Another apparent tornado causes damage in central Mississipp

[MisterTwister]

I'm new to this forum, so let me say hi to everyone! I live in central Mississippi, and I'm sure most of you know about the tornado that struck NE Jackson/Hinds County two weeks ago today. This area has been in a pattern for severe weather every Friday for three weeks in a row now.

Today a weather system came through MS, but it did drop an apparent weak tornado in southern Hinds County. The following are links to the story as well as a first-look video taken from Jackson TV station WLBT's Skycopter 3 helicopter:

Story from The Clarion-Ledger state newspaper website:

http://www.clarionledger.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080418/NEWS/80418043



WLBT.com Skycopter 3 video

http://www.wlbt.com/global/video/popup/pop_player.asp?ClipID1=2400411&h1=Skycopter%20Surveys%20Storm%20Damage&vt1=v&at1=News&d1=66067&LaunchPageAdTag=Homepage&activePane=info&playerVersion=1&hostPageUrl=http%3A//www.wlbt.com/&rnd=48721101

[HURAKAN]

WELCOME TO THE FORUM!!!

The video clearly shows what appears to be damage normally associated with a tornado. Experts from the NWS would have to confirm that but it looks like damage from a EF1 to EF2 tornado.

[MisterTwister]

WELCOME TO THE FORUM!!!

The video clearly shows what appears to be damage normally associated with a tornado. Experts from the NWS would have to confirm that but it looks like damage from a EF1 to EF2 tornado.

Thanks for the welcome. I've been fascinated with weather my whole life, especially tornados, and I'd heard this forum was the place to go.

The initial reports on today's storm were more along the lines that it was likely an EF0 tornado because the wind velocities and signs of rotation just weren't too impressive. I was watching the live radar coverage when it was happening, and I thought that as well. However, as you said, the damage seems to indicate a bit more like EF1 or so. I'll keep track of coverage and report any changes/official reports from NWS investigators.

[HURAKAN]

Some of the damage caused to the houses in the video seem to indicate that the possible tornado was more intense than an EF0 (65 to 85 mph).

These are examples from Wikipedia which seems to indicate that the possible tornado was an strong EF1 or weak EF2.

EF1:


EF2:

[wall_cloud]

the biggest challenge in determining the rating of a tornado is deciding how well built the structure was. Some homes can have most of a roof intact and experience more wind than those with a roof completely removed. Hurricane clips, nail patterns, lumber quality are all important. Other factors, like a failed garage door could result in more impressive damage than experienced wind speeds would support.

That said, the NWS officials at JAN have had extensive training in assessing this type of damage and I don't think there would be any reason to not rate accurately. I'd give them the benefit of the doubt.

[HURAKAN]

Very well said!!!! Damage not only depends on the intensity of the system but also the integrity of the structure.

[Dionne]

Hey mistertwister.....welcome. I live in northern Copiah county. I was in Jackson on this day. All kinds of NWS warnings. We were in the process of setting up for the Komen Race for the Cure at the Mississippi Braves Trustmark park when high winds came through. Watched an old growth Oak cut a home in half directly across from the park. We're fortunate that WLBT and 98.7 go to full time reports when weather events like these happen.

[Stephanie]

Welcome MisterTwister!

[MisterTwister]

Thanks everyone. I look forward to being part of the community.