A cold season quasi-linear convective system (QLCS) moved across the Mid-South during the overnight and early morning hours Saturday, January 11, 2020. Strong southerly winds drew unseasonably warm, moist air northward into the region ahead of a cold front.
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 MEG wrote it up.
A cold season quasi-linear convective system (QLCS) moved across the Mid-South during the overnight and early morning hours Saturday, January 11, 2020. Strong southerly winds drew unseasonably warm, moist air northward into the region ahead of a cold front. Early morning temperatures were in the upper 60s and lower 70s with dewpoints in the upper 60s. This aided in the development of uncapped surface-based instability that was more than sufficient to maintain the QLCS. A strengthening shortwave trough was lifting northeastward across the Ozarks during the event resulting in strengthing wind fields and ample wind shear. The QLCS evolved into a Line Echo Wave Pattern (LEWP) with several persistent mesovortices across north Mississippi and a few transient mesovortices farther north into west Tennessee. Widespread damaging wind was observed across the entire County Warning Area (CWA) along with 13 tornadoes. In addition to the severe weather potential, heavy rainfall was a noted threat. Isolated flash flooding did occur with this system.
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 Memphis, TN wrote its last area forecast discussion before the first event at Jan 11, 4:00 AM CST, 20 minutes earlier.
Area Forecast Discussion
National Weather Service Memphis TN
400 AM CST Sat Jan 11 2020
.DISCUSSION...
A line of storms is moving through the Mid-South at this time and
will continue to move east this morning. Expect most of the severe
weather will be out of the area by early afternoon. We have had
reports of damage from this line already this morning. Expect that
it will be able to continue to produce some damaging winds as it
moves east. Also there is enough shear/helicity that storms are
capable of producing a tornado or two.
Gusty winds will continue after the front moves through as surface
low has good gradient winds till tonight. The air mass behind the
cold front will bring in some cold air, yet temperatures will be
near normal.
In general models are in good agreement with the systems for the
next week.
By the beginning of the week, the Mid-South returns to southwest
flow aloft and a weak warm front moves through the area which
allows the temperatures to warm up again. This warm front is ahead
of a couple of low pressure systems that will bring moisture back
into the area. Tuesday into Wednesday look to be better chances
for rain as a low moves just to the north of the area and another
cold front moves through on Wednesday.
The cold front on Wednesday at this time doesn't look as strong as
this mornings frontal system. However, the area will get another
round of rain. Precipitable waters for this next storm are only
around 1 inch. (Compared to the 1.5 or more from this morning and
today.)
The cold front on Wednesday will usher in another period of cold
air into the region. TLSJr
&&
.AVIATION...
06Z TAFs
LLWS will continue to be an issue over the next several hours.
Wind profiler continues to show 180/60kts from KNQA. Surface winds
will remain strong through late tomorrow morning.
A line of strong to severe thunderstorms is expected to push
through all sites over the next 12 hours or so. Approximate
timing has been outlined in TEMPO groups per each site. Expect
winds to reach near 50 kts as the line pushes through. Behind the
line, winds will remain strong and variable as a low pressure
system lifts northeast. Conds should improve to VFR at all sites
near or just after the end of this period.
AC3/TLSJr
&&
.MEG WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES...
AR...Flash Flood Watch until noon CST today for Clay-Craighead-
Crittenden-Cross-Greene-Lee AR-Mississippi-Phillips-
Poinsett-St. Francis.
Wind Advisory until noon CST today for Clay-Craighead-Crittenden-
Cross-Greene-Lee AR-Mississippi-Phillips-Poinsett-St.
Francis.
MO...Flash Flood Watch until noon CST today for Dunklin-Pemiscot.
Wind Advisory until noon CST today for Dunklin-Pemiscot.
MS...Flash Flood Watch through this afternoon for Alcorn-Benton MS-
Calhoun-Chickasaw-Coahoma-DeSoto-Itawamba-Lafayette-Lee MS-
Marshall-Monroe-Panola-Pontotoc-Prentiss-Quitman-
Tallahatchie-Tate-Tippah-Tishomingo-Tunica-Union-Yalobusha.
Wind Advisory until 6 PM CST this evening for Alcorn-Benton MS-
Calhoun-Chickasaw-Coahoma-DeSoto-Itawamba-Lafayette-Lee MS-
Marshall-Monroe-Panola-Pontotoc-Prentiss-Quitman-
Tallahatchie-Tate-Tippah-Tishomingo-Tunica-Union-Yalobusha.
TN...Flash Flood Watch through this afternoon for Benton TN-Carroll-
Chester-Crockett-Decatur-Dyer-Fayette-Gibson-Hardeman-
Hardin-Haywood-Henderson-Henry-Lake-Lauderdale-Madison-
McNairy-Obion-Shelby-Tipton-Weakley.
Wind Advisory until 6 PM CST this evening for Benton TN-Carroll-
Chester-Crockett-Decatur-Dyer-Fayette-Gibson-Hardeman-
Hardin-Haywood-Henderson-Henry-Lake-Lauderdale-Madison-
McNairy-Obion-Shelby-Tipton-Weakley.
&&Hazardous Weather Outlook National Weather Service Memphis TN 514 AM CST Fri Jan 10 2020 ARZ009-018-026>028-035-036-048-049-058-MOZ113-115-MSZ001>017- 020>024-TNZ001>004-019>022-048>055-088>092-111315- Alcorn-Benton MS-Benton TN-Calhoun-Carroll-Chester-Chickasaw-Clay- Coahoma-Craighead-Crittenden-Crockett-Cross-DeSoto-Decatur- Dunklin-Dyer-Fayette-Gibson-Greene-Hardeman-Hardin-Haywood- Henderson-Henry-Itawamba-Lafayette-Lake-Lauderdale-Lee AR-Lee MS- Madison-Marshall-McNairy-Mississippi-Monroe-Obion-Panola-Pemiscot- Phillips-Poinsett-Pontotoc-Prentiss-Quitman-Shelby-St. Francis- Tallahatchie-Tate-Tippah-Tipton-Tishomingo-Tunica-Union-Weakley- Yalobusha- 514 AM CST Fri Jan 10 2020 This hazardous weather outlook is for portions of East Arkansas... the Missouri Bootheel...North Mississippi...and West Tennessee. .DAY ONE...Today and Tonight Chances for rain will increase through the day today. The flooding potential will then likely increase tonight when rain becomes heavy. Rainfall amounts will range from 2-3 inches with isolated higher amounts. Flash flooding and river flooding will be possible. A Flash Flood Watch has been issued. Strong to severe storms will be possible tonight for areas along and west of the Mississippi River. Damaging winds, hail, and tornadoes are all possible with this event. In addition with saturated soils already in place, downed trees may be possible with strong gradient winds that are expected to occur tonight. A Wind Advisory has been issued. .DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Saturday through Thursday An extended period of rainfall is forecast through Saturday. Rainfall amounts will range from 2-3 inches with isolated higher amounts. Flash flooding and river flooding will be possible. A Flash Flood Watch is in effect through Saturday. Strong to severe storms will be possible Saturday along and east of the Mississippi River. Damaging winds, hail, and tornadoes are all possible with this event. In addition with saturated soils already in place, downed trees may be possible with strong gradient winds that are expected to occur during that time period. A Wind Advisory has been issued. .SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT... Spotter activation may be needed tonight into Saturday. KRM
Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Memphis TN
127 AM CST Sat Jan 11 2020
ARZ009-018-026-028-MOZ113-115-110815-
Greene AR-Craighead AR-Mississippi AR-Clay AR-Pemiscot MO-Dunklin MO-
127 AM CST Sat Jan 11 2020
...A SIGNIFICANT WEATHER ADVISORY HAS BEEN ISSUED UNTIL 215 AM CST
FOR...
Eastern Greene County in eastern Arkansas...
Northeastern Craighead County in eastern Arkansas...
Northwestern Mississippi County in eastern Arkansas...
Eastern Clay County in eastern Arkansas...
Western Pemiscot County in southeastern Missouri...
Dunklin County in southeastern Missouri...
At 126 AM CST...strong thunderstorms producing winds at least 40 mph
was located along a line extending from Campbell to near Bay.
Movement was northeast at 45 mph.
People in eastern Greene...northeastern Craighead...northwestern
Mississippi...eastern Clay...western Pemiscot and Dunklin Counties
should monitor this storm closely.
LAT...LON 3641 8996 3640 8997 3639 8997 3639 8975
3643 8974 3643 8973 3641 8969 3641 8968
3575 8999 3578 9062 3650 9013 3650 8996
TIME...MOT...LOC 0726Z 242DEG 32KT 3650 9008 3580 9057
SGWPRELIMINARY LOCAL STORM REPORT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE MEMPHIS TN
209 AM CST SAT JAN 11 2020
..TIME... ...EVENT... ...CITY LOCATION... ...LAT.LON...
..DATE... ....MAG.... ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
..REMARKS..
0130 AM NON-TSTM WND DMG UNION CITY 36.42N 89.05W
01/11/2020 OBION TN BROADCAST MEDIA
TWO TREES FELL ON A VEHICLE IN UNION CITY DUE TO
GRADIENT WIND. TIME ESTIMATED.
&&
MJPRELIMINARY LOCAL STORM REPORT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE MEMPHIS TN
226 AM CST SAT JAN 11 2020
..TIME... ...EVENT... ...CITY LOCATION... ...LAT.LON...
..DATE... ....MAG.... ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
..REMARKS..
0219 AM TSTM WND DMG 1 E WHEATLEY 34.92N 91.09W
01/11/2020 ST. FRANCIS AR LAW ENFORCEMENT
SEMI BLOWN OVER ON INTERSTATE 40 NEAR MILE MARKER 222
NEAR WHEATLEY. REPORT RELAYED THROUGH AMATEUR RADIO.
&&
MJPRELIMINARY LOCAL STORM REPORT...CORRECTED
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE MEMPHIS TN
313 AM CST SAT JAN 11 2020
..TIME... ...EVENT... ...CITY LOCATION... ...LAT.LON...
..DATE... ....MAG.... ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
..REMARKS..
0219 AM TSTM WND DMG 1 E WHEATLEY 34.92N 91.09W
01/11/2020 ST. FRANCIS AR COUNTY OFFICIAL
7 TRACTOR TRAILORS BLOWN OVER ON INTERSTATE 40 BETWEEN
MILE MARKERS 222 AND 225 NEAR WHEATLEY.
&&
CORRECTED REMARKS...SOURCE
MJPRELIMINARY LOCAL STORM REPORT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE MEMPHIS TN
328 AM CST SAT JAN 11 2020
..TIME... ...EVENT... ...CITY LOCATION... ...LAT.LON...
..DATE... ....MAG.... ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
..REMARKS..
0230 AM TSTM WND DMG 1 SE WYNNE 35.22N 90.78W
01/11/2020 CROSS AR BROADCAST MEDIA
WIND DAMAGE SE OF WYNNE, AR. WINDOWS BLOWN OUT.
&&
MGWPRELIMINARY LOCAL STORM REPORT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE MEMPHIS TN
358 AM CST SAT JAN 11 2020
..TIME... ...EVENT... ...CITY LOCATION... ...LAT.LON...
..DATE... ....MAG.... ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
..REMARKS..
0354 AM FLASH FLOOD JONESBORO 35.82N 90.69W
01/11/2020 CRAIGHEAD AR EMERGENCY MNGR
SOME ROADS ARE IMPASSABLE. TWO FEET OF WATER OVER
RICHARDSON DRIVE IN EAST JONESBORO.
&&
MJThe Memphis radar (KNQA), 143 km away, was scanning. The volume nearest the first event began at 10:21 UTC.
33 thunderstorm wind, 15 tornado, 6 flash flood. Local standard time, as filed.
A mobile home was damaged and three homes sustained minor damage on Bellview Road.
Thunderstorm winds moved across Tunica, MS and areas south and east of the community. Several industrial buildings were damaged south of town. The Tunica AWOS recorded a peak wind gust of 79 mph. East of the airport, an apartment roof, mobile home, and a large storage shed were damaged. In total, across Tunica County, there were four homes damaged, four businesses damaged and 17 farms damaged. There was widespread tree damage along with two injuries. A tractor-trailer was also blown over.
A farm building suffered roof damage and outbuildings were damaged in Tutwiler. Trees were knocked down and a mobile home was damaged as well.
The tornado developed just east of Highway 49E, approximately 2.4 miles west-northwest of Sumner, causing damage to a grain bin. Moving to the northeast, the tornado damaged a barn and derailed 30 train cars near Tutwiler Road. Sporadic tree damage was observed along the path. Peak winds were estimated at 80 mph. A total of 30 homes were damaged by straight-line winds and this tornado on this date across mainly western sections of Tallahatchie County.
An elementary school and a home suffered roof damage in Sumner.
Large tree limbs were knocked down west of Denton.
Straight-line winds damaged a utility pole and knocked down large tree limbs on Prichard Road in western Tate County.
Straight-line winds damaged several homes and commercial buildings in Lambert. Numerous trees were knocked down or damaged.
The tornado touched down near the Arkabutla community and damaged trees then tracked northeast across Arkabutla lake and crossed into DeSoto County. One home suffered minor damage.
Several trees and power lines were knocked down in the Strayhorn area.
The tornado tracked across Arkabutla Lake and damaged trees and sheds at the Hernando Point Park. The tornado caused additional tree damage, and damage to roofs, as it approached Highway 51. Damage to residences and storage buildings was observed as it crossed Highway 51. The tornado dissipated just east of Interstate 55. Peak winds were estimated at 100 mph. A total of 210 homes were damaged by tornadoes and straight-line winds on this date across DeSoto County.
Several trees were uprooted or snapped along County Road 304.
The tornado touched down near the intersection of Eason and Jamison Roads, causing significant damage to two mobile homes. The tornado damaged another mobile home and an outbuilding on Bill Locke Road before crossing into Panola County. Peak winds were estimated at 105 mph.
Straight-line winds south of the tornado track caused significant damage to a small professional building and minor damage to a home on Bill Locke Road near the intersection of Jamison Road.
Straight-line winds damaged an outbuilding and knocked down some trees near the intersection of Locke Station and Jamison Roads.
This tornado crossed from Quitman County into Panola County. The tornado continued northeast, damaging numerous homes along Waldrup Road in western Panola County. The tornado dissipated east of Nash Road after crossing Highway 278. A total of 50 homes were damaged by tornadoes and straight-line winds on this date across Panola County.
Straight-line winds knocked down numerous trees south of the tornado track in southern DeSoto County, just north of Arkabutla Lake.
Multiple trees were knocked down south of Hernando along I-55 near McCracken Road.
Straight-line winds knocked down large tree limbs on Highway 304.
Several trees were uprooted on Getwell Road southeast of Hernando.
Straight-line winds damaged outbuildings along Macedonia Road.
This tornado developed just south of Interstate 269 northeast of Hernando. The tornado initially damaged trees and signs as it crossed I-269. The tornado strengthened as it crossed Craft Road. The tornado heavily damaged a stable and a large metal storage building and then crossed into residential areas east of Craft Road. Numerous homes were damaged, with some sustaining significant damage. The tornado continued northeast, causing minor roof damage, and dissipated near the intersection of Bethel Road and Interstate 22. Strong straight-line winds caused additional damage just south of the tornado track. Peak winds were estimated at 120 mph. A total of 210 homes were damaged by tornadoes and straight-line winds on this date across DeSoto County.
Gas station awning was destroyed in Courtland.
Straight-line winds snapped power poles south of Dunn Lane East Road to the south of the tornado track.
Trees were snapped and uprooted in Como.
Large tree limbs were knocked down on Highway 310 west of Como.
The tornado began near County Road 310 and Rooks Road in Panola County, damaging numerous trees as it moved northeast. A few barns sustained significant damage on Partee Road. The tornado then continued into Tate County. The peak winds were estimated at 75 mph. A total of 50 homes were damaged by tornadoes and straight-line winds on this date across Panola County.
The tornado crossed from Panola County into Tate County. A few trees were damaged in Tate County before the tornado lifted near Barlow Road.
The tornado began near Highway 4 and Muse Road, damaging trees and a couple of manufactured homes. Additional tree damage was observed north of Highway 4 along Mt. Gilead Road and along Old Highway 4 from Yarbough Chapel to McIntyre Church Road. Peak winds were estimated at 80 mph.
A few power poles were knocked down along County Road 101 near County Road 104.
Straight-line winds caused significant damage to a mobile home in Mrytle.
A metal roof was peeled off a home two miles north of Calhoun City.
Straight-line winds resulted in minor damage to barns and trees in Walnut and Chalybeate. Trees were knocked down at Highway 15 and County Road 306.
Straight-line winds damaged a carport and storage buildings.
Trees and power lines were knocked down across Alcorn County.
Large tree limbs were knocked down on Highway 348.
The tornado developed in far northwestern Lee where it damaged trees and several commercial buildings as it crossed Highway 45. The tornado then crossed Highway 370 into Prentiss County.
Straight-line winds damaged a home in Chickasaw County.
Large tree limbs were knocked down just south of the tornado track.
This tornado tracked from Lee County. Many trees were uprooted in Baldwyn, with a few trees falling on houses. The tornado damaged the roof of the high school and an industrial building on the northeast side of town. The last observed damage was to trees south of the Wheeler community. Peak winds were estimated at 90 mph. A total of 54 homes and five apartments were damaged by tornadoes and straight-line winds on this date across Prentiss County.
Straight-line winds caused minor damage to a house on County Road 5011 south of Wheeler. Small tree limbs were also broken in the area.
The first damage was observed in the Hurricane Creek vicinity. As the tornado crossed County Road 5040, it damaged a large barn, two mobile homes, and a residence. The tornado damaged additional mobile homes along County Road 3040 and damaged several buildings at a lumber processing facility. The last damage was observed along County Road 1371. Peak winds were estimated at 90 mph. A total of 54 homes and five apartments were damaged by tornadoes and straight-line winds on this date across Prentiss County.
This tornado produced minor roof damage and uprooted trees along County Road 1401. It damaged trees along Highway 356 to the west of Highway 365. The tornado then crossed into Tishomingo County. A total of 54 homes and five apartments were damaged by tornadoes and straight-line winds on this date across Prentiss County.
The tornado strengthened as it crossed into Tishomingo County from Prentiss County causing its most significant damage along Highway 365. The tornado damaged several homes and storage buildings before dissipating near the Tennessee-Tombigbee Waterway. Peak winds were estimated at 100 mph.
Power lines and trees knocked down across Monroe County. One tree fell on the mobile home.
This brief tornado caused minor damage to a residence. It also damaged trees and power poles along Highway 72, Highway 172 and County Road 164. Peak winds were estimated at 80 mph.
A downed tree caused significant damage to a porch in Golden.
A residence was flooded in Nettleton.
Heavy rain caused flash flooding across parts of Chickasaw County. A total of 10 roads were damaged across the county.
Jefferson Street was flooded and impassable. Water flooded yards along the street.
A residence was flooded on Old Highway 78 in Fulton. Two cars were flooded as well.
Several roads were flooded across Monroe County especially from Amory to Smithville. Up to 30 roads were flooded and some were washed out and damaged across Monroe County. Firetower Road in the Parham area suffered the worst damage and Smithville Road was also damaged. Ten apartment units were damaged by flooding in Amory.
A car turned over in floodwaters on Homestead Road in Prairie with passengers inside. Passengers were rescued.
After NWS Directive 10-1605, the rules offices file Storm Data by.
Every storm in Mississippi in 2020Every state in 2020This day in weather historyThe tornado archive for Mississippi, 2020Warnings in Mississippi, January 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 2026-09-30. Each event’s entry at NCEI: 874583, 874607, 874625, 874640, 874630, 874649, 874611, 874666, 874654, 874679, 874732, 874680, 874710, 874713, 874717, 874720, 874714, 874684, 874686, 874722, 874712, 874721, 874723, 874728, 874724, 874647, 874738, 874743, 874744, 874745, 874747, 874770, 874776, 874787, 874789, 874941, 874947, 874950, 874960, 874948, and more.