A moist and unstable airmass was present across the ArkLaMiss region during the afternoon of the 8th, which facilitated storm development across the region. Storms became severe and brought damaging winds but mainly hail to portions of the region.
Every event with a place to put it. 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.
A moist and unstable airmass was present across the ArkLaMiss region during the afternoon of the 8th, which facilitated storm development across the region. Storms became severe and brought damaging winds but mainly hail to portions of the region.
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 Apr 8, 11:15 AM CST, 45 minutes earlier.
Area Forecast Discussion...UPDATED National Weather Service Jackson MS 1215 PM CDT Wed Apr 8 2020 .UPDATE... Updated for 18Z aviation discussion && .AVIATION... 18Z TAF discussion: MVFR/VFR ceilings can be expected through the period. Isolated to scattered showers and thunderstorms can be expected with brief lowerings of ceiling and visibility as well as gusty winds. Winds will mostly be from the southwest at 10 to 15 knots with gusts around 20 knots, however they will switch to the northwest behind a cold front after midnight tonight./GG/ && .DISCUSSION... Made some adjustments to graphics and grids this morning based on new UA data and the latest CAM guidance. Strong deep layer shear and steepening lapse rates will support convection with significant large hail and damaging wind gusts over about the northern two thirds through tonight. The lack of any focusing mechanism until much later tonight will keep convection isolated to scattered, but several rounds could be seen, especially over northeast portions through this evening. A short lull may develop by late evening until around midnight as heating is lost, but convection should refire later as the cold front approaches./GG/ Prior discussion below: Today and Tonight: Our next round for storms will come later this afternoon and overnight. Upper ridging will keep hold over the ArkLaMiss today, which should help temperatures rise into the mid to upper 80s, the warmest day of the week. During daytime heating, some strong to severe storms will be possible with warm advection rain activity from this afternoon into the evening. The main concerns from this will be damaging winds and hail. Hi-res guidance shows much of this occurring in Alabama but there should be a few storms that move from west to east across the forecast area this afternoon. There should be a lull in the activity before the next round of storms occurs overnight. This comes in association with a cold front that is diving south attendant to the main storm system tracking across the Great Lakes. As this front comes south, storms should develop along or ahead of it likely after midnight tonight. Parameters look good for there to be strong to severe storms with this, particularly in the northern part of the forecast area(generally from Greenville to Meridian and to the northeast). This is where a slight risk exists. MUCAPE around 1500 J/kg, 29-31C vertical totals and 50kts of deep layer shear will support damaging winds, large hail and perhaps a tornado or two. Hi-res CAM guidance indicates that this line will diminish as it pushes further south and away from the best forcing through the overnight period. By 12Z, the line of showers/storms should be just south of the I-20 corridor. /28/ Thursday through Tuesday: A cold front pushing south through our area early Thursday should usher in drier and cooler weather Thursday into Friday. Any remaining chance for showers or thunderstorms should be focused closer to the Gulf Coast. In the wake of this initial shortwave in the northern stream, a lagging southern stream closed low pressure system over the Desert Southwest is expected to wobble and then eventually get kicked eastward by the weekend. Given the slightly unpredictable nature of such systems, it remains unclear the exact timing of the wave as it kicks east through our region Saturday into Sunday. The general consensus of the last few runs favors a warm front lifting into our far southwestern zones (central LA and southwest MS) by Saturday evening and then the low pressure system lifting northeast through our region by Sunday evening. Mid-level ridging ahead of the approaching may limit the severity of storms Saturday and Saturday night in our forecast area, but confidence is greater for Sunday and Sunday night as the full shortwave is sure to move through. There will be a Slight Risk for severe thunderstorms Sunday morning through Sunday night, as the lifting warm front brings increasingly unstable air and favorable dynamics for organized severe thunderstorms. Deep-layer shear oriented across the warm front will favor discrete supercells as that lifts northward and possibly farther south in the warm sector. Low-level wind shear profiles (speed and directional) and storm- relative helicity values will be high enough to warrant a threat for tornadoes especially if the system times out on the slower side and allows for greater low-level moisture to spread northward first. Storm chances will clear from west to east as a modified cold front/dryline feature brings drier westerly flow in advance of the true cold front. Cooling temperatures aloft with the axis of the shortwave trough approaching will steep mid-level lapse rates, resulting in a threat for hail and damaging wind gusts as well. Last and certainly not least, increased PWAT values will support locally heavy rainfall with storms, although widespread flash flooding does not currently look likely at this time. This event bears watching through the rest of this week, as changes to impacts and timing are expected across our area until the finer details on this system come into better focus. The remainder of the forecast through early next week should be quieter and cooler in the wake of the cold front. /NF/ && .PRELIMINARY POINT TEMPS/POPS... Jackson 86 67 78 53 / 52 19 14 23 Meridian 84 68 80 52 / 54 28 14 20 Vicksburg 86 67 75 54 / 50 17 14 22 Hattiesburg 86 69 84 54 / 53 10 18 43 Natchez 86 68 78 54 / 37 9 18 37 Greenville 86 61 69 51 / 47 28 5 11 Greenwood 83 62 72 51 / 54 29 5 11 && .JAN WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES... MS...None. LA...None. AR...None. &&
Hazardous Weather Outlook...UPDATED National Weather Service Jackson MS 918 AM CDT Wed Apr 8 2020 ARZ074-075-LAZ009-MSZ018-019-025>046-048>052-056>058-091430- Ashley-Chicot-East Carroll-Bolivar-Sunflower-Leflore-Grenada- Carroll-Montgomery-Webster-Clay-Lowndes-Choctaw-Oktibbeha- Washington-Humphreys-Holmes-Attala-Winston-Noxubee-Issaquena- Sharkey-Yazoo-Madison MS-Leake-Neshoba-Kemper-Hinds-Rankin-Scott- Newton-Lauderdale-Smith-Jasper-Clarke- 918 AM CDT Wed Apr 8 2020 This hazardous weather outlook is for portions of southeast Arkansas, northeast Louisiana, central Mississippi, and north central Mississippi. .DAY ONE...Today and Tonight SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS THREAT...Slight TIMING...This afternoon through tonight Severe thunderstorms are possible with damaging winds to 60 mph and significant hail up to golfball size or larger. (https://www.weather.gov/images/jan/graphicast/1.png) .DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Thursday through Tuesday Severe thunderstorms are possible within the region Sunday. Damaging winds, hail and tornadoes will all be possible. This potential weather event is still several days away and the timing and impacts will likely be adjusted in later forecasts. (https://www.weather.gov/images/jan/graphicast/2.png) .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 for portions of the region Sunday and today through tonight. LAZ007-008-015-016-023>026-MSZ047-053>055-059>066-072>074-091430- Morehouse-West Carroll-Richland-Madison LA-Franklin LA-Catahoula- Tensas-Concordia-Warren-Claiborne-Copiah-Simpson-Jefferson-Adams- Franklin MS-Lincoln-Lawrence-Jefferson Davis-Covington-Jones- Marion-Lamar-Forrest- 918 AM CDT Wed Apr 8 2020 This hazardous weather outlook is for portions of northeast Louisiana, central Mississippi, south central Mississippi, and west central Mississippi. .DAY ONE...Today and Tonight SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS THREAT...Marginal TIMING...This afternoon through tonight Isolated severe thunderstorms are possible with damaging wind gusts and quarter to golfball size hail. (https://www.weather.gov/images/jan/graphicast/1.png) .DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Thursday through Tuesday Severe thunderstorms are possible within the region Sunday. Damaging winds, hail and tornadoes will all be possible. This potential weather event is still several days away and the timing and impacts will likely be adjusted in later forecasts. (https://www.weather.gov/images/jan/graphicast/2.png) .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 for portions of the region Sunday and today through tonight. 26 && ...HAZARD LEGEND... *SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS* High...Significant severe thunderstorms and tornadoes are likely with strong or violent tornadoes possible. Moderate...Significant severe thunderstorms and tornadoes are likely with strong tornadoes possible. Enhanced...Severe thunderstorms are likely and tornadoes are possible. Slight...Severe thunderstorms and tornadoes are possible. Marginal...Isolated severe thunderstorms are possible. ...USEFUL WEATHER WEB PAGES (URLS)... NWS JAN Home page... https://www.weather.gov/jan Stay Aware, Stay Safe NWS JAN Briefing Page... https://www.weather.gov/jan/safe Latest Weather Briefing... https://www.weather.gov/jan/weather_briefing Find NWS JAN on Facebook... https://www.facebook.com/NWSJacksonMS Follow NWS JAN on Twitter... @NWSJacksonMS Follow NWS JAN on Youtube... https://www.youtube.com/user/NWSJacksonMiss ...ADDITIONAL URLS FOR SEVERE WEATHER ISSUES... Storm Prediction Center (SPC)... https://www.spc.noaa.gov/ Meso Analysis... https://www.spc.noaa.gov/exper/mesoanalysis/ Day 1 through 3 Outlooks... https://www.spc.noaa.gov/products/outlook/ Storm Reports... https://www.spc.noaa.gov/climo/online/
Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Jackson MS
955 AM CDT Wed Apr 8 2020
ARZ074-081545-
Ashley AR-
955 AM CDT Wed Apr 8 2020
...A STRONG THUNDERSTORM WILL AFFECT WESTERN ASHLEY COUNTY UNTIL 1045
AM CDT...
At 954 AM CDT, Meteorologists were tracking a strong thunderstorm 8
miles northeast of Lapile, or 11 miles north of Huttig, moving east
at 45 mph.
Dime size hail and winds in excess of 40 mph will be possible with
this storm.
This strong thunderstorm will be near...
West Crossett around 1010 AM CDT.
North Crossett around 1015 AM CDT.
Old Milo around 1020 AM CDT.
Hamburg and Fountain Hill around 1025 AM CDT.
Other locations impacted by this storm include Blanchton.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
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.
&&
LAT...LON 3311 9214 3315 9211 3316 9212 3316 9214
3321 9213 3321 9208 3324 9209 3325 9205
3328 9204 3328 9200 3330 9200 3331 9198
3335 9199 3335 9197 3338 9196 3340 9199
3339 9174 3307 9169 3308 9213
TIME...MOT...LOC 1454Z 262DEG 41KT 3321 9221
TWSpecial Weather Statement
National Weather Service Jackson MS
1124 AM CDT Wed Apr 8 2020
ARZ075-MSZ034-040-041-081700-
Chicot AR-Washington MS-Sharkey MS-Issaquena MS-
1124 AM CDT Wed Apr 8 2020
...A STRONG THUNDERSTORM WILL AFFECT SOUTHEASTERN CHICOT...SOUTHERN
WASHINGTON...NORTH CENTRAL ISSAQUENA AND NORTHWESTERN SHARKEY
COUNTIES UNTIL NOON CDT...
At 1124 AM CDT, Meteorologists were tracking a strong thunderstorm
near Eudora, moving east at 40 mph.
Nickel size hail and wind gusts up to 50 mph will be possible with
this storm.
This strong thunderstorm will be near...
Glen Allan around 1140 AM CDT.
Grace around 1145 AM CDT.
Hollandale, Panther Burn and Nitta Yuma around 1155 AM CDT.
Delta City around 1200 PM CDT.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
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.
&&
LAT...LON 3317 9130 3322 9076 3295 9076 3297 9109
3299 9110 3299 9112 3298 9114 3298 9118
3300 9117 3301 9130
TIME...MOT...LOC 1624Z 270DEG 34KT 3309 9121
GRGSpecial Weather Statement
National Weather Service Jackson MS
1143 AM CDT Wed Apr 8 2020
ARZ074-075-LAZ008-009-MSZ034-040-081715-
Chicot AR-Ashley AR-East Carroll LA-West Carroll LA-Washington MS-
Issaquena MS-
1143 AM CDT Wed Apr 8 2020
...A STRONG THUNDERSTORM WILL AFFECT SOUTHERN CHICOT AND SOUTHEASTERN
ASHLEY COUNTIES...NORTHEASTERN EAST CARROLL AND NORTHEASTERN WEST
CARROLL PARISHES...SOUTHWESTERN WASHINGTON AND NORTHWESTERN ISSAQUENA
COUNTIES UNTIL 1215 PM CDT...
At 1143 AM CDT, Meteorologists were tracking a strong thunderstorm
near Parkdale, or near Wilmot, moving east at 50 mph.
Nickel size hail and wind gusts up to 50 mph will be possible with
this storm.
This strong thunderstorm will be near...
Eudora and Chicot Junction around 1205 PM CDT.
Gassoway around 1210 PM CDT.
Other locations impacted by this storm include Kilbourne.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
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.
&&
LAT...LON 3323 9169 3320 9104 3293 9108 3299 9144
3301 9144 3300 9151 3304 9171
TIME...MOT...LOC 1643Z 277DEG 45KT 3314 9161
GRGSpecial Weather Statement
National Weather Service Jackson MS
1228 PM CDT Wed Apr 8 2020
MSZ035-036-081800-
Humphreys MS-Holmes MS-
1228 PM CDT Wed Apr 8 2020
...A STRONG THUNDERSTORM WILL AFFECT CENTRAL HOLMES AND NORTHEASTERN
HUMPHREYS COUNTIES UNTIL 100 PM CDT...
At 1228 PM CDT, Meteorologists were tracking a strong thunderstorm
near Belzoni, moving east at 40 mph.
Nickel size hail and wind gusts up to 50 mph will be possible with
this storm.
This strong thunderstorm will be near...
Thornton around 1240 PM CDT.
Tchula around 1245 PM CDT.
Howard around 1250 PM CDT.
Lexington around 100 PM CDT.
Other locations impacted by this storm include Silver City.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
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.
&&
LAT...LON 3327 8996 3302 8998 3307 9062 3326 9050
3326 9045 3324 9042 3324 9037 3327 9037
3329 9001
TIME...MOT...LOC 1728Z 272DEG 34KT 3317 9042
GRGThe Jackson/Brandon,MS radar (KDGX), 114 km away, was scanning. The volume nearest the first event began at 18:00 UTC.
8 hail, 4 thunderstorm wind. Local standard time, as filed.
Utility poles were blown down across Highway 12 to the west of Belzoni.
Multiple trees were blown down along Highway 492 and blocked the road between House and Union.
A 58 mph wind gust was measured at Naval Air Station Meridian.
A severe thunderstorm moved across central Newton County and brought a swath of large hail to the county. Hail up half dollar size fell around Little Rock and Decatur and Duffee. The largest hailstone was ping pong ball to golfball size that fell near Little Rock.
Quarter size hail reported near Decatur.
A swath of hail ranging from half dollar size to golf ball size was reported near Little Rock.
A tree was blown down along Harris Road.
Dime to quarter size hail was reported near Little Rock.
Ping pong size hail was reported near Duffee.
A severe thunderstorm moved across southern Lauderdale County and brought a swath of hail. The largest hailstone was baseball sized which was observed at Meridian Key Field by control tower observers. This hail lasted five minutes and dented a few cars. Hail up to tennis ball size occurred along Valley Road south of I-20/59. Golfball sized hail fell in the Zero community and around Lost Gap near the East Mississippi nursing home. Hail up to quarter size fell along Causeyville Road just outside of Meridian.
Penny to quarter size hail reported along CauseyVille Road.
Golf ball size hail reported near the Zero Community. Also reports of Limbs down and debris blown around.
After NWS Directive 10-1605, the rules offices file Storm Data by.
Every storm in Mississippi in 2020Every state in 2020This day in weather historyWarnings in Mississippi, April 2020
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: 899724, 899725, 899726, 884280, 884282, 884283, 899727, 884284, 884285, 884286, 884287, 884288.