In the afternoon and evening of the 24th, clusters of strong to severe storms were stretched from southwest to northeast across southeastern Arkansas as robust instability and very strong wind shear produced a volatile severe weather environment. A strong upper level trough aided in widespread thunderstorm development.
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.
In the afternoon and evening of the 24th, clusters of strong to severe storms were stretched from southwest to northeast across southeastern Arkansas as robust instability and very strong wind shear produced a volatile severe weather environment. A strong upper level trough aided in widespread thunderstorm development. With numerous thunderstorms clusters and embedded supercells, damaging winds were reported across the area.
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 Mar 24, 2:59 PM CST, 2 hours 27 minutes earlier.
Area Forecast Discussion National Weather Service Jackson MS 359 PM CDT Fri Mar 24 2023 ...New DISCUSSION... .DISCUSSION... Issued at 359 PM CDT Fri Mar 24 2023 Tonight and Tomorrow... High pressure centered over Florida has yielded strong return flow ahead of a potent system currently over eastern TX. A low pressure system over the ArkLaTex will deepen amid upper level difluence and strengthening mid level jet. The associated low level jet will strengthen as it approaches the ArkLaMiss region, with wind speeds in the 55-65 kts range. Ample moisture is denoted by mid to upper 60s dewpoints across Louisiana and southwestern Mississippi, which are advecting northward into central Mississippi and southeast Arkansas. SBCAPE values have increased 200-400 J/Kg across the forecast area the past 3 hours and low level lapse rates have steepened 1-2 degrees C. Instability should continue to increase this afternoon amid moisture advection and daytime heating. This very unstable airmass coupled with ample deep layer shear, should lead to robust storm development late this afternoon and into the evening hours. Notably, the best storm relative helicity (SRH) will likely be confined below 1 km. With any rightward deviating supercells or embedded structures, 300+ M^2/S^2 of 0-1 km SRH with values somewhat higher in storm-modified inflow environments could be realized. These parameters could support tornadoes that may be strong and possibly long tracked, primarily with any discrete or semi discrete storms ahead of the primary squall/band. Some limiting factors may preclude the worst-case scenario of several long track, strong tornadoes (though that possibility will exist). A relative weakness in the flow above 850 mb to near 500 mb with limited veering minimal velocity increases with height in that level may result in mid level updrafts struggling to remain vertically tilted and robust. This, along with a modeled relatively warm layer near 700 mb could hinder individual updraft longevity. Consistently falling heights, increasing diffluence aloft, and continued warm air advection coupled with very robust low level dynamics suggest that these limiting factors will likely be overcome at least for some of the strongest storms of the evening. Forecast confidence has increased this afternoon and a potent severe weather event with several tornadoes, some strong and/or long tracked, is likely. The best combination of severe weather parameters appears to be in southeast Arkansas, northeast Louisiana, and portions of Mississippi for areas that are both roughly along and west of I-55 and along and north of I-20. This includes the Jackson, Mississippi metro area and areas north and west. In this area, a "Moderate" (4/5) risk for severe weather is currently highlighted in ongoing graphics and forecast packages. Hail to golf ball size and wind gusts that could reach 70-80 mph are also possible. It's important to note that the overall risk area includes all of the forecast area: The "Enhanced" (3/4) area includes much of northeast Louisiana south of I-20, southwest Mississippi, and northeastward into the Golden Triangle. A "Slight" (2/5) risk area is in place for much of the remainder of our forecast area. In these areas, large hail and damaging winds 60+ mph will be possible. Tornadoes are possible in this area as well, and a strong tornado can't be ruled out particularly in areas within the "Enhanced" risk. In addition to storm potential, tight pressure gradient (about 8 mb) is also observed across the area and should lead to strong gradient winds ahead of the front. For this reason, a wind advisory was issued for areas along and north of the I-20 corridor. Storms clear from northwest to southeast overnight. Behind the front, temperatures will be a bit cooler but the most noticeable change will be the end of rain and storms and lowering humidity. Lows tonight fall into upper 50s F in the northwest and the middle 60s F southeast. The drier airmass behind the cold front will allow for rapid warming under full sun Saturday and highs will likely still reach into the upper 70s and lower 80s F by afternoon. /SAS/86/ Saturday night through late next week (next Thursday)... This weekend-early next week (Saturday-next Monday): A brief reprieve from severe storms is expected to start the weekend as slightly cooler thermo profiles settle in Sat to early Sun. SW flow aloft will persist, so expect a slight cool down into the upper 70s- low 80s into the weekend. However, a warm front is progged to lift ENE into the weekend & help increased moisture with Tds into the mid- upper 60s, steep mid-level lapse rates & strong but mostly unidirectional 45-50kts 0-6km bulk shear. With nearly mid 20s vertical totals & 6.5-7 degree C mid-level lapse rates, sufficient destabilization near 1000 J/kg MLCAPE & +1500 J/kg SBCAPE will be supported of large hail, at least the size of quarters & likely potential for larger hail. Keeping the messaging the same in the HWO for now but mentioned large hail to indicate the higher end hail potential. Pattern will remain stagnant with SW flow, low-level WAA & deep shear with high sfc Tds in low-mid 60s could support some low end potential of isolated strong-severe convection into Mon, but it becomes more shunted to the S than Sun. For now, keeping the HWO clear here. Rain & storm chances will persist Sun-Mon & early Tues, before drier air & mid-level ridge axis builds across to the N, with 1025-1030mb high over the Mid-MS Valley. This will help drier conditions to settle in Tues aftn & persist through late week. Temperatures through the long term will be warmer than normal in the mid-upper 70s to near 80 degrees Sun-Mon, with low-mid 50s NW of the Natchez Trace to low 60s to the SE, especially Sun night. In the wake of the rain, temps will be near climatological norms in the upper 60s NW to low 70s SE. Low-level return flow will help WAA & increased deep moisture build back in Thurs, with increased WAA showers & storm potential Thurs, with above normal highs back into the upper 70s to near 80 degrees. /DC/ && .AVIATION... (18Z TAFS) Issued at 1235 PM CDT Fri Mar 24 2023 A cold front and associated thunderstorms will approach and then move across the area from west to east this evening and tonight. SHRA/TSRA with reductions in visibility/ceilings are likely in the vicinity of the front. SHRA/TSRA will be most likely for GLH/GWO after 22Z, JAN/HKS after 00Z, and GTR/MEI/PIB/HBG after 03Z. Southerly winds could gust as high as 40 kts prior to the front for northern TAF sites and as high as 30 kts for southern TAF sites, becoming westerly and diminishing after frontal passage. /86/ && .PRELIMINARY POINT TEMPS/POPS... Jackson 62 81 54 78 / 90 0 0 50 Meridian 63 84 56 80 / 90 0 10 50 Vicksburg 62 81 54 78 / 90 0 0 50 Hattiesburg 66 86 61 80 / 60 0 20 60 Natchez 63 82 55 78 / 80 0 0 60 Greenville 58 76 51 75 / 100 0 0 30 Greenwood 61 77 52 78 / 100 0 0 30 && .JAN WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES... MS...Wind Advisory until 3 AM CDT Saturday for MSZ018-019-025>052. LA...Wind Advisory until 3 AM CDT Saturday for LAZ007>009-015-016. AR...Wind Advisory until 3 AM CDT Saturday for ARZ074-075. && SAS20/DC/LP
Hazardous Weather Outlook National Weather Service Jackson MS 405 PM CDT Fri Mar 24 2023 ARZ074-LAZ007>009-015-016-023-025-MSZ026>029-036-037-040-042-043- 047-048-252115- Ashley-Morehouse-West Carroll-East Carroll-Richland-Madison LA- Franklin LA-Tensas-Grenada-Carroll-Montgomery-Webster-Holmes- Attala-Issaquena-Yazoo-Madison MS-Warren-Hinds- 405 PM CDT Fri Mar 24 2023 This hazardous weather outlook is for portions of southeast Arkansas, northeast Louisiana, central Mississippi, north central Mississippi, and west central Mississippi. .DAY ONE...Tonight and Saturday SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS THREAT...Moderate TIMING...The rest of this afternoon through tonight NON-THUNDERSTORM WINDS THREAT...Elevated TIMING...Tonight Significant severe thunderstorms and tornadoes are likely into this evening with strong, long track tornadoes possible. These thunderstorms could also produce damaging winds 70 to 80 mph and large hail up to the size of golfballs. (https://www.weather.gov/images/jan/graphicast/1.png) Tonight, a few downed trees and power lines are possible this afternoon and evening, due to sustained winds of 25 to 30 mph and wind gusts over 40 mph before thunderstorms arrive. Travel may also be difficult for those in high profile vehicles. (https://www.weather.gov/images/jan/graphicast/2.png) .DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Saturday night through Thursday Isolated severe thunderstorms will be possible on Sunday across portions of northeast Louisiana as well as southern and central Mississippi. At this time, the primary expected hazards with any severe thunderstorms will be damaging wind gusts and hail. (https://www.weather.gov/images/jan/graphicast/3.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 remainder of the afternoon through tonight and Sunday through Sunday night. ARZ075-MSZ018-019-025-034-035-041-252115- Chicot-Bolivar-Sunflower-Leflore-Washington-Humphreys-Sharkey- 405 PM CDT Fri Mar 24 2023 This hazardous weather outlook is for portions of southeast Arkansas, central Mississippi, north central Mississippi, northwest Mississippi, and west central Mississippi. .DAY ONE...Tonight and Saturday SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS THREAT...Moderate TIMING...The rest of this afternoon through tonight NON-THUNDERSTORM WINDS THREAT...Elevated TIMING...The rest of this afternoon through tonight Significant severe thunderstorms and tornadoes are likely into this evening with strong, long track tornadoes possible. These thunderstorms could also produce damaging winds 70 to 80 mph and large hail up to the size of golfballs. (https://www.weather.gov/images/jan/graphicast/1.png) A few downed trees and power lines are possible this afternoon and evening, due to sustained winds of 25 to 30 mph and wind gusts over 40 mph before thunderstorms arrive. Travel may also be difficult for those in high profile vehicles. (https://www.weather.gov/images/jan/graphicast/2.png) .DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Saturday night through Thursday The probability for widespread hazardous weather is low. .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 remainder of the afternoon through tonight. MSZ030-032-033-038-044-045-049-050-252115- Clay-Choctaw-Oktibbeha-Winston-Leake-Neshoba-Rankin-Scott- 405 PM CDT Fri Mar 24 2023 This hazardous weather outlook is for portions of central Mississippi, east central Mississippi, and northeast Mississippi. .DAY ONE...Tonight and Saturday SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS THREAT...Enhanced TIMING...The rest of this afternoon through tonight NON-THUNDERSTORM WINDS THREAT...Elevated TIMING...Tonight This evening into tonight, severe thunderstorms are likely and tornadoes are possible. Some tornadoes could be strong. These thunderstorms could also produce damaging winds up to 70 mph and large hail up to golf ball size. (https://www.weather.gov/images/jan/graphicast/1.png) A few downed trees and power lines are possible this afternoon and evening, due to sustained winds of 25 to 30 mph and wind gusts over 40 mph before thunderstorms arrive. Travel may also be difficult for those in high profile vehicles. (https://www.weather.gov/images/jan/graphicast/2.png) .DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Saturday night through Thursday Isolated severe thunderstorms will be possible on Sunday across portions of northeast Louisiana as well as southern and central Mississippi. At this time, the primary expected hazards with any severe thunderstorms will be damaging wind gusts and hail. (https://www.weather.gov/images/jan/graphicast/3.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 remainder of the afternoon through tonight and Sunday through Sunday night. MSZ031-039-046-051-052-252115- Lowndes-Noxubee-Kemper-Newton-Lauderdale- 405 PM CDT Fri Mar 24 2023 This hazardous weather outlook is for portions of east central Mississippi, and northeast Mississippi. .DAY ONE...Tonight and Saturday SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS THREAT...Slight TIMING...The rest of this afternoon through tonight NON-THUNDERSTORM WINDS THREAT...Elevated TIMING...Tonight Severe thunderstorms and tornadoes are possible late this evening into tonight. Some thunderstorms could produce damaging winds of 60 mph and hail up to the size of golf balls. (https://www.weather.gov/images/jan/graphicast/1.png) A few downed trees and power lines are possible this afternoon and evening, due to sustained winds of 25 to 30 mph and wind gusts over 40 mph before thunderstorms arrive. Travel may also be difficult for those in high profile vehicles. (https://www.weather.gov/images/jan/graphicast/2.png) .DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Saturday night through Thursday Isolated severe thunderstorms will be possible on Sunday across portions of northeast Louisiana as well as southern and central Mississippi. At this time, the primary expected hazards with any severe thunderstorms will be damaging wind gusts and hail. (https://www.weather.gov/images/jan/graphicast/3.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 remainder of the afternoon through tonight and Sunday through Sunday night. LAZ024-026-MSZ053>055-059>062-252115- Catahoula-Concordia-Claiborne-Copiah-Simpson-Jefferson-Adams- Franklin MS-Lincoln- 405 PM CDT Fri Mar 24 2023 This hazardous weather outlook is for portions of northeast Louisiana, central Mississippi, south central Mississippi, and southwest Mississippi. .DAY ONE...Tonight and Saturday SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS THREAT...Enhanced TIMING...The rest of this afternoon through tonight NON-THUNDERSTORM WINDS THREAT...Limited TIMING...The rest of this afternoon through tonight This evening into tonight, severe thunderstorms are likely and tornadoes are possible. Some tornadoes could be strong. These thunderstorms could also produce damaging winds up to 70 mph and large hail up to golf ball size. (https://www.weather.gov/images/jan/graphicast/1.png) Weak trees and limbs may break and fall due to wind gusts over 35 mph. High profile vehicles could also be affected. (https://www.weather.gov/images/jan/graphicast/2.png) .DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Saturday night through Thursday Isolated severe thunderstorms will be possible on Sunday across portions of northeast Louisiana as well as southern and central Mississippi. At this time, the primary expected hazards with any severe thunderstorms will be damaging wind gusts and hail. (https://www.weather.gov/images/jan/graphicast/3.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 remainder of the afternoon through tonight and Sunday through Sunday night. MSZ056>058-063>066-072-073-252115- Smith-Jasper-Clarke-Lawrence-Jefferson Davis-Covington-Jones- Marion-Lamar- 405 PM CDT Fri Mar 24 2023 This hazardous weather outlook is for portions of central Mississippi, east central Mississippi, south central Mississippi, and southeast Mississippi. .DAY ONE...Tonight and Saturday SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS THREAT...Slight TIMING...The rest of this afternoon through tonight NON-THUNDERSTORM WINDS THREAT...Limited TIMING...The rest of this afternoon through tonight Severe thunderstorms and tornadoes are possible late this evening into tonight. Some thunderstorms could produce damaging winds of 60 mph and hail up to the size of golf balls. (https://www.weather.gov/images/jan/graphicast/1.png) The rest of this afternoon through tonight, weak trees and limbs may break and fall due to wind gusts over 35 mph. High profile vehicles could also be affected. (https://www.weather.gov/images/jan/graphicast/2.png) .DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Saturday night through Thursday Isolated severe thunderstorms will be possible on Sunday across portions of northeast Louisiana as well as southern and central Mississippi. At this time, the primary expected hazards with any severe thunderstorms will be damaging wind gusts and hail. (https://www.weather.gov/images/jan/graphicast/3.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 remainder of the afternoon through tonight and Sunday through Sunday night. MSZ074-252115- Forrest- 405 PM CDT Fri Mar 24 2023 This hazardous weather outlook is for portions of southeast Mississippi. .DAY ONE...Tonight and Saturday SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS THREAT...Marginal TIMING...The rest of this afternoon through tonight NON-THUNDERSTORM WINDS THREAT...Limited TIMING...The rest of this afternoon through tonight Isolated severe thunderstorms are possible. Some thunderstorms could produce damaging wind gusts. A tornado cannot be ruled out. (https://www.weather.gov/images/jan/graphicast/1.png) Weak trees and limbs may break and fall due to wind gusts over 35 mph. High profile vehicles could also be affected. (https://www.weather.gov/images/jan/graphicast/2.png) .DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Saturday night through Thursday Isolated severe thunderstorms will be possible on Sunday across portions of northeast Louisiana as well as southern and central Mississippi. At this time, the primary expected hazards with any severe thunderstorms will be damaging wind gusts and hail. (https://www.weather.gov/images/jan/graphicast/3.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 remainder of the afternoon through tonight and Sunday through Sunday night. 86 && ...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. *NON-THUNDERSTORM WINDS* Significant...Scattered downed trees and power lines are likely due to sustained winds over 35 mph and potential wind gusts greater than 50 mph. Elevated...A few downed trees and power lines are possible due to sustained winds ranging from 25 to 35 mph and potential for wind gusts over 40 mph. Travel will also be difficult for those in high profile vehicles. Limited...Weak trees and limbs may break and fall due to sustained winds up to 25 mph and wind gusts around 35 mph. High profile vehicles could also be affected. ...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
444 PM CDT Fri Mar 24 2023
MSZ061-062-242215-
Lincoln MS-Franklin MS-
444 PM CDT Fri Mar 24 2023
...A strong thunderstorm will impact portions of central Lincoln and
southeastern Franklin Counties through 515 PM CDT...
At 444 PM CDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm over
West Lincoln, or 12 miles southwest of Brookhaven, moving northeast
at 35 mph.
HAZARD...Winds in excess of 40 mph and pea size hail.
SOURCE...Radar indicated.
IMPACT...Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around
unsecured objects. Minor damage to outdoor objects is
possible.
This strong thunderstorm will be near...
Vaughn around 455 PM CDT.
Loyd Star around 500 PM CDT.
Brookhaven around 505 PM CDT.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.
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.
Frequent cloud to ground lightning is occurring with this storm.
Lightning can strike 10 miles away from a thunderstorm. Seek a safe
shelter inside a building or vehicle.
&&
LAT...LON 3135 9076 3170 9054 3170 9042 3169 9041
3169 9038 3170 9038 3170 9026 3172 9025
3171 9024 3170 9024 3135 9063
TIME...MOT...LOC 2144Z 217DEG 32KT 3147 9061
MAX HAIL SIZE...0.25 IN
MAX WIND GUST...40 MPH
19Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Jackson MS
605 PM CDT Fri Mar 24 2023
MSZ055-242345-
Simpson MS-
605 PM CDT Fri Mar 24 2023
...A strong thunderstorm will impact portions of northwestern Simpson
County through 645 PM CDT...
At 605 PM CDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm over
Union, or near Pinola, moving northeast at 45 mph.
HAZARD...Wind gusts up to 50 mph and penny size hail.
SOURCE...Radar indicated.
IMPACT...Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around
unsecured objects. Minor damage to outdoor objects is
possible.
This strong thunderstorm will be near...
Pinola around 610 PM CDT.
Mendenhall around 625 PM CDT.
Martinville around 630 PM CDT.
Other locations impacted by this storm include D'Lo and Braxton.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.
A Tornado Watch remains in effect until midnight CDT for central
Mississippi.
&&
LAT...LON 3192 9016 3205 9005 3205 8973 3191 8974
3180 9010
TIME...MOT...LOC 2305Z 231DEG 38KT 3186 9006
MAX HAIL SIZE...0.75 IN
MAX WIND GUST...50 MPH
DCThe Little Rock radar (KLZK), 183 km away, was scanning. The volume nearest the first event began at 23:25 UTC.
1 thunderstorm wind. Local standard time, as filed.
A tree was blown down at the intersection of US Highway 82 and County Road 68 east of Hamburg.
After NWS Directive 10-1605, the rules offices file Storm Data by.
Every storm in Arkansas in 2023Every state in 2023This day in weather historyWarnings in Arkansas, March 2023
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: 1101958.