| Episode Narrative |
During the late afternoon and evening hours of June 11, a sprawling linear complex of storms moved southward across the Jackson, MS forecast area. Widespread tree and power line damage occurred as 60 to 70 mph winds impacted the area. At the height of the storm, roughly 45,000 Entergy customers were without power. Locations in Sunflower County, around Ruleville and Indianola, were hit especially hard. Winds were likely around 80 mph in these areas causing significant roof damage to the North Sunflower Medical Center in Ruleville and a couple buildings in Indianola. Additionally, an 81 mph gust was measured in Isola in northern Humphreys County. Wind was not the only severe weather hazard during this event. Lightning was extreme with a few homes struck. One home in Brandon, MS was significantly burned after a lightning strike caused a fire. Heavy rain and flash flooding also occurred with a few locations receiving 3 to 6 inches. The worst flooding occurred in Cleveland and in Jackson.
This storm system was very large for this time of year, especially for the part of the country it impacted. The system originated in central Missouri during the early morning hours of June 11. The complex expanded and intensified as it move southeast through midday and early afternoon before shifting more southward through late afternoon and evening. Across the region, over 400 reports of severe weather occurred, with the vast majority of those being damaging winds. |
