices filed them. Damage is property and crops in the dollars of the year, not adjusted for inflation, and only where an office estimated it.
The episode as NWS JAN wrote it up.
Hurricane Gustav was the 2nd major hurricane of the 2008 Atlantic Hurricane Season. It took shape as a tropical depression on the morning of August 25th just southeast of Haiti, and rapidly strengthened to hurricane status by the morning of August 26th. After inflicting serious damage on portions of Haiti, Jamaica, and Cuba, Gustav entered into the southeastern portion of the Gulf of Mexico and took aim at the Gulf Coast of the United States. Although Gustav attained Category 4 status earlier in its life, Gustav eventually made landfall as a strong Category 2 system at Cocodrie, Louisiana, on September 1st, containing maximum sustained winds around 110 mph. Gustav slowed down and weakened as it continued on its northwest track across southern Louisiana where major damage was inflicted. The pace of the system continued to slow dramatically over the next few days as it turned gradually to the right around a large ridge of high pressure over the Southeast. The remnants of Gustav finally began moving rapidly away from the Lower Mississippi Valley on the 4th as an incoming disturbance deflected it to the northeast. Gustav was responsible for multiple hazardous weather elements across the service area such as tropical storm force winds, tornadoes, flash flooding, and areal flooding from extensive rains.
As the center of Gustav crossed much of southern Louisiana, tropical storm force winds extended into southern Mississippi and portions of east central Louisiana. Sustained winds were between 35 and 45 mph with higher gusts between 70 and 100 mph occurred. Tree and power line damage was extensive across these areas which resulted in widespread power outages, some of which lasted for 3 to 5 days.
As Gustav slowed across central Louisiana, the outer rainbands continued to rotate across much of southern and central Mississippi. This kept those portions of Mississippi in the region which was favorable for tornadoes. Over 3 days, 26 tornadoes were confirmed, all of which were in the EF0 to EF1 range.
As Gustav slowed on September 2nd, flash flooding became a major issue with lasted into the 3rd as the storm slowly lifted to the north and northeast. The first round of heavy rain and flash flooding was across portions of southeast Mississippi as the outer rainbands started to move across the same areas. Total rainfall across this area was between 4 and 7 inches. The heaviest rains fell across areas near and west of the Mississippi River. Some of the Mississippi counties boarding the river received 8 to 11 inches of rain. Areas west of the river across Louisiana and southeast Arkansas saw extreme rainfall. Many locations received between 11 and 20 inches of rain. The highest measured rainfall was at Larto Lake where 21 inches fell. The flooding rains had a tremendous impact on area crops. Crop damage was extensive across Louisiana and western Mississippi. The flooding rains came at a crucial time as most crops will be harvested in September. Crop damage from Gustav will range between 300-400 million dollars.
The local office's own words before the first event, as it sent them, from the Iowa Environmental Mesonet's archive of National Weather Service text.
NWS Jackson, MS wrote its last area forecast discussion before the first event at Sep 1, 3:58 AM CST, 6 hours 2 minutes earlier.
AREA FORECAST DISCUSSION
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE JACKSON MS
458 AM CDT MON SEP 1 2008
...HURRICANE GUSTAV NEARING LANDFALL...
.SHORT TERM...THE NEXT 48-60 HRS WILL BE ALL ABOUT GUSTAV...THE
REMNANTS AND WEATHER RISKS AS THE SYSTEM EVOLVES. LANDFALL LOOKS TO
BE EARLIER THAN PREV ANTICIPATED AND LIKELY VERY CLOSE TO PORT
FOURCHON BETWEEN 7-8 AM. SFC PRESSURE FALL COUPLET STRONG SUPPORTS
THIS WITH A NEARLY STEADY NW HEADING THROUGH SOUTH-CENTRAL LA.
A FEW MAIN ISSUES TO FOCUS ON FOR THE NEXT 24HRS. HOW MUCH WILL WILL
THE CWA GET AND WHAT IMPACTS TO EXPECT...TORNADO RISK...THEN
FLOODING POTENTIAL.
THE HIGHEST WINDS LOOK TO OCCUR ALONG THE HIGHWAY 84/98 CORRIDOR
FROM NATCHEZ TO HATTIESBURG. THIS AREA WILL LIKELY SEE SUSTAINED
30-45 MPH WITH GUSTS 50-65 MPH. EXPECT WIDESPREAD TREES/POWER LINES
DOWN WITH AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF POWER OUTAGES. THE AREA N OF HWY 84
TO I-20 SHOULD SEE SUSTAINED 20-35 MPH WITH GUSTS 40-50 MPH. SCT TO
WIDESPREAD TREE/POWER LINE DMG WITH A DECENT AMOUNT OF POWER
OUTAGES. NORTH OF I-20 WILL SEE SUSTAINED 18-25 MPH WITH GUSTS 30-40
MPH. SCT TREES WILL LIKELY COME DOWN. THE MAIN TIME FRAME FOR THE
STRONGEST WINDS WILL BE BETWEEN 8AM N THE SE TO AROUND MIDNIGHT IN
THE SW. WINDS SHOULD BEGIN TO DIMINISH FROM THAT POINT ON. DUE TO
THE FASTER SPEED...WE WILL REMOVE THE TS WIND WARNING AND WIND ADV
AT 09Z (4AM). THIS WILL ALSO ALLOW FOR A CLEANER SUITE OF PRODUCTS
WHICH IS QUITE LENGTHLY ALREADY.
THE MAIN SVR RISK WILL BE WITH TORNADOES IN THE OUT RAIN/STORM
BANDS. MY THINKING IS THAT GUSTAV MAY BE PROLIFIC TORNADO PRODUCER
AS THE DRY AIR INGREDIENT LOOKS TO BE PRESENT. STORM TRENDS THIS
MORNING SUPPORT THIS AS SEVERAL SUPERCELL STRUCTURES ARE/HAVE BEEN
MOVING ON SHORE ACROSS MOBILES CWA. THIS FAVORED TORNADO AREA WILL
ROTATE OUR WAY AND SHIFT W THROUGH THE DAY AND INTO THE TONIGHT
PERIOD. BEST RISK TODAY WILL BE SE OF A MERIDIAN TO BROOKHAVEN LINE.
THE FOCUS SHIFTS TO S OF A LAKE PROVIDENCE TO JACKSON TO LAUREL LINE
THIS EVENING/OVERNIGHT. MOST WILL BE BRIEF AND WEAK (EF0 TO EF1) BUT
STRONG SHEAR LOOKS TO SUPPORT A FEW STRONG TORNADOES AS WELL (EF2).
THE BRIEF PART IS TRICKY AS ANY TORNADO MAY COVER A LARGE DISTANCE
B/C OF THE FAST MOTIONS. DUE TO THIS INCREASED RISK...I HAVE/WILL
PLAY UP THE POTENTIAL MORE AND HAVE INCREASED THE PROBABILITIES TO
AROUND 12-18%.
AS FOR FLOODING...NOT REAL CONCERNED FOR THE TODAY PERIOD...BUT THE
RISK WILL INCREASE ACROSS THE S PORTION THROUGH THE AFTERNOON. THE
FLOODING POTENTIAL WILL REALLY INCREASE LATER TONIGHT AND ESPECIALLY
ON TUE. DURING THIS TIME...THE CENTER OF GUSTAV WILL SLOW AND ALLOW
FOR MORE OF A TRAINING SETUP...ESPECIALLY ACROSS THE W HALF. AREAS
W OF I-55...MAINLY AROUND THE MS RIVER...COULD SEE SOME 5-10 INCH
TOTALS DEPENDING ON HOW THE BANDS OF CONVECTION SET UP.
THE FLOODING AND TORNADO RISK WILL CONTINUE FOR TUE WITH A FOCUS
ACROSS THE W HALF OF THE CWA. WILL HAVE TO EVALUATE THE FLASH FLOOD
WATCH OVER THE NEXT FEW SHIFTS TO SEE IF IT NEEDS TO BE EXTENDED.
AGAIN...PARAMETERS ARE SETTING UP FOR AN ACTIVE TORNADO DAY. THIS
RISK MAY EXTEND INTO WEDNESDAY AS THE REMNANTS OF GUSTAV LINGER NEAR
THE AREA.
AS FOR FORECAST ELEMENTS...TWEAK TEMPS FOR SOME AREAS AS SOME WILL
BE COOLER DUE TO LONGER PERIODS OF PRECIP...OTHERS MAY GET WARMER
COME TUE/WED AS BRIEF BRAKES IN THE PRECIP WILL ALLOW FOR WARMING
WHICH WILL INCREASE INSTABILITY AND SUPPORT MORE STORMS. AS FOR
POPS...GENERALLY INCREASED POPS FOR ALL AREAS THROUGH WED. I ADDED
HEAVY RAIN AND TORNADOES INTO THE ZONES FOR THIS AFTERNOON THROUGH
TUES TO BETTER DESCRIBE THE RISK. I NORMALLY DONT LIKE TO MENTION
THUNDER WITH TROPICAL SYSTEMS...BUT GUSTAV HAS BEEN SUPPORTING SOME
LIGHTING EITHER IN THE CORE OR IN BANDS TO AT LEAST MENTION ISO
THUNDER WHILE WE ARE UNDER HIS INFLUENCE. /CME/
.LONG TERM...THE FORECAST FOR THE EXTENDED IS DIFFICULT BUT
CONTINUES TO LOOK LIKE IT COULD BE A WET ONE. THE MDLS CONTINUE TO
SUGGEST GUSTAV SLOWING DOWN CONSIDERABLY AND POSSIBLY STALLING
ACROSS NORTHWESTERN LA/ERN TX. IF THE REMNANTS OF GUSTAV DO STALL
OUT OR SLOW DOWN OVER THAT AREA THIS WILL SET THE STAGE FOR A
PROLONGED PERIOD OF RAIN. A FFA IS ALREADY IN EFFECT THROUGH WED EVN
AND IF THIS SCENARIO SETS UP THEN THAT WATCH WILL MOST LIKELY NEED
TO BE EXTENDED INTO THU WHERE IT LOOKS LIKE AN AREA OF HEAVY RAIN
COULD SET UP ACROSS NERN LA/SERN AR AND WRN MS. AFTER THU IT STILL
LOOKS LIKE THERE WILL BE A DECENT CHANCE FOR SOME RAIN INTO THE
WEEKEND. /CAB/
&&
.AVIATION...DISCUSSION WILL BE OUT IN A BIT.
&&
.PRELIMINARY POINT TEMPS/POPS...
JACKSON 82 72 82 75 / 73 91 93 84
MERIDIAN 82 74 83 73 / 69 81 86 65
VICKSBURG 84 71 82 72 / 68 94 98 92
HATTIESBURG 83 75 84 74 / 89 95 90 78
NATCHEZ 83 72 80 75 / 87 93 98 91
GREENVILLE 89 72 81 72 / 40 77 96 88
GREENWOOD 86 71 82 73 / 44 70 92 78
&&
.JAN WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES...
MS...WIND ADVISORY FROM 10 AM THIS MORNING TO 4 AM CDT TUESDAY FOR
MSZ018-019-025>046-050>052-057-058.
FLASH FLOOD WATCH FROM 1 PM CDT THIS AFTERNOON THROUGH TUESDAY
EVENING FOR MSZ040>043-047>050-053>056-059>066-072>074.
TROPICAL STORM WIND WARNING FROM 10 AM THIS MORNING TO 4 AM CDT
TUESDAY FOR MSZ047>049-053>056-059>062.
TROPICAL STORM WIND WARNING UNTIL 4 AM CDT TUESDAY FOR
MSZ063>066-072>074.
LA...WIND ADVISORY FROM 10 AM THIS MORNING TO 4 AM CDT TUESDAY FOR
LAZ007>009.
FLASH FLOOD WATCH FROM 1 PM CDT THIS AFTERNOON THROUGH TUESDAY
EVENING FOR LAZ007>009-015-016-023>026.
TROPICAL STORM WIND WARNING FROM 10 AM THIS MORNING TO 4 AM CDT
TUESDAY FOR LAZ015-016-023>026.
AR...WIND ADVISORY FROM 10 AM THIS MORNING TO 4 AM CDT TUESDAY FOR
ARZ074-075.
FLASH FLOOD WATCH FROM 1 PM CDT THIS AFTERNOON THROUGH TUESDAY
EVENING FOR ARZ074-075.
&&
SHORT TERM: CME
LONG TERM: CABHAZARDOUS WEATHER OUTLOOK NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE JACKSON MS 704 AM CDT MON SEP 1 2008 ARZ074-075-LAZ007>009-015-016-023-025-MSZ040>043-047>050-053>058- 021215- ASHLEY-CHICOT-MOREHOUSE-WEST CARROLL-EAST CARROLL-RICHLAND- MADISON LA-FRANKLIN LA-TENSAS-ISSAQUENA-SHARKEY-YAZOO-MADISON MS- WARREN-HINDS-RANKIN-SCOTT-CLAIBORNE-COPIAH-SIMPSON-SMITH-JASPER- CLARKE- 704 AM CDT MON SEP 1 2008 THIS HAZARDOUS WEATHER OUTLOOK IS FOR NORTHEAST LOUISIANA...SOUTHEAST ARKANSAS AND MOST OF SOUTH AND CENTRAL MISSISSIPPI. .DAY ONE...TODAY AND TONIGHT AS HURRICANE GUSTAV MAKES LANDFALL AND STEADILY PUSHES NORTHWEST...WIND...HEAVY RAINS AND TORNADOES WILL BE POSSIBLE THIS AFTERNOON AND TONIGHT. EXPECT SUSTAINED WINDS TO INCREASE TO 20 TO 35 MPH WITH HIGHER WIND GUSTS BETWEEN 40 AND 50 MPH. THE STRONGEST WINDS WILL BE LOCATED WITHIN THE HEAVY OUTER RAIN BANDS. PLEASE REFER TO THE HURRICANE LOCAL STATEMENT FOR MORE DETAILS ON FORECASTED WIND SPEEDS AND RAINFALL AMOUNTS AND KEEP UP TO DATE ON THE LATEST INFORMATION CONCERNING GUSTAV. A FLASH FLOOD WATCH IS IN EFFECT FOR MONDAY AFTERNOON THROUGH TUESDAY. TORNADOES WILL BE POSSIBLE WITH THE OUTER RAIN BANDS...ESPECIALLY FOR AREAS ALONG AND SOUTH OF I-20 THROUGH AFTERNOON. BY EVENING...THE RISK OF TORNADOES WILL INCREASE AND SPREAD TO THE WEST. DURING THE AFTERNOON AND EARLY EVENING...TORNADO WARNINGS MAY BECOME NUMEROUS AS ROTATING STORMS WILL LINE UP WITHIN THE OUTER BANDS. A FEW TORNADOES MAY BE ON THE STRONG SIDE. HEAVY RAIN POTENTIAL WILL INCREASE BY AFTERNOON AND ESPECIALLY OVERNIGHT. SEVERAL RAIN BANDS MAY MOVE REPEATEDLY OVER THE SAME LOCATIONS RESULTING IN A QUICK 2 TO 4 INCHES OF RAIN. THROUGH TONIGHT...MOST LOCATIONS WILL RECEIVE 1 TO 3 INCHES OF RAIN WITH LOCALIZED AREAS POSSIBLY SEEING 3 TO 6 INCHES. .DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...TUESDAY THROUGH SUNDAY AS THE REMNANTS OF GUSTAV LINGER...THE POTENTIAL FOR LOCALLY HEAVY RAIN...FLASH FLOODING AND SEVERAL TORNADOES WILL BE POSSIBLE ON TUESDAY. THE MAIN AREAS UNDER THIS RISK WILL BE ALONG AND WEST OF I-55. HOWEVER...THERE WILL REMAIN SOME RISK FOR THE ENTIRE AREA. .SPOTTER CALL TO ACTION STATEMENT... THE ACTIVATION OF STORM SPOTTERS...HAM RADIO OPERATORS...AND EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT PERSONNEL IN SUPPORT OF SEVERE WEATHER OPERATIONS...WILL LIKELY BE NEEDED TODAY THROUGH TUESDAY NIGHT. MSZ018-019-025>039-044>046-051-052-021215- BOLIVAR-SUNFLOWER-LEFLORE-GRENADA-CARROLL-MONTGOMERY-WEBSTER-CLAY- LOWNDES-CHOCTAW-OKTIBBEHA-WASHINGTON-HUMPHREYS-HOLMES-ATTALA- WINSTON-NOXUBEE-LEAKE-NESHOBA-KEMPER-NEWTON-LAUDERDALE- 704 AM CDT MON SEP 1 2008 THIS HAZARDOUS WEATHER OUTLOOK IS FOR NORTH AND EAST CENTRAL MISSISSIPPI...GENERALLY NORTH OF A GREENVILLE TO MERIDIAN LINE. .DAY ONE...TODAY AND TONIGHT AS HURRICANE GUSTAV MAKES LANDFALL AND STEADILY PUSHES NORTHWEST...GUSTY WINDS...LOCALLY HEAVY RAINS AND A FEW TORNADOES WILL BE POSSIBLE THIS AFTERNOON AND TONIGHT. EXPECT SUSTAINED WINDS TO INCREASE TO 20 TO 25 MPH WITH HIGHER WIND GUSTS NEAR 35 MPH. THE STRONGEST WINDS WILL BE LOCATED WITHIN THE HEAVY OUTER RAIN BANDS. PLEASE REFER TO THE HURRICANE LOCAL STATEMENT FOR MORE DETAILS ON FORECASTED WIND SPEEDS AND RAINFALL AMOUNTS AND KEEP UP TO DATE ON THE LATEST INFORMATION CONCERNING GUSTAV. A FLASH FLOOD WATCH IS IN EFFECT FOR MONDAY AFTERNOON THROUGH TUESDAY. .DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...TUESDAY THROUGH SUNDAY AS THE REMNANTS OF GUSTAV LINGER...THE POTENTIAL FOR LOCALLY HEAVY RAIN...FLASH FLOODING AND SEVERAL TORNADOES WILL BE POSSIBLE ON TUESDAY. THE MAIN AREAS UNDER THIS RISK WILL BE ALONG AND WEST OF I-55. HOWEVER...THERE WILL REMAIN SOME RISK FOR THE ENTIRE AREA. .SPOTTER CALL TO ACTION STATEMENT... THE ACTIVATION OF STORM SPOTTERS...HAM RADIO OPERATORS...AND EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT PERSONNEL IN SUPPORT OF SEVERE WEATHER OPERATIONS...MAY BE NEEDED TODAY THROUGH TUESDAY. LAZ024-026-MSZ059>066-072>074-021215- CATAHOULA-CONCORDIA-JEFFERSON-ADAMS-FRANKLIN MS-LINCOLN-LAWRENCE- JEFFERSON DAVIS-COVINGTON-JONES-MARION-LAMAR-FORREST- 704 AM CDT MON SEP 1 2008 THIS HAZARDOUS WEATHER OUTLOOK IS FOR SOUTHERN MISSISSIPPI...AREAS ALONG AND SOUTH OF HIGHWAY 84. .DAY ONE...TODAY AND TONIGHT AS HURRICANE GUSTAV MAKES LANDFALL AND STEADILY PUSHES NORTHWEST...WIND...HEAVY RAINS AND TORNADOES WILL BE POSSIBLE THIS AFTERNOON AND TONIGHT. EXPECT SUSTAINED WINDS TO INCREASE TO 30 TO 45 MPH WITH HIGHER WIND GUSTS BETWEEN 50 AND 65 MPH. THE STRONGEST WINDS WILL BE LOCATED WITHIN THE HEAVY OUTER RAIN BANDS. PLEASE REFER TO THE HURRICANE LOCAL STATEMENT FOR MORE DETAILS ON FORECASTED WIND SPEEDS AND RAINFALL AMOUNTS AND KEEP UP TO DATE ON THE LATEST INFORMATION CONCERNING GUSTAV. A FLASH FLOOD WATCH IS IN EFFECT FOR MONDAY AFTERNOON THROUGH TUESDAY. TORNADOES WILL BE POSSIBLE WITH THE OUTER RAIN BANDS THROUGH TONIGHT. BY AFTERNOON AND EVENING...THE RISK OF TORNADOES WILL INCREASE AND SPREAD TO THE WEST. DURING THE AFTERNOON AND EARLY EVENING...TORNADO WARNINGS MAY BECOME NUMEROUS AS ROTATING STORMS WILL LINE UP WITHIN THE OUTER RAIN BANDS. A FEW TORNADOES MAY BE ON THE STRONG SIDE. HEAVY RAIN POTENTIAL WILL INCREASE BY AFTERNOON AND ESPECIALLY OVERNIGHT. SEVERAL RAIN BANDS MAY MOVE REPEATEDLY OVER THE SAME LOCATIONS RESULTING IN A QUICK 2 TO 4 INCHES OF RAIN. THROUGH TONIGHT...MOST LOCATIONS WILL RECEIVE 1 TO 3 INCHES OF RAIN WITH LOCALIZED AREAS POSSIBLY SEEING 3 TO 6 INCHES. .DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...TUESDAY THROUGH SUNDAY AS THE REMNANTS OF GUSTAV LINGER...THE POTENTIAL FOR LOCALLY HEAVY RAIN...FLASH FLOODING AND SEVERAL TORNADOES WILL BE POSSIBLE ON TUESDAY. THE MAIN AREAS UNDER THIS RISK WILL BE ALONG AND WEST OF I-55. HOWEVER...THERE WILL REMAIN SOME RISK FOR THE ENTIRE AREA. .SPOTTER CALL TO ACTION STATEMENT... THE ACTIVATION OF STORM SPOTTERS...HAM RADIO OPERATORS...AND EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT PERSONNEL IN SUPPORT OF SEVERE WEATHER OPERATIONS...WILL BE NEEDED TODAY THROUGH TUESDAY. FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE VISIT OUR WEBSITE AT WWW.SRH.NOAA.GOV/JAN. THIS INCLUDES THE GRAPHICAL HAZARDOUS WEATHER OUTLOOK. CME
SPECIAL WEATHER STATEMENT NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE JACKSON MS 1027 AM CDT MON SEP 1 2008 MSZ072>074-011630- FORREST MS-LAMAR MS-MARION MS- 1027 AM CDT MON SEP 1 2008 ...TROPICAL STORM FORCE WINDS APPROACHING COLUMBIA AND HATTIESBURG AREA... STRONGER WIND GUSTS OF UP TO 50 MPH WILL BE MOVING INTO THE COLUMBIA TO HATTIESBURG AREA LATE THIS MORNING. AT 1027 AM CDT...A STRONGER RAIN BAND ASSOCIATED WITH HURRICANE GUSTAV WAS MOVING INTO SOUTHERN PORTIONS OF MARION...LAMAR...AND FORREST COUNTIES. THIS RAIN BAND WILL CONTINUE TO MOVE SLOWLY NORTH AND BRING OCCASIONAL GUSTS TO NEAR 50 MPH. IN ADDITION...HEAVY RAINFALL RATES AROUND ONE INCH PER HOUR WILL BE POSSIBLE IN THIS AREA THROUGH NOON. HIGH WINDS CAN BRING DOWN TREES AND LARGE LIMBS RESULTING IN SERIOUS INJURY OR PROPERTY DAMAGE. EXERCISE EXTREME CAUTION WHEN OUTDOORS DURING SUCH STRONG WINDS...AND BE ESPECIALLY AWARE OF OLDER TREES. EEC
The Mobile radar (KMOB), 112 km away, was scanning. The volume nearest the first event began at 18:16 UTC.
24 flash flood, 23 tornado, 11 tropical storm, 8 thunderstorm wind, 4 funnel cloud. Local standard time, as filed.
Tropical storm force winds occurred across Forrest County as the outer edges of Hurricane Gustav moved across southern Louisiana. Scattered trees were downed across the county along with a few power lines. Wind gusts peaked between 35 and 45 mph for a few hours.
Tropical storm force winds occurred across Lamar County as the outer edges of Hurricane Gustav moved across southern Louisiana. Numerous trees were downed across the county along with a few power lines. Two travel trailers were overturned in Purvis. Wind gusts peaked between 40 and 50 mph for a few hours.
Tropical storm force winds occurred across Marion County as the outer edges of Hurricane Gustav moved across southern Louisiana. Numerous trees and power lines were blown down across the county. Wind gusts peaked between 50 and 60 mph for a few hours.
Tropical storm force winds occurred across Jefferson Davis County as the outer edges of Hurricane Gustav moved across southern Louisiana. Scattered trees and power lines were blown down, especially across the southern portion of the county. Wind gusts peaked between 45 and 55 mph for a few hours.
Tropical storm force winds occurred across Lawrence County as the outer edges of Hurricane Gustav moved across southern Louisiana. Numerous trees and power lines were blown down, especially across the southern half of the county. Wind gusts peaked between 50 and 60 mph for a few hours.
Tropical storm force winds occurred across Lincoln County as the outer edges of Hurricane Gustav moved across southern Louisiana. Numerous trees and power lines were blown down. Tree damage was widespread across the county as wind gusts peaked between 50 and 60 mph for several hours. Sustained winds were around 40 mph. A fire engine was also damaged by a fallen tree in Brookhaven.
Tropical storm force winds occurred across Franklin County as the outer edges of Hurricane Gustav moved across southern Louisiana. Numerous trees and power lines were blown down. Tree damage was widespread across the county as wind gusts peaked between 50 and 60 mph for several hours. Sustained winds were around 40 mph.
Tropical storm force winds occurred across Adams County as the outer edges of Hurricane Gustav moved across southern Louisiana. Numerous trees and power lines were blown down. Tree damage was widespread across the county as wind gusts peaked between 50 and 60 mph for several hours. Many roads were blocked by downed trees and the power outages were extensive and lasted for several days. Sustained winds were around 40 mph.
Tropical storm force winds occurred across Copiah County as the outer edges of Hurricane Gustav moved across southern Louisiana. Scattered trees and a few power lines were blown down, especially across the southern half of the county. Wind gusts peaked between 45 and 50 mph for several hours.
Tropical storm force winds occurred across Jefferson County as the outer edges of Hurricane Gustav moved across southern Louisiana. Numerous trees and power lines were blown down. Tree damage was widespread across the county as wind gusts peaked between 40 and 50 mph for several hours. Sustained winds were around 35 mph.
A brief tornado touched down close to the intersection of Highway 49 and 13. A few trees blocked the south bound lane of Highway 49.
This tornado briefly touched down for about 2 miles and moved through Purvis. A few trees were blown down along with scattered broken limbs. Some additional minor wind damage also occurred outside the tornado path.
This tornado touched down near Oloh and tracked for 3 miles toward the Marion/Lamar County line. A few trees and several limbs were broken along the path. One mobile home sustained some minor roof damage and had siding blown off.
A funnel cloud was reported near the Lamar/Marion County line.
This tornado touched down just north of Bunker Hill and was on the ground for little over a mile. This tornado cross into Jefferson Davis county along J.L. Robbins Road. Several trees and limbs were down along the path.
Tropical storm force winds occurred across Claiborne County as the outer edges of Hurricane Gustav moved across southern Louisiana. Numerous trees and several power lines were blown down. Tree damage was scattered across the county as wind gusts peaked between 40 and 50 mph.
This tornado touched down just north of Bunker Hill and was on the ground for little over a mile. This tornado cross into Jefferson Davis county along J.L. Robbins Road. Several trees and limbs were down along the path.
This tornado briefly touched down along county road 10 and downed a few trees and limbs.
This brief tornado downed a few trees along Highway 531 just southwest of Bay Springs.
A few trees were blown down.
This tornado downed several trees and limbs along the path. One home sustained some shingle damage and had tree debris on the left side of the roof. Maximum winds were around 85 mph.
A few trees were blown down.
This tornado touched down about 5 miles southeast of Hillsboro and tracked northwest for 6 miles. Several trees were uprooted and snapped along the path. Minor shingle damage occurred to a church and home along Highway 35. Several trees were blown down in the Bienville National Forest. On Old Hillsboro Road, a swing and trampoline were blown over.
Ross Barnett Reservoir Patrol witnessed a brief tornado touchdown just north of Highway 43.
This tornado touched down briefly and downed a few trees.
A few trees were blown down. One large tree was down on Morton High School and damaged three classrooms.
A few trees were downed as this weak tornado briefly touched down.
A few trees and power lines were blown down.
A few trees were blown down.
This tornado briefly touched down in the Hebron Community and damaged a roof on a barn and downed a couple fences. Maximum wind gusts were around 75 mph.
Several creeks were flooded out of their banks and across some roads over the northern portion of the county.
This tornado briefly touched down west of Sandersville and downed a few trees on some power lines. Max winds were around 75 mph.
Heavy rainfall from persistent outer bands produced a quick 3 to 5 inches of rain around the Petal area. Many roads were flooded by several feet of water and several were washed out from the high water.
Several trees were blown down across county road 16.
Locally heavy rainfall around 4 to 5 inches caused a 2 to 3 acre pond to overflow which caused the dam to break. The water from the pond was dispersed across an open field.
This tornado touched down just east of Garlandville and tracked north for about 4.5 miles into Newton County. A few dozen trees were damaged along the path with one home with minor shingle damage. Max winds were around 80 mph.
This tornado touched down just east of Garlandville and tracked north for about 4.5 miles into Newton County. A few dozen trees were damaged along the path with one home with minor shingle damage. Max winds were around 80 mph.
Persistent bands of thunderstorms produced widespread 4 to 6 inches of rain across most of central Jones County. Many roads across the county as well as around Laurel were flooded. On the north side of Laurel, several cars were submerged in a flooded street. This heavy rainfall also flooded some homes and a few apartment complexes. Minor crop damage also occurred from flooded fields and water soaked crops.
A few trees were blown down along Highway 503.
One home was flooded with over a foot of water around Brooklyn. Additionally, numerous roads were flooded with several roads closed. One road around Brooklyn was washed out.
A few trees were blown down off Good Hope Road.
Persistent thunderstorms with a slow moving rain band produced widespread 4 to 6 inches of rain across much of Jasper County. Numerous roads were flooded with several closed. Minor damage occurred to some crops due to water soaked fields and crops.
Locally heavy rainfall between 3 and 5 inches fell across a large portion of Newton County. Several roads were flooded across the county with a few which needed to be closed.
Multiple rounds of heavy rain bands brought a range of 4 to 7 inches of rain to portions of Scott County. This rainfall caused many roads across the county to flood and many had to be closed for some period of time. A couple homes also sustained minor flood damage. Additionally, some minor crop damage occurred across the county due to soaked fields.
Outer rain bands continued to track over the same areas of central and eastern Franklin County and produced 4 to 7 inches of rain. This was the first major rain axis to move across the county. Numerous roads were flooded during this time with several washed out and a few bridges damaged. Several homes were flooded as well and some people had to be rescued from their homes. Crops were damaged as well around the county from rain soaked fields.
Locally heavy rainfall from persistent rain band produced 3 to 6 inches of rain and caused numerous county roads to flood across a large portion of Lincoln County. Minor crop damage also occurred from rain soaked fields.
Locally heavy rainfall from persistent rain band produced 3 to 6 inches of rain and caused many county roads to flood across a large portion of eastern Jefferson County.
Locally heavy rainfall from persistent rain band produced 3 to 6 inches of rain and caused many county roads to flood across a large portion of Copiah County.
Locally heavy rainfall caused a mobile home flood and sustain water damage.
Locally heavy rainfall from persistent rain band produced 3 to 6 inches of rain and caused many county roads to flood across a large portion of eastern Claiborne County.
A large tree was blown down off James Road and several large limbs were broken off. Max winds were around 70 mph.
This tornado touched down just west of the Hot Coffee Community and was on the ground for about 5 miles. Several trees were uprooted or snapped along with path with several structures damaged. One home suffered significant roof damage and had the carport destroyed. Another home also suffered major roof damage and had the shed destroyed. Two other homes had minor roof damage. A chicken house was nearly destroyed as well along the path. Max winds were around 105 mph.
This tornado began along Beauregard Road and tracked due north for almost 3 miles and crossed Ryan Road. Numerous softwood and hardwood trees were snapped and uprooted along the path. A mobile home and framed home suffered minor roof damage and 2 sheds were heavily damaged. Maximum winds were around 100 mph.
Several large limbs and dead trees downed with a few live trees uprooted on the east side of Lake Copiah. Maximum winds were around 70 mph.
An additional batch of heavy rainfall fell over areas that received several inches earlier in the day. Additional roads were flooded from this round of rain.
This brief tornado uprooted a few trees and snapped some limbs off a few others. The tornado crossed East Lincoln Drive and was then in and open field where it dissipated. Max winds were around 70 mph.
Several reports of a funnel cloud on the west side of Brookhaven.
Another band of heavy rain moved across the western portion of Franklin County and caused additional flooding problems. This round of rain brought a quick 1 to 3 inches and caused many roads to flood again.
After a few rounds of moderate rains from Hurricane Gustav, a persistent band of heavy storms moved into Adams County and produced flash flooding across the area. This round of heavy rain added a quick 3 to 6 inches to an area that had received 4 to 6 from previous rains. Many roads were under water and mud slides occurred in the steeper terrain.
The heavy rain also caused crop damage as many crops were water logged or were damaged by flooded farm land.
After a few rounds of moderate rains from Hurricane Gustav, a persistent band of heavy storms moved into western Jefferson County and produced flash flooding across the area. This round of heavy rain added a quick 3 to 6 inches to an area that had received 4 to 6 from previous rains. Many roads were under water along with a few washed out.
The heavy rain also caused crop damage as many crops were water logged or were damaged by flooded farm land.
Heavy rainfall fell across most of Warren County as Hurricane Gustav continued to weaken. Persistent heavy rain areas impacted the county and produced 7 to 11 inches of rainfall. Several roads were flooded along with a few areas having mud slides. Some homes and businesses were flooded as well.
Agriculture was hard hit as nearly all of the farm land was flooded to some extent. Crops that were near harvest were left in the fields and were damaged. Yields on crops were extremely poor with some crops in some areas a total loss.
Heavy rainfall fell across most of Sharkey County as Hurricane Gustav continued to weaken. Persistent heavy rain areas impacted the county and produced 7 to 10 inches of rainfall. Many roads were flooded.
Agriculture was hard hit as nearly all of the farm land was flooded to some extent. Crops that were near harvest were left in the fields and were damaged. Yields on crops were extremely poor with some crops in some areas a total loss.
This weak tornado briefly touched down and downed a few trees. One was on an apartment building and a few others on some cars. Max winds were around 75 mph.
This weak tornado touched down about 3 miles south of Meadville and tracked north northeast for a little over 5 miles where it crossed Barlow Road. Several trees were blown down along with many limbs snapped along the path. A few power lines were down due to limbs on the line. The front porch of a restaurant was blown off as the tornado crossed near the intersection of Highway 98 and Old Highway 84. Max winds were around 85 mph.
During the late afternoon and evening of the 3rd, a heavy band of storms developed across the region and produced 5 to 9 inches of rainfall in 3 to 5 hours. This additional rainfall made the total across Washington County between 7 and 11 inches for the entire 3 day event. This extreme rainfall flooded numerous roads, many which were closed or even washed out. Some 250 to 270 structures were flooded with flood damage ranging from minor to major. Flood damage was widespread and significant for this area.
Agriculture was hard hit as well. Farmland was flooded and entire crops were lost or significantly damaged. Any crops that were salvaged produced low yields.
Locally heavy rainfall flooded several roads across the central portion of the county.
Several roads in and around the city were flooded and covered by water.
A line of storms producing heavy rain caused additional flooding across central Franklin County. A few roads were again flooded.
After NWS Directive 10-1605, the rules offices file Storm Data by.
Every storm in Mississippi in 2008Every state in 2008This day in weather historyThe tornado archive for Mississippi, 2008Warnings in Mississippi, September 2008The 2008 hurricane season
NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information, Storm Events Database, compiled from the National Weather Service’s monthly Storm Data. Complete through 2026-06; NCEI adds each month about 75 days after it ends and revises past years a few times a year. Rebuilt 2026-09-24. Each event’s entry at NCEI: 134238, 134239, 134240, 134241, 134242, 134243, 134248, 134451, 134244, 134703, 134245, 134246, 134247, 134249, 134250, 134704, 134251, 134252, 134253, 134452, 134254, 134453, 134257, 134321, 134898, 134907, 134908, 134909, 134910, 134911, 134916, 134917, 134918, 134922, 134924, 137155, 134925, 134928, 137154, 134932, and more.