NWS Jackson,MS,Dec 9, 2008 Severe Weather Holmes and Yazoo page

Damage Survey from Yazoo and Holmes Counties

Yazoo and Holmes Counties Tornado

Location / Time of event: Yazoo and Holmes Counties, 450 pm 12/9/08
Beginning Point: 2 NW Tinsley
Ending Point: 1 NW Brozville
Rating: EF2, Maximum Winds 115 mph
Path Length: 29 miles
Maximum Width: 440 yd
Fatalities: 0
Injuries: 0

Summary of Damages: Tornado initially tracked northeast through the area south of Yazoo City. At this point, the tornado was narrow and weak, with only relatively minor tree damage observed. As the tornado crossed Highway 16 on the east side of Yazoo City, it became wider and stronger. Several homes and businesses sustained roof damage along Highway 16 and Old Benton Road, and numerous trees were snapped and uprooted. The winds here were estimated to be 100 to 105 mph, at the high end of EF1. The tornado maintained this strength for a number of miles as it moved northeast, snapping, splintering and uprooting a number of hardwood and softwood trees as well as downing powerlines. The tornado weakened somewhat as it crossed into Holmes County, before reintensifying again at Ebenezer Coxburg Road. Here is where the tornado reached its maximum intensity, with several homes and a church suffering significant roof damage along with swaths of trees being splintered or snapped. Winds here were estimated to be 115 mph, at the low end of EF2. The tornado then weakened again before dissipating just to the northwest of the Brozville community.