This past week the Carroll County Board of Supervisors signed a proclamation about the existence of a local emergency because of the tornado that hit western Carroll County in the early morning hours. There have been a series of weather events here in recent months, as we are still waiting to hear from Washington D.C. if the state of Mississippi will get a federal declaration for the March storms. If the state is granted the declaration, Carroll County is included to get assistance.
This past Sunday I was in contact with the National Weather Service in Jackson, they informed me late Sunday evening that they would be coming to Carroll County to survey the damage. It was determined this was an EF 1 tornado.
The report from the National Weather Service included this information. A tornado touched down on Highway 82 just north of Greenwood-Leflore Airport. The tornado tracked southeastward across portions of Carroll County before lifting along County Road 32, just west of the Carroll/Montgomery County line. The tornado had an estimated path length of approximately like 14.5 miles and a maximum width of approximately 1100 yards. The most intense damage occurred along the Highway 82 corridor, where peak winds were estimated to be 105mph. Thousands of hardwood and softwood trees were snapped or uprooted, with several falling onto homes, fences, and utility lines. Widespread power outages were reported due to numerous downed power lines. Additional damage included roof damage to several single-family residences, as well as the destruction or significant damage to multiple sheds and other outbuildings along the tornado’s path.
As of this writing severe weather is predicted again, it is important to take precautions. In preparing for severe weather, we encourage everyone to create an emergency plan, stock an emergency kit, and have a trusted source of weather alerts. Home preparation includes securing loose items, trimming trees, and knowing your safe place. Stock a kit with essentials like food, water, a first-aid kit, and medications for at least 72 hours. Preparedness is a must with severe weather.
Ken Strachan serves as the mayor of North Carrollton and is Carroll County Emergency Management Director.
