2010 Yazoo City tornado

Forecasting in advance

On April 20, the American weather forecasting agency, Storm Prediction Center (SPC), first highlighted a severe weather risk for the lower Mississippi River basin region for April 24. The SPC noted factors that indicated potential tornadic activities: a boundary layer, an area of moist air moving into an area, and strong wind shear. Large hail and damaging winds were also expected.^[7] A large upper-level trough was forecast to move slowly across the central United States and center over Illinois. A strong southwesterly flow aloft was forecast to spread across the Mississippi Valley into the Gulf Coast Region. Within the area south of the Ohio Valley, a strong wind field was spreading across the region.^[8]

Day of the event

At 12:57 a.m. CDT on April 24, a high risk for severe weather was designated over portions of Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and Arkansas. The risk was accompanied by a 30% hatched risk, an enhanced probability for severe weather for strong tornadoes, severe hail, and strong damaging winds for the area. A strengthening upper-level storm system traversed the Central United States. A cold front moved eastward from the central southern Mississippi River Valley into the Ohio River Valley. Severe thunderstorms developed during the morning hours, with conditions expected to become more favorable throughout the day. A potent wind shear was expected to spread across the moist, warm sector, which is a region of warm air ahead of the cold front.^[9]

Discrete, cyclic supercells were forecast over the high risk zone in the mid-morning into the afternoon, with convective clusters and lines of embedded supercells also likely. Forecast soundings, observations that decipher the environment of an area, over the high risk area showed a 60–70 mph (95–115 km/h) low-level jet (LLJ). Supporting the LLJ was a large hodograph, which plots winds with soundings from Earth's atmosphere. The storm relative helicity, measuring the potential for updraft rotation, was at 300-600 joules per kilogram (J/kg). In addition, the mid-level convective available potential energy, the measure of available energy for thunderstorm development, was at 1500—2500 j/kg.^[9]

At 9:31 a.m. CDT, upper air analysis showcased the upstream trough had negatively tilted, with an embedded jet stream heading east-northeast into the Ark-La-Tex region. The jet stream was expected to transfer into regions in the mid to lower Ohio valley later in the afternoon. A surface low tracked northward from Arkansas to St. Louis as it underwent significant deepening. Morning convection was expected to move into the Tennessee Valley and become elevated, no longer surface-based, over time as they moved into the Cumberland Plateau and Appalachian Mountains.^[10]

Storm initiation

At 10:28 a.m. CDT, a couple of large thunderstorms began demonstrating supercell characteristics in southeastern Mississippi. The storms were forecast to move into Alabama throughout the late morning hours. Large-scale ascent continued downstream, with further destabilizing of the warm sector occurring over the lower Mississippi valley. Favorable low-level wind shear and a moist and unstable boundary layer maintained the possibilities of strong tornadoes throughout the afternoon. Multiple discrete supercells began ahead of the developing quasi-linear convective system (QLCS), which is a line of thunderstorms riding along a cold front.^[10]

Particularly Dangerous Situation

At 11:30 a.m. CDT, a particularly dangerous situation (PDS) tornado watch was in effect across several states, with a high probability of multiple significant tornadoes, large hail, and strong straight-line winds up to 80 mph (130 km/h). A shortwave trough rotated across the area. The SPC noted that tornadic supercells were already in progress across Mississippi, with strong wind shear profiles expected to spread north and east. Additionally, a rapidly moving squall line was moving across northern Arkansas, forecast to evolve into a strong QLCS with intense, damaging winds.^[10]

Yazoo County

The tornado entered Yazoo County, initially only uprooting trees. The tornado then crossed Satartia Road, inflicting significant roof damage to a home, and demolishing a utility building nearby.^[16][21] Along Lake George, several trees were snapped or uprooted as the tornado crossed over the area. The tornado tore through the southern parts of Panther Swamp National Wildlife Refuge, where several trees were snapped and razed. Multiple of them were snapped along the Yazoo River and minimal roof damage was inflicted on a home. The tornado crossed MS 3 north of Satartia. Along the highway, numerous trees were snapped and uprooted, a couple of outbuildings were demolished, and several homes along the highway sustained moderate roof damage.^[16] Around the same time, the tornado showed an intense presentation on radar, with a debris ball on reflectively and a strong velocity couplet. Storm spotters also reported a large, wedge tornado was on the ground. Due to this, an issuance of a tornado emergency for Yazoo, Issaquena, Sharkey, and Warren counties occurred at 11:47 a.m. CDT.^[12]

The tornado began affecting Yazoo City as it crossed Judkins Road, snapping several trees and dislodging two mobile homes from their units. A framed home had most of its roof ripped away, a couple of homes sustained moderate roof damage, and a single-wide mobile home was destroyed. A 31-year-old mother here was killed after shielding her three children underneath a mattress, with the children surviving the tornado due to her action.^[16][22] The tornado crossed Ridge Road, where dozens of homes experiencing minor to moderate structural damage. The tornado crossed Center Ridge Road, multiple trees were snapped, a one-story brick home was mostly unroofed, and two other homes sustained severe roof damage. This area received a high-end EF2 damage rating. A few homes along crossed Woodland Road sustained moderate to significant roof damage, and an outbuilding experienced major roof damage. The tornado reached a peak width of 3,080 yd (2,820 m) along the intersection of MS 149 and MS 16. As a result, the tornado became the widest on record in Mississippi, until the record was beaten by the Bassfield–Soso tornado ten years later.^[2][23]

The tornado strengthened significantly, impacting areas along Learsville Road. Two metal building systems were leveled, receiving mid-range EF3 damage ratings. Nearby, an automobile showroom had significant portions of its roof ripped away. The tornado destroyed a single-wide mobile home, a home experienced moderate structural damage, and an outbuilding was mostly unroofed.^[16] The tornado reached peak intensity at low-end EF4 strength, along Bus Station Road. The Hillcrest Baptist Church was destroyed, with the church's steel I-beams bent. Damage at the church received an EF4 rating, with wind speeds estimated at 170 mph (270 km/h). One man was inside the church when the tornado struck; he survived with minor injuries.^[16][24] Several hardwood trees near the church were severely debarked and denuded. A Mississippi Department of Transportation maintenance building nearby was partially destroyed, with parts of its exterior and interior walls collapsing. A metal storage building adjacent to the maintenance building was destroyed. Nearby, a 5,000-pound (2,300-kilogram) concrete reinforced awning block was torn out of the ground and thrown 100 yd (90 m) away. A funeral home was destroyed, another metal building system experienced total destruction, and an outbuilding nearby was destroyed. A Peebles department store nearby was damaged. Inside, the manager and 15 other customers took shelter in the back of the store. The Ribeye's Steakhouse sustained significant roof damage, and a separate outbuilding was destroyed.^[16][25][2]

The tornado slightly weakened to EF3 intensity, crossing Old Benton Road, leveling a poorly built home at estimated wind speeds of 155 mph (250 km/h). Another home along the road was mostly leveled, with a few interior walls left standing.^[16][2][26] Numerous homes nearby sustained total loss to their exterior walls and roofs, and multiple mobile homes were either destroyed or were dislodged and rolled off their units. Outbuildings were destroyed, and hardwood trees were snapped and debarked. The tornado exited the town afterwards, mostly impacting rural wooded areas. A pool house experienced major destruction, with most of the building collapsing and several trees nearby being snapped.^[16] At 12:24 p.m. CDT, the NWS issued another tornado emergency for northeast Yazoo County and parts of Attala, Holmes, and Madison counties. The warning noted that the tornado had a history of producing significant and widespread damage, with forward speed estimated at 50 mph (80 km/h).^[13]

The tornado traversed through forested areas, inflicting intense tree damage. A couple of mobile homes were destroyed, a framed home sustained significant roof damage, and another home was heavily damaged. The tornado destroyed a mobile home along Powell Road, receiving a high-end EF2 damage rating, with another home nearby sustaining significant roof damage.^[16][2] Another mobile home was demolished along the intersection of Mollett Road and Breakwater Drive, with several trees snapped and uprooted nearby. For the rest of the tornado's track in Yazoo County, several framed and mobile homes were significantly damaged or demolished, and numerous trees damage were snapped or uprooted.^[16][2] Throughout Yazoo County, four people were killed, and 53 others were injured; all the fatalities occurred in mobile homes. Leaving Yazoo County into Holmes County.^[2][27]

Holmes and Attala counties

Entering Holmes County, the tornado narrowed down slightly to 2,600 yd (2,400 m) in width. The tornado traversed through rural areas of Holmes County, causing extensive tree damage. The tornado then impacted areas around the community of Ebenezer, with the maximum damage rating in the area at high-end EF2. A church sanctuary north of the community was destroyed. Several trees were snapped, and mobile homes were demolished, killing a 70-year-old man who was inside one of them along Ebenezer Road.^[16][27] The tornado continued inflicting significant damage along Newport Road, demolishing a mobile home, inflicting extensive tree damage, and snapping power poles. The tornado made a sharp eastward turn, crossing Springhill Road and destroying a single-wide mobile home. A framed home nearby was significantly damaged, and severe forestry damage was noted.^[16]

The tornado intensified further, crossing Pickens-Garnett Road, mostly leveling a brick home at EF3 intensity, with estimated wind speeds of 155 mph (250 km/h). A nearby home had most of its exterior walls collapse; a home was unroofed and sustained significant damage to its exterior walls; and a couple of mobile homes were destroyed. The tornado maintained EF3 strength, traversing through areas south of Franklin. A well-built brick home was mostly leveled, with a few walls left standing, receiving a high-end EF3 damage rating. Several trees nearby were snapped or debarked, an outbuilding was demolished, and numerous powerlines were snapped.^[28][16] After snapping multiple trees, the tornado intensified to EF4 strength for the second time, leveling a home along Horton Road. A single-wide mobile home nearby was demolished, and several trees were snapped or uprooted.^[16]

The tornado crossed I-55 south of Durant. Several vehicles were blown off the highway, including three members from a Vicksburg metal band, Burning Windsor, who were traveling northbound when the tornado struck. The band's vehicle, trailer, and nearly all their musical equipment were destroyed. The debris from merchandise and instruments scattered along the interstate, and the car was tossed 30 yd (27 m). All three occupants survived the storm with minor to severe injuries. Two were taken by ambulance to local hospitals, where they were both treated for their injuries.^[28][26][29] At 12:57 p.m. CDT, another tornado emergency was issued for Attala, and parts of Holmes, Choctaw, Montgomery, and Carroll counties. The tornado's forward speed was estimated at 55 mph (90 km/h).^[14]

The tornado then entered Attala County, snapping or uprooting several trees at EF2 intensity. The tornado then unroofed significant portions of a home and snapped trees and power poles south of Possumneck.^[30][16] The tornado continued traversing through rural areas, snapping and uprooting several trees, demolishing an outbuilding, and inflicting moderate roof damage. The tornado impacted several homes in Hesterville, causing significant roof damage to a couple of them at EF2 intensity. The tornado crossed Natchez Trace Parkway, snapping wooden power poles and softwood trees along the road. The tornado maintained EF2 intensity, inflicting significant roof damage to a small home south of French Camp, along County Road 2133. Afterwards, the tornado continued inflicting severe tree damage before exiting the county.^[16]

Choctaw and Oktibbeha counties

Entering Choctaw County, the tornado snapped or uprooted numerous trees near the county line at EF2 intensity. Along MS 413, east of French Camp, the tornado intensified to high-end EF3 strength with estimated wind speeds of 165 mph (265 km/h). A well-built home was mostly demolished, with a few interior walls left standing, receiving the aforementioned rating. The Crossroads Grocery store was destroyed as the cinderblock structure collapsed. The owner, his wife, and four other people sheltered in the store's freezer when the tornado struck; everyone survived with minor injuries. A steel storage fuel tank was uprooted from the ground and thrown into the store, landing against the door of the freezer.^[16][31] A couple homes had most of their exterior walls collapse, with several other homes sustaining significant roof damage, and several trees snapped. The tornado crossed Steward Weir Road, taking down the exterior walls of another home at EF3 intensity. Alongside that, a communication tower collapsed, and a mobile home and an outbuilding were destroyed. The Millsprings Church and its surrounding buildings sustained considerable roof damage. The tornado crossed the intersection of White and Prewitt Cemetery Road, demolishing several mobile homes that were given EF2 ratings. The tornado also inflicted roof damage to a home and significant timber damage.^[16]

The tornado impacted a neighborhood along Pisgah and Dotson Roads, maintaining EF3 intensity, inflicting severe devastation to the neighborhood. Dozens of mobile homes and conventional foundation homes were demolished, and multiple vehicles were thrown into the tree line. Two poorly-built homes were leveled; a couple more were left with only a few interior walls standing. A poorly-constructed home was shifted off its foundation, and several hardwood and softwood trees were significantly snapped or debarked. Within this neighborhood, five people were killed.^[32][16] Afterwards, the tornado weakened to EF2 intensity, causing heavy tree damage.^[16][26] The tornado struck the community of Chester, destroying an outbuilding and inflicting moderate damage to the Chester Baptist Church and homes. The tornado crossed Pensacola Road at EF2 strength, ripping away most of a roof from a brick home and snapping trees. The tornado made an eastward turn, downing metal poles along Ecoplex Road, and snapping several trees along MS 9 at EF2 intensity. The tornado then traveled 2.87 mi (4.62 km) into Oktibbeha County, weakening to EF1 intensity before dissipating 5 mi (8.0 km) north of Sturgis at 1:53 p.m CDT.^[16][33][26]

Overall, the tornado traveled 152.66 mi (245.68 km), with a peak width of 3,080 yd (2,820 m), the largest recorded in Mississippi at the time. The tornado's track also became the fourth-longest in Mississippi history. It was the first violent tornado to occur in Mississippi in April since 1978. The tornado became the longest tracked tornado during the NEXRAD era, when advanced radars were introduced in 1988, before being exceeded by the Western Kentucky tornado in 2021.^[2][32][34] On April 25, the NWS preliminarily rated the tornado high-end EF3 on the Enhanced Fujita scale, with an estimated wind speeds of 160 mph (260 km/h). The initial track began in Eagle Bend, through Yazoo City, to the border of Yazoo and Holmes counties, with a width of 1.5 miles (2,600 yd). ^[35] Later on at 9:30 p.m. CDT, NWS upgraded the tornado to a low-end EF4 rating, with wind speeds up to 170 mph (270 km/h). The path now began from Tallulah and ended near Durant, a length of 97 miles (156 km). The path width was also increased to 1.75 miles (3,080 yd). Later on April 26, the track was extended to 149 miles (240 km), with surveyors concluding it was one continuous path after initial uncertainties.^[36][37]

A photo series by a local resident showing the tornado approaching Yazoo City, Mississippi.

State authorities

The Governor of Mississippi, Haley Barbour, declared a state of emergency for seven counties impacted by the tornado. A larger death toll was prevented by the timely warnings issued by the NWS and improved response systems imposed after Hurricane Katrina.^[50] The Governor of Louisiana, Bobby Jindal, declared a state of emergency for Madison Parish.^[51] Barbour visited parts of Yazoo County that were devastated by the tornado. After the visit, he was interviewed by the Associated Press, stating parts of the county experienced "utter obliteration", with the destruction reminiscent of Katrina. Barbour ordered for state flags to be flown at half-staff beginning on April 27 to April 30 during the mourning period.^[52][43]

Obama administration

On April 29, President Barack Obama declared a federal disaster for Mississippi, allocating federal aid to support state and local recovery efforts to the affected locations. Federal funding opened to people in several counties, including Attala, Choctaw, Holmes, Warren, and Yazoo Counties. Federal funding became available for state and local governments and specific private nonprofit organizations in Yazoo and Choctaw counties to use for debris removal. The funding also allowed the state to use it for 72 hours to choose emergency protective measures.^[53]

Mississippi government and volunteer efforts

Rescuers initially struggled to enter Yazoo County due to geographical challenges. The county was located on a hilly terrain that rose sharply in elevation and ran along this section of the Mississippi Delta. Some rescuers resorted to using off-road vehicles to reach victims. Helicopters were overhead to assess the damage as rapid response teams searched for victims. The American Medical Response continued their operations in other parts of Mississippi, dispatching ambulances to affected areas, according to a company spokesman. The Rankin County Emergency Management Agency dispatched a bus that was converted to a multi-patient ambulance.^[54] The American Medical Response of Central Mississippi opened a triage center in Yazoo City, with patients being brought out on trucks due to debris making travel difficult.^[50][55] In total, 11 ambulances were provided to the city, with four people being transported by those ambulances to different hospitals.^[54][56] The Mississippi National Guard dispatched 80 soldiers, and an additional 40 Highway Patrol officers were deployed across affected areas, with other law enforcement officers assisting.^[57] The state established a command post along Highway 49 in Yazoo City. The state also activated a rapid-response team from Hattiesburg, consisting of 25 members that were skilled in search and rescue operations.^[24]

State officials established a donation center at the Mississippi State Fair to receive bottled water and imperishable food for the relief effort. Over the weekend, 14 deputy fire marshals were deployed to disaster zones to monitor for looters, though minor cases of looting in Holmes County occurred.^[58][46] In Hinds County, the sheriff department accepted imperishable food, water bottles, clothing, beds and other essentials. The supplies were deposited into a semi-truck to be sent out to assist in the relief efforts. The sheriff department sent out two dozen deputies and 100 inmates to help clear debris in Yazoo County in response to the tornado.^[43][25] On April 26, Firefighters from Columbus Fire Department's Task Force Two team dispatched the search and rescue team to Yazoo and Choctaw counties. Approximately 15 people were assigned to the mission, determining the damage inflicted to residences and assisting in accounting for all residents in the area.^[59]

An emergency volunteer response center was established in Yazoo City by the Mississippi Commission for Volunteer Service (MCVS) to evaluate the damage. MCVS staff members expanded volunteer coordination operations in Attala County. Other volunteer response centers were established, including in Attala, Holmes, and Choctaw counties. MCVS partnered with several faith-based and non-profit charity organizations to assist in the disaster response efforts and gaining access into MCVS′ network national service partners. MCVS registered volunteers and accepted request for assistance from residents prior to volunteers being allowed in disaster zones. Between April 24 to May 25 in Yazoo County, 1,067 volunteers were registered and deployed. In Holmes County, 163 volunteers were registered and deployed. In Choctaw and Attala counties, 278 volunteers were registered and deployed. Overall, thousands of volunteer hours were completed.^[60]

Farm Service Agency

Emergency assistance was available for eligible farmers and producers through the Farm Service Agency (FSA). The state executive director stating that the Emergency Conservation Program (ECP) provides funding to affected farmers and producers. Debris removal on farm fields and restoration of fencing occurred with assistance from the agency, with cost-share assistance up to 75%. Multiple FSA offices were given clearance to implement the program, including in Yazoo, Attala, Choctaw, Holmes, and Oktibbeha.^[61] The Mississippi Department of Mental Health and Warren-Yazoo Mental Health Service collaborated to organize a stress management seminar at the Yazoo County High School. The event was intended for victims and first responders to receive help for trauma after the tornado. Despite the advertisement for the event, no victims or first responders came to the mental health seminar.^[62]

Lutheran Episcopal Service

The Lutheran Episcopal Service in Mississippi (LESM) immediately began assisting in the relief efforts. The Director of Disaster Preparedness and Response with LESM stated that the coordinated effort helped organized the ability to place volunteers where they were needed. Mississippi Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster was also holding conference calls with other member organizations to collaborate and coordinate response efforts. LESM sent an assessment and emergency clean up team to tornado damaged areas to assist with debris removal. St. Mary's Episcopal Church started a relief effort in Holmes County, serving meals in the Ebenezer area to victims and relief workers.^[65] The Lutheran Disaster Response issued a $10,000 emergency grant to LESM to use in the earlier days of the relief effort.^[66]

The Salvation Army

At the Ribeye's Steakhouse in Yazoo City, The Salvation Army and the American Red Cross served 4,500 hot meals for affected residents in mobile feeding units. The organization distributed 200 blue tarps to several homes in Yazoo and Holmes counties.^[67][63][64] The Delta unit of AmeriCorps' National Civilian Community Corps were dispatched to Yazoo City to aid in the relief efforts. The regional director surveyed and assessed the damage in the city, with the mission beginning at the organization's campus in Vicksburg.^[68] God's Pit Crew, a Virginia disaster response group, launched a mass distribution of goods to victims in Yazoo and several other affected counties. The group distributed 300,000 lb (140,000 kg) of essentials over the span of five days, including water, tarps, and imperishable foods. The establishment of other distribution centers also occurred in addition.^[60] The Central Mississippi chapter opened a shelter with supplies as well as emergency response vehicles, and other places opened up as shelters.^[69]

Operation Ukraine

The local volunteer group Operation Ukraine and other volunteers traveled to Yazoo City. They brought along a truck loaded with supplies and essentials, including six pallets of bottled water and first-aid supplies. The truck was driven to the Broadway Church of Christ, which served as the official distribution site for the disaster area. A building supplies store, New Home Building Stores in Columbus, assisted Operation Ukraine by purchasing roofing plastic and supplies to cover roofs of damaged homes.^[70] The Yazoo City Church of Christ administered 184,000 water bottles over the span of a couple of days. Another church from Jackson, and churches from other states, including Arkansas and Kentucky, arrived to aid in the recovery effort.^[71] Housing Assistance Council provided $10,000 in loan to the Esther Stewart Buford Foundation for the purchase of new construction equipment. The foundation provided emergency shelter, clothing, and essential supplies to tornado victims, with state, county, and local officials joining in the effort to help residents.^[72]

Outside volunteers

The Houston Astros player Roy Oswalt traveled several hours to Weir to check up on his parents, whose home was partially destroyed by the tornado. Oswalt spent the weekend using heavy machinery to clear debris from his parents' and neighbors' homes.^[73] Approximately 20 student volunteers from the National Association for the Prevention of Starvation arrived in Yazoo City, traveling from Oakwood University in Huntsville overnight. The student volunteers used chainsaws to cut through fallen trees and hauled off debris.^[74]

Store departments

A Lowe's store in Madison received customers from Yazoo and Holmes counties to purchase essentials, including generators and lumber items. An ACE Hardware store in Yazoo City remained operational to assist customers. The first responders and customers bought tarps, generators, batteries, chainsaws, and duct tape. This led to a significant depletion in stock for the store, though the store manager stated that trucks from Mobile were bringing fresh new supplies. In Holmes County, the hardware store Lexington Home Center experienced high demand for supplies. In demand were plywood, roofing shingles, windows, and pipes, leading to most of the items being sold out.^[46]

Response efforts in Louisiana

In Louisiana, several southern Baptist churches in the area around the Willow Bayou Baptist Church rallied to help. The Transylvania Baptist Church brought fixings to the William Bayou Church and provided dinner to local residents, rescue workers, and other guests who showed up. The American Red Cross assisted in providing essential including water and comfort kits. The Madison Parish Sheriff's Department provided gasoline to generators that were given to local residents. Auto parts stores Western Auto and Aaron's Rental donated a few deep-freezers for donated food to be stored until needed.^[75]

Storm Chasers

The tornado and its immediate aftermath were shown in the documentary television series Storm Chasers, in the season 4 episode "Why We Chase". In the episode, storm chaser and meteorologist Reed Timmer, and his chase partners, Joel Taylor and Chris Chittick, documented the tornado as it entered town. Immediately after the tornado occurred, the storm chasers began aiding and rescuing anyone trapped under rubble and contacting medics to the scene.^[76][77]