2010 Yazoo City tornado

2010 EF4 tornado in Mississippi, U.S December 2025 infobox 1/2 300 Yazoo City tornado 1.jpg Photo of the tornado near Yazoo City 2010 - Doppler radar images of the tornadic supercell as the tornado hit Yazoo City, Mississippi.png NEXRAD radar image of the tornado in Yazoo City; left side is the reflectively, right side is the debris signature Yazoo City tornado damage.JPG The Yazoo City sign knocked over on a road with ruins in the background High-end EF3 damage to well-built home near French Camp, Mississippi.jpg Levelled house with strewn bricks and furniture Aerial photo of the destruction left by the Yazoo City tornado.jpg Aerial view of flattened infrastructure in Yazoo City Clockwise from top: The tornado on approach to Yazoo City; the town sign for Yazoo City knocked over, along with the ruins of a large brick building; aerial imagery of widespread destruction in Yazoo City after the tornado; high-end EF3 damage to a well-built home near Weir; NEXRAD radar imagery of the tornado near peak intensity, left side showed a debris ball evident on reflectivity and right side showed an intense velocity couplet. April 24, 2010, 11:09 a.m. CDT (UTC–05:00) 2 hours, 44 minutes April 24, 2010, 1:53 p.m. CDT (UTC–05:00) atl 152.66 mi km on 3,080 yd mi km on 170 mph km/h on EF4 2010 10 146 $409.5 million (2010 USD) Louisiana: Madison Parish Mississippi: Warren County, Sharkey County, Yazoo County (specifically Yazoo City), Holmes County, Attala County, Choctaw County, Oktibbeha County Tornado outbreak of April 22–25, 2010 and Tornadoes of 2010 During the morning and afternoonAll times in the article occurred in Central Daylight Time unless specified otherwise. of April 24, 2010, a large, long-tracked, and destructive EF4 tornado impacted several towns and communities across the U.S. states of Louisiana and Mississippi. The tornado caused 10fatalities and 146injuries during its 152.66 miles km mid -long off on track. The tornado traveled 138.93 miles km on through Mississippi, making it the fourth-longest path in the state on record. The damage costs were estimated at $409.5 million (2010 USD).Any damage estimate afterward, unless stated otherwise, is estimated in 2010 dollars. The tornado occurred during a multi-day tornado outbreak that spanned from April 22 to April 25. The tornado received an EF4 rating on the Enhanced Fujita scale, with maximum estimated winds of 170 mph km/h off on based on two destroyed structures in Yazoo City and near Durant. This was the year's first violent (EF4+) tornado and the deadliest of the 2010 season. The tornado was also considered the worst natural disaster in Mississippi since Hurricane Katrina almost five years earlier. The tornado is also sometimes referred to as the Yazoo City–Durant tornado or simply the Yazoo City tornado.2012-04-25 The Yazoo City Tornado - Two years later https://www.wlbt.com/story/17695161/the-yazoo-city-tornado-two-years-later 2025-09-09 WLBT February 7, 2025 https://web.archive.org/web/20250207095810/https://www.wlbt.com/story/17695161/the-yazoo-city-tornado-two-years-later/ live The tornado formed from an intense supercell 6 mi km west of Tallulah, Louisiana, and almost immediately inflicted EF3 damage to structures and power poles. The tornado maintained its intensity before crossing the Mississippi River into Mississippi. The tornado then inflicted severe damage to structures and vegetation near the communities of Eagle Bend and Valley Park. The tornado then inflicted EF4 damage in southern Yazoo City. Several homes and businesses were demolished, and heavy tree damage occurred. The tornado severely damaged homes in Holmes County, with one home near Durant receiving EF4 damage. Following this, the tornado mostly stayed in open forested areas in Attala County. Then the tornado struck rural neighborhoods in southern Choctaw County, where the maximum rated damage was high-end EF3, with estimated winds of 165 mph km/h on. The tornado weakened afterward before lifting north of Sturgis. Initially, surveyors were uncertain whether it was one continuous tornado or a series of tornadoes, before concluding that it was a single track. Along its path, the National Weather Service (NWS) office in Jackson, Mississippi, issued three tornado emergencies in multiple counties. The tornado held the record for the largest in Mississippi for over 10 years, with a maximum width of 3,080 yd m off on. The tornado was, at the time, the ninth-deadliest tornado in Mississippi on record, and the deadliest in the state since 1992. It was the first violent tornado to form in Mississippi in April since 1978. Along the tornado's path, 849 homes, businesses, and structures were damaged or destroyed.The figure combines the number of impacted structures listed in a FEMA Pre-Mitigation Assessment. Hundreds of residents across the affected counties were left without electricity, and agriculture and timber suffered severe damage. After the tornado, U.S. President Barack Obama declared a federal disaster in Mississippi. The governors of Louisiana and Mississippi, Bobby Jindal and Haley Barbour, declared states of emergencies for the affected parish and counties in their respective states. National Guardsmen were deployed to Yazoo City and search and rescue operations occurred across the affected areas. State officials, local businesses, and various organizations, including non-profit groups such as The Salvation Army, relieved affected areas. The recovery and cleanup effort removed tens of millions of tons of debris throughout the tornado's path. Meteorological synopsis Tornado outbreak of April 22–25, 2010#April 24 Episode narrative Forecasting in advance thumb|High risk for severe weather being issued by the Storm Prediction Center|alt=Map of the United States with risk levels highlighted in areas surrounding the Deep South|217x217px 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 on April 24. A boundary layer, or moist air moving into a region, and strong wind shear, or the change in wind speed with height, indicated potential tornadic activity. Large hail and damaging winds were also expected.Storm Prediction Center Day 4-8 Convective Outlook Page https://www.spc.noaa.gov/products/exper/day4-8/archive/2010/day4-8_20100420.html 2025-09-08 NOAA (.gov) March 27, 2025 https://web.archive.org/web/20250327125155/https://www.spc.noaa.gov/products/exper/day4-8/archive/2010/day4-8_20100420.html live 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.Storm Prediction Center Apr 22, 2010 0730 UTC Day 3 Severe Thunderstorm Outlook https://www.spc.noaa.gov/products/outlook/archive/2010/day3otlk_20100422_0730.html 2025-09-08 NOAA (.gov) July 21, 2025 https://web.archive.org/web/20250721213904/https://www.spc.noaa.gov/products/outlook/archive/2010/day3otlk_20100422_0730.html live Day of the event At 12:57 a.m. Central Daylight Time (CDT) on April 24, a high risk for severe weather was designated over portions of Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and Arkansas. The hazard included a 30% hatched risk, or an enhanced probability of strong tornadoes, severe hail, and strong, damaging winds. A large, upper-level trough was forecast to traverse across the Central United States into Illinois and Missouri from Texas. A cold front moved eastward from the central southern Mississippi River Valley into the Ohio River Valley. Severe thunderstorms developed in the morning, with conditions expected to be more favorable throughout the day. Potent wind shear was expected to spread across the warm sector, a region of warm air ahead of the cold front. Discrete, cyclic supercells were forecast over the high-risk zone in the mid-morning and afternoon. Forecast soundings, observations that decipher the environment of an area, over the high-risk zone showed a 60-70 mph km/h on 5 low-level jet (LLJ), or a fast-moving band of winds in the atmosphere. An enlarged hodograph loop, which plots winds with soundings from Earth's atmosphere, was supported by the strength of the LLJ. The storm relative helicity, which measures the potential for updraft rotation, approached 300-600 joules per kilogram, favorable for significant tornadic supercells.Introduction Page https://www.spc.noaa.gov/exper/mesoanalysis/help/begin.html 2026-10-19 www.spc.noaa.gov In addition, the mid-level convective available potential energy, the measure of available energy for thunderstorm development, was sufficient for the formation of supercells.Storm Prediction Center Apr 24, 2010 0600 UTC Day 1 Convective Outlook https://www.spc.noaa.gov/products/outlook/archive/2010/day1otlk_20100424_1200.html 2025-11-25 NOAA (.gov) January 3, 2026 https://web.archive.org/web/20260103184447/https://www.spc.noaa.gov/products/outlook/archive/2010/day1otlk_20100424_1200.html live At 9:31 a.m. CDT, an upper air analysis showed a negatively tilted trough, reflecting a deepening surface low, with an embedded jet stream heading east-northeast into the Ark-La-Tex region. The jet stream was expected to enter the middle to lower Ohio Valley later in the afternoon. Morning convection was expected to move into the Tennessee Valley and become elevated, no longer surface-based, over time as it moved into the Cumberland Plateau and Appalachian Mountains.SPC Severe Weather Event Review for Saturday April 24, 2010 https://www.spc.noaa.gov/exper/archive/event.php?date=20100424 2026-01-13 www.spc.noaa.gov September 3, 2025 https://web.archive.org/web/20250903121625/https://www.spc.noaa.gov/exper/archive/event.php?date=20100424 live Event narrative thumb|PDS tornado watch issued for several states, including most of Mississippi and portions of Arkansas, Tennessee, Kentucky, Illinois, and Missouri.|alt=A map highlighting the borders of counties and parishes under threat from the Tornado|217x217px 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 late in the morning. Large-scale ascent continued downstream, with further destabilization of the warm sector occurring over the lower Mississippi Valley. Favorable low-level wind shear and a moist and unstable boundary layer maintained the possibility of strong tornadoes throughout the afternoon. Multiple discrete supercells began ahead of the developing quasi-linear convective system (QLCS), or a line of thunderstorms riding along a cold front. 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 km/h on. 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 squall line was moving rapidly across northern Arkansas and forecast to evolve into a strong QLCS with intense, damaging winds. Tornado summary Warning history Warning chronology of the tornadoTypeCounties and Parishes includedTime (CDT)Ref.Confirmed Carroll, LA Franklin, LA Madison, LA Issaquena, MS Sharkey, MS Warren, MS10:57 a.m.Herzmann Daryl April 24, 2010 KJAN Tornado Warning #19 https://mesonet.agron.iastate.edu/vtec/?wfo=KJAN&phenomena=TO&significance=W&eventid=19&year=2010 2025-12-17 Iowa Environmental Mesonet enPDS Madison, LA Carroll, LA Issaquena, MS Sharkey, MS Warren, MS11:21 a.m. Emergency Yazoo, MS Issaquena, MS Sharkey, MS Warren, MS11:48 a.m. Yazoo, MS Attala, MS Holmes, MS Madison, MS12:24 p.m. Attala, MS Holmes, MS Choctaw, MS Montgomery, MS Carroll, MS12:57 p.m. This is a list of all types of tornado warnings issued by NWS Jackson, Mississippi. In total, three tornado emergencies were issued. Louisiana and along the Mississippi River thumb|The Complex Chemical Industrial Plant near the community of Omega was destroyed by the tornado.|left|alt=Complex Chemical Plant suffering complete destruction at EF3 intensity|217x217px The tornado touched down in Madison Parish, west of Tallulah, at 11:09 a.m. CDT. The tornado quickly inflicted EF3 damage, downing a couple of high-tension power poles along Interstate 20, and flipping a tractor-trailer, injuring the driver. The tornado traveled northeast through rural areas, carving cycloidal marks onto fields and snapping trees and power poles along US 80. The tornado maintained intensity as it crossed Willow Bayou Road, heavily damaging several homes. Vehicles and tractors were also damaged, and trees were snapped.EF3 Tornado in Madison Parish https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/access/storm-events-database/event-details/222803 live https://web.archive.org/web/20240923004246/https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/access/storm-events-database/event-details/222803 September 23, 2024 September 22, 2024 National Centers for Environmental Information National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration The tornado crossed Parker Road, causing intense ground scarring. A few framed homes sustained moderate to major roof damage or loss of their exterior walls, and a double-wide mobile home was leveled. The tornado then snapped an electrical transmission tower, receiving a low-end EF3 damage rating. Several trees nearby were snapped or uprooted.ArcGIS Web Application https://apps.dat.noaa.gov/stormdamage/damageviewer/?dlg=dialog_1&endDateTime=1272239999999&extent=%7B%22spatialReference%22%3A%7B%22latestWkid%22%3A3857%2C%22wkid%22%3A102100%7D%2C%22xmin%22%3A-10346097.380827775%2C%22ymin%22%3A3748806.1399993086%2C%22xmax%22%3A-9759061.003597906%2C%22ymax%22%3A4010220.7767344853%7D&page=Page&startDateTime=1272067200000 2025-08-20 NOAA (.gov) live The tornado maintained EF3 intensity, crossing US 65 and Levee Road, and impacted the Complex Chemical Company plant just south of the community of Omega. At the plant, it destroyed all warehouses, electrical infrastructure, and offices. The piping system sustained severe damage, and communications went offline. Three rail cars were rolled off their track, seven storage tanks were overturned, a crane was crumpled, and materials were strewn across the site. In the plant, 14 employees were working at the time the tornado struck. All survived, though three received minor injuries.2014-01-06 Lessons Learned: When Disaster Strikes A Chemical Plant https://www.manufacturing.net/energy/article/13057480/lessons-learned-when-disaster-strikes-a-chemical-plant 2025-11-08 Manufacturing.net en-us May 30, 2024 https://web.archive.org/web/20240530011500/https://www.manufacturing.net/energy/article/13057480/lessons-learned-when-disaster-strikes-a-chemical-plant live At 11:21 a.m. CDT, the NWS issued a PDS tornado warning for the rest of Madison and Carroll parishes and counties in Mississippi. Storm spotters confirmed a large tornado was ongoing, traveling at a speed of 55 mph km/h on. The tornado crossed the Mississippi River into Mississippi shortly thereafter.thumb|A home in the Eagle Bend community was destroyed.|alt=High-end EF2 damage to home leveled near Eagle Bend, Mississippi|217x217px The tornado entered Warren County, snapping or uprooting numerous hardwood trees along the Mississippi River. The tornado briefly crossed Eagle Lake before impacting a neighborhood west of Eagle Bend. Several poorly built homes were heavily damaged or destroyed; a couple of them were unroofed, and multiple trees were snapped. The maximum assigned damage rating in the Eagle Bend area was high-end EF2, with estimated winds of 130 mph km/h on. The tornado briefly entered back into Madison Parish in Louisiana before re-entering Mississippi, moving towards Issaquena County.EF2 Tornado in Warren County https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/access/storm-events-database/event-details/224317 live https://web.archive.org/web/20240923004520/https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/access/storm-events-database/event-details/224317 September 23, 2024 September 22, 2024 National Centers for Environmental Information National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Rest of Mississippi The tornado made a sharp northward turn, downing several trees at EF2 intensity south of Cypress Lake. The tornado traversed US 61 south of Valley Park, snapping and uprooting numerous trees in the Delta National Forest and destroying an outbuilding, or a separate building from a main home. The area received a high-end EF2 damage rating. as the tornado went through the extreme southeastern portion of Sharkey County.EF2 Tornado in Issaquena County https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/access/storm-events-database/event-details/224320 live https://web.archive.org/web/20240923004720/https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/access/storm-events-database/event-details/224320 September 23, 2024 September 22, 2024 National Centers for Environmental Information National Oceanic and Atmospheric AdministrationEF2 Tornado in Sharkey County https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/access/storm-events-database/event-details/224550 live https://web.archive.org/web/20240923004954/https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/access/storm-events-database/event-details/224550 September 23, 2024 September 22, 2024 National Centers for Environmental Information National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Yazoo County The tornado entered Yazoo County, initially only uprooting trees. The tornado then crossed Satartia Road, causing significant roof damage to a home and demolishing a nearby utility building.2010-04-26 Mississippi Tornado https://www.cbsnews.com/pictures/mississippi-tornado/ 2025-09-07 CBS News en-US August 12, 2020 https://web.archive.org/web/20200812051939/https://www.cbsnews.com/pictures/mississippi-tornado/ live Along Lake George, several trees were snapped or uprooted as the tornado crossed over the area. The tornado tore through the southern Panther Swamp National Wildlife Refuge, snapping and razing several trees. Along the Yazoo River, it downed several more trees. 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 experienced moderate roof damage. Around the same time, the tornado showed an intense radar presentation, with a debris ball on reflectivity and a strong velocity couplet. Storm spotters also reported that a large wedge tornado was on the ground, precipitating a tornado emergency for Yazoo, Issaquena, Sharkey, and Warren counties at 11:47 a.m. CDT.Herzmann Daryl April 24, 2010 KJAN Tornado Emergency #21 https://mesonet.agron.iastate.edu/vtec/?wfo=KJAN&phenomena=TO&significance=W&eventid=21&year=2010 2025-11-21 Iowa Environmental Mesonet en The tornado began affecting Yazoo City as it crossed Judkins Road, downing 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.2010-04-26 Miss. Mom Dies Saving Kids From Tornado - CBS News https://www.cbsnews.com/news/miss-mom-dies-saving-kids-from-tornado/ 2025-09-07 CBS News en-US June 30, 2025 https://web.archive.org/web/20250630202212/https://www.cbsnews.com/news/miss-mom-dies-saving-kids-from-tornado/ live The tornado crossed Ridge Road, where dozens of homes had minor to moderate structural damage. The tornado crossed Center Ridge Road, where 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 Woodland Road had moderate to significant roof damage, and an outbuilding experienced major roof damage. The tornado reached a peak width of 3,080 yd m on 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.EF4 Tornado in Yazoo County https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/access/storm-events-database/event-details/224551 live https://archive.today/20240923000353/https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/access/storm-events-database/event-details/224551 September 23, 2024 September 22, 2024 National Centers for Environmental Information National Oceanic and Atmospheric AdministrationErdman Jonathan 2020-04-16 More Than Two-Mile-Wide Mississippi Easter Tornado, One of Largest Ever Documented in U.S., Was State's Widest on Record Weather.com https://weather.com/safety/tornado/news/2020-04-16-mississippi-tornado-widest-state-record-easter-sunday 2025-11-23 The Weather Channel en-US October 28, 2025 https://web.archive.org/web/20251028022549/https://weather.com/safety/tornado/news/2020-04-16-mississippi-tornado-widest-state-record-easter-sunday live left|thumb|The Hillcrest Baptist Church was destroyed at low-end EF4 intensity|alt=A leveled Baptist church with a trucks and cars parked in the driveway|218x218px The tornado strengthened significantly as it hit areas along Learsville Road, leveling two metal buildings at mid-range EF3 intensity. Nearby, an automobile showroom lost significant portions of its roof. The tornado destroyed a single-wide mobile home, moderately damaged another home, and mostly unroofed an outbuilding. 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 km/h on. One man was inside the church when the tornado struck; he survived with minor injuries. 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 lb kg off on on concrete reinforced awning block was torn out and thrown 100 yd m on 5 away. A funeral home, another metal building system, and a nearby outbuilding were destroyed. A Peebles department store nearby was damaged. Inside, the manager and 15 customers took shelter in the back of the store. The Ribeye's Steakhouse sustained significant roof damage, and a separate outbuilding was destroyed. Afterward, the tornado crossed Old Benton Road, leveling a poorly built home at mid-range EF3 intensity, with estimated wind speeds of 155 mph km/h on 5. Another home along the road was mostly leveled, with a few interior walls left standing. Nearby, numerous homes lost their exterior walls and roofs, and multiple mobile homes were either destroyed or were dislodged and rolled off their units. Outbuildings were also destroyed, and hardwood trees were snapped and debarked. The tornado exited the town afterward, mostly impacting rural wooded areas. A storage shed was mostly collapsed, and several nearby trees were snapped. 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 traveling at 50 mph km/h on.Herzmann Daryl KJAN Tornado Emergency #22 https://mesonet.agron.iastate.edu/vtec/?wfo=KJAN&phenomena=TO&significance=W&eventid=22&year=2010 2025-11-22 Iowa Environmental Mesonet en The tornado then intensely damaged forested areas, destroying a couple of mobile homes and significantly damaging the roof of a frame home. A nearby home was badly damaged. The tornado destroyed a mobile home along Powell Road, receiving a high-end EF2 damage rating, and a another home nearby experienced significant roof damage. 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. Throughout Yazoo County, four people were killed, and 53 others were injured; all the fatalities occurred in mobile homes. The tornado then entered into Holmes County.2010-04-28 A look at the victims killed by a Miss. tornado https://cdispatch.com/news/a-look-at-the-victims-killed-by-a-miss-tornado/ 2025-09-07 Columbus Dispatch en-US Holmes and Attala counties Entering Holmes County, the tornado narrowed slightly to 2,600 yd m on in width. The tornado traversed 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. The tornado continued to inflict significant damage along Newport Road, demolishing a mobile home, causing extensive tree damage, and snapping power poles. The tornado made a sharp eastward turn across Springhill Road, destroying a single-wide mobile home. A framed home nearby was significantly damaged, and severe forestry damage was noted. thumb|A home southwest of Durant was leveled at EF4 intensity.|alt=Brick home near Franklin, Mississippi leveled at low-end EF4 intensity|217x217px The tornado intensified further, crossing Pickens-Garnett Road, mostly leveling a brick home at EF3 intensity, with estimated wind speeds of 155 mph km/h on 5. A nearby home had most of its exterior walls collapse; another home was unroofed and its exterior walls significantly damaged; and a couple of mobile homes were destroyed. The tornado maintained EF3 strength, traversing areas south of Franklin. A well-built brick home, except for a few walls, was leveled and received a high-end EF3 damage rating. Several nearby trees were snapped or debarked, an outbuilding was demolished, and numerous power lines were snapped.EF4 Holmes County Storm Events Database - Event Details National Centers for Environmental Information https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/access/storm-events-database/event-details/224552 2025-09-07 NOAA (.gov) August 20, 2025 https://web.archive.org/web/20250820182900/https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/access/storm-events-database/event-details/224552 live 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. The tornado crossed I-55 south of Durant. Several vehicles were blown off the highway. Three members of the Vicksburg metal band Burning Windsor 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 m on. 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.Violent and Deadly Long Track Tornado Plows From Tallulah Louisiana Across Yazoo City to Northeast Mississippi https://www.weather.gov/jan/2010_04_24_main_tor_madison_parish_oktibbeha live https://web.archive.org/web/20240923010628/https://www.weather.gov/jan/2010_04_24_main_tor_madison_parish_oktibbeha September 23, 2024 September 22, 2024 National Weather Service National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration April 24, 20102010-04-26 Vicksburg band caught in tornado, captures frightening moments on cell phone https://www.wlbt.com/story/12373065/vicksburg-band-caught-in-tornado-captures-frightening-moments-on-cell-phone 2026-08-26 www.wlbt.com en At 12:57 p.m. CDT, another tornado emergency was issued for Attala, and parts of Holmes, Choctaw, Montgomery, and Carroll counties. The tornado was traveling at a speed of 55 mph km/h on 5.Herzmann Daryl KJAN Tornado Emergency #23 https://mesonet.agron.iastate.edu/vtec/?wfo=KJAN&phenomena=TO&significance=W&eventid=23&year=2010 2025-11-22 Iowa Environmental Mesonet en The tornado then entered Attala County, snapping or uprooting several trees. The tornado then unroofed significant portions of a home, snapping trees and power poles south of Possumneck.EF2 Tornado in Attala County https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/access/storm-events-database/event-details/224553 live https://web.archive.org/web/20240923005557/https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/access/storm-events-database/event-details/224553 September 23, 2024 September 22, 2024 National Centers for Environmental Information National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration The tornado continued traversing rural areas, downing 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, receiving EF2 damage ratings. The tornado crossed Natchez Trace Parkway, breaking wooden power poles and softwood trees along the road. The tornado then inflicted significant roof damage to a small home south of French Camp, along County Road 2133. Afterward, the tornado continued inflicting severe tree damage before exiting the county. 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 km/h on 5. A well-built home, aside from a few interior walls, was demolished and received 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 fuel tank was uprooted and thrown into the store, landing against the freezer door.Dozen dead in violent southern storms; 10 in Miss. https://www.fosters.com/story/news/2010/04/26/dozen-dead-in-violent-southern/51625912007/ 2025-09-07 Foster's Daily Democrat en-US A couple of homes had most of their exterior walls collapse, and several other homes sustained significant roof damage, and several trees snapped. The tornado crossed Steward Weir Road, taking down the exterior walls of another home at EF3 intensity. A communications tower collapsed, along with a mobile home and an outbuilding. 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 at EF2 intensity. The tornado also inflicted roof damage to a home and significant timber damage. left|thumb|Mobile homes and conventional foundation homes were destroyed at EF3 intensity. Multiple fatalities were recorded in this neighborhood.|alt=A neighborhood of homes and mobile homes in ruins|217x217px The tornado severely impacted a neighborhood along Pisgah and Dotson Roads, maintaining EF3 intensity. It demolished dozens of mobile homes and conventional foundation homes, and threw multiple vehicles into the tree line. A few frail homes were leveled; a couple more were left with only a few interior walls standing. A poorly built home shifted off its foundation, and several hardwood and softwood trees were mostly snapped or debarked. Within this neighborhood, five people were killed.EF3 Tornado in Choctaw County https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/access/storm-events-database/event-details/224615 live https://web.archive.org/web/20240923010353/https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/access/storm-events-database/event-details/224615 September 23, 2024 September 22, 2024 National Centers for Environmental Information National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Afterward, the tornado weakened to EF2 intensity, causing heavy tree damage. 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 most of a roof off a brick home and downing trees. The tornado turned eastward, downing metal poles along Ecoplex Road, and breaking several trees along MS 9 at EF2 intensity. The tornado then traveled 2.87 mi km on into Oktibbeha County, weakening to EF1 intensity before dissipating 5 mi km on north of Sturgis at 1:53 p.m CDT.EF1 Tornado in Oktibbeha County https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/access/storm-events-database/event-details/224620 live https://web.archive.org/web/20240923010515/https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/access/storm-events-database/event-details/224620 September 23, 2024 September 22, 2024 National Centers for Environmental Information National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Overall, the tornado traveled 152.66 mi km on, with a peak width of 3,080 yd m on, the largest recorded in Mississippi at the time. The tornado's track in Mississippi made it the fourth-longest in the state's 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, until the Western Kentucky tornado in 2021.https://www.washingtonpost.com/weather/2021/12/22/december-tornado-record-crushed-by-historic-onslaught-storms-us/ December tornado record crushed by historic onslaught of storms in U.S. December 22, 2021 November 28, 2025 The Washington Post Feuerstein Jacob Livingston Ian December 28, 2021 https://web.archive.org/web/20211228172635/https://www.washingtonpost.com/weather/2021/12/22/december-tornado-record-crushed-by-historic-onslaught-storms-us/ live 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 km/h on. The initial track began in Eagle Bend and went through Yazoo City to the border of Yazoo and Holmes counties, with a width of 1.5 miles km yd m on.April 25, 2010 ...Preliminary information from National Weather Service survey team regarding track of tornado that moved over the area including Eagle Lake and Yazoo City Saturday... https://mesonet.agron.iastate.edu/wx/afos/p.php?pil=PNSJAN&e=201004252035 November 9, 2025 Iowa Environmental Mesonet July 26, 2025 https://web.archive.org/web/20250726055714/https://mesonet.agron.iastate.edu/wx/afos/p.php?pil=PNSJAN&e=201004252035 live 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 km/h on, making it the first violent tornado in 2010.Monthly Climate Reports Tornadoes Report April 2010 National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI) https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/access/monitoring/monthly-report/tornadoes/201004 2025-11-25 NOAA (.gov) November 11, 2025 https://web.archive.org/web/20251111083032/https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/access/monitoring/monthly-report/tornadoes/201004 live The path now began from Tallulah and ended near Durant, a length of 97 miles km on. The path width was also increased to 1.75 miles km yd m on. Later, the track was extended to 149 miles km on. The surveyors concluded it was one continuous path after initial uncertainties.April 29, 2010 Preliminary information from storm damage surveys today https://mesonet.agron.iastate.edu/wx/afos/p.php?pil=PNSJAN&e=201004260230 November 9, 2025 Iowa Environmental Mesonet July 26, 2025 https://web.archive.org/web/20250726055715/https://mesonet.agron.iastate.edu/wx/afos/p.php?pil=PNSJAN&e=201004260230 live April 24, 2010 Updated information on long track tornado path https://mesonet.agron.iastate.edu/wx/afos/p.php?pil=PNSJAN&e=201004262320 November 9, 2025 Iowa Environmental Mesonet July 26, 2025 https://web.archive.org/web/20250726055802/https://mesonet.agron.iastate.edu/wx/afos/p.php?pil=PNSJAN&e=201004262320 live Yazoo City tornado 3.jpg Yazoo City tornado 2.jpg center Yazoo City tornado 1.jpg Yazoo City tornado 5.jpg Yazoo City tornado 6.jpg center A photo series by a local resident showing the tornado approaching Yazoo City, Mississippi. center 850 Analyses from studies On August 3, 2011, a University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign study by researchers Samantha L. Chiu, B. F. Jewett, and R. B. Wilhelmson analyzed the environmental and storm-scale factors that led to the production of the Yazoo City tornado. The study utilized real data and idealized simulations through the Weather Research and Forecasting Model (WRF). The real-data simulations were used to understand the role of mesoscale forcing, horizontal variability, and environmental changes along the storm track. The idealized simulations played a role in separating the local environmental shear and instability influences on storm intensity and stability. The real-data runs used model soundings in the inflow environment to identify the favorable factors that facilitated storm growth. Mesoscale boundaries were also considered to be factors in the intensification and/or sustainment of tornadic supercells, along with the thermal properties of the in-situ and downstream airmass.Chiu Samantha L. 2011-08-03 The 2010 Mississippi Valley tornado outbreak - a mesoscale and stormscale perspective https://ams.confex.com/ams/14Meso15ARAM/webprogram/Paper191228.html American Meteorological Society English AMS In 2015, a study published by the Mississippi State University and the National Weather Service office in Jackson, Mississippi, analyzed how the tornado's vegetation scar increased convective activity. Abrupt changes in vegetative coverage and latent heat fluxes were linked to increased convective activity, as shown by cloud-to-ground lightning data. The change was likely related to mesoscale circulations along thermal and moisture discontinuities, as seen on days with synoptically weak forcing. As a result, 2010 saw a greater increase in storms on days with weaker synoptics at 66%, compared to prior years of 50%.Investigation of Vegetation Discontinuities Related to the Yazoo City Tornado Scar and Enhanced Convection https://www.semanticscholar.org/paper/Investigation-of-Vegetation-Discontinuities-Related-Bf-Me/c7fefe3f43d520b6ff2a938744fcc27f712c0265 2026-08-29 www.semanticscholar.org On July 1, 2015, two Florida State University Department of Geography researchers, Tyler Fricker and James B. Elsner, analyzed kinetic energy released by tornadoes when inflicting significant damage. The study used total kinetic energy (TKE) as a metric of destruction estimated from the fraction of the tornado path. They used a model developed by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission that connected factual data with the theory. A portion of every tornado had TKE values exceeding 62.1 gigajoules, with a quarter exceeding 383.2 gigajoules. The tornado with the highest energy in the study was the Yazoo City tornado, with a TKE of 516.7 terajoules.Fricker Tyler Elsner James B. 2015-07-01 Kinetic Energy of Tornadoes in the United States PLOS ONE en 10 7 e0131090 10.1371/journal.pone.0131090 free 1932-6203 4489157 26132830 2015PLoSO..1031090F by4 yes Impacts Overall, the tornado inflicted $409.5 million in damage. The tornado caused $36 million in total damage in Louisiana and 16 injuries. The tornado inflicted $373.5 million in total damage in Mississippi, including $144 million in Yazoo County alone. In total, 10 people were killed in Mississippi, making it the deadliest tornado of the year and in the state since 1992. At the time, it ranked as the ninth deadliest on record in the state. Additionally, 130 people sustained injuries across four counties. The tornado was also the worst natural disaster in Mississippi since Hurricane Katrina. Overall, the tornado inflicted $409.5 million in damage. In Yazoo City, more than 160 homes sustained moderate to major damage, and 107 homes were destroyed.Anderson Roslyn 2011-04-25 Tornado victims undergo slow recovery one year later https://www.wlbt.com/story/14505488/tornado-victims-undergo-slow-recovery-one-year-later 2025-09-10 WLBT en The tornado affected 556 homes, 242 manufactured homes, 33 businesses, and 18 agricultural structures throughout the track.Reynolds Tom Tanner Larry Mahadevia Amit Pre-Mitigation Assessment Team Report: Mississippi Tornado Outbreak, April 23rd-24th, Damage and Safe Room Performance Observations, Recommendations, and Conclusions https://www.fema.gov/sites/default/files/2020-08/ms_tornado_pre_mat_report_pub_use.pdf live https://web.archive.org/web/20240723093237/https://www.fema.gov/sites/default/files/2020-08/ms_tornado_pre_mat_report_pub_use.pdf July 23, 2024 September 22, 2024 Federal Emergency Management Agency July 2010 115129103 In Madison Parish, 12 homes were destroyed, and an industrial plant was heavily damaged.Roy Carolyn 2010-04-25 Storms leave path of destruction from LA to AL https://www.ksla.com/story/12371362/storms-leave-path-of-destruction-from-la-to-al 2026-09-22 www.ksla.com en Overall, 319 homes in Yazoo County were damaged, with 100 residences designated as uninhabitable. In Choctaw County, 114 homes were damaged, with 38 homes designated as uninhabitable. In Holmes County, 60 homes were damaged; in Warren County, 42, and in Attala County, 35. In Yazoo County, nine homes funded by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) through the Rural Development's Self-Help Housing development program were demolished.Stribling Ken April 29, 2010 USDA Swings Into Action to Help Residents of Tornado Damaged Counties in Mississippi https://www.usda.gov/about-usda/news/blog/usda-swings-action-help-residents-tornado-damaged-counties-mississippi January 17, 2026 usda.gov United States Department of Agriculture October 27, 2025 https://web.archive.org/web/20251027035231/https://www.usda.gov/about-usda/news/blog/usda-swings-action-help-residents-tornado-damaged-counties-mississippi live In Yazoo and Holmes counties, portions of Mississippi Highway 3, MS 14, and MS 17 were closed due to fallen trees and other damage. The University of Mississippi Medical Center in Jackson saw 27 patients, 14 of whom were in critical condition. In Yazoo City, 17 people were transported to a hospital by ambulance, with two others being airlifted to Jackson. In addition, the King's Daughter Hospital reported receiving injured people.Mississippi tornado leaves at least 10 dead - CNN.com http://www.cnn.com/2010/US/weather/04/24/tornado/index.html 2025-09-08 CNN en July 31, 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230731122803/http://www.cnn.com/2010/US/weather/04/24/tornado/index.html live The state insurance commissioner, Mike Chaney, noted that 90% of homes in Yazoo County were insured, but 90% in Holmes County were uninsured. The insurance company, State Farm, reportedly received over 360 claims related to auto and home damage in Mississippi following the tornado.Baydala Kathleen 2010-04-26 Tornadoes in Mississippi Take 10 Lives; 700 Homes, Many Uninsured, Destroyed https://www.insurancejournal.com/news/southeast/2010/04/27/109306.htm 2025-11-10 Insurance Journal en-US2010-04-27 Insurance Claims Pour In from Mississippi Storm https://www.claimsjournal.com/news/southeast/2010/04/28/109348.htm 2025-11-10 Claims Journal en-US December 6, 2022 https://web.archive.org/web/20221206081949/https://www.claimsjournal.com/news/southeast/2010/04/28/109348.htm live The state's Insurance Department and a few companies set up centers at a Sunflower Food store in Yazoo City to respond to questions and evaluate claims. A Nationwide spokeswomen reported that 35 claims were placed two days after the tornado. The Mississippi Farm Bureau's office in Yazoo City had 390 reports of property losses. thumb|Linemen working on restoring power to the residents of the affected town|alt=Workers attempting to restore power lines behind a police car|219x219px The electricity companies, Entergy and the Electric Power Association, reported that the tornado caused 19,500 customers to lose power, including 1,257 in Yazoo County, 938 in Holmes County, and 319 in Attala County. Entergy dispatched 75 linemen and support personnel to Mississippi to reinstate power to tornado-stricken areas.Tornado Cuts Across Mississippi Killing 10 - Jackson Weather News Story - WAPT Jackson http://www.wapt.com/weather/23254518/detail.html https://web.archive.org/web/20120305084210/http://www.wapt.com/weather/23254518/detail.html 2012-03-05 2025-11-09 WAPT2010-04-26 Rural areas searched after Mississippi tornado https://www.sbs.com.au/news/article/rural-areas-searched-after-mississippi-tornado/ie1xqga56 2025-11-08 SBS News en Before the tornado, the sirens in Warren County failed to sound preceding the Eagle Bend area being struck. The head of the Warren County Emergency Operations Center noted she arrived at the office as the tornado struck the town and had no time to activate the sirens manually. Despite that, residents of Eagle Bend were likely not aware of the sirens, since the closest one to the town was 4 miles km on away. Warren County lacked the money to build a tornado siren near Eagle Bend. Warren County officials were working on a grant to purchase weather radios to distribute to residents. In Holmes County, at least one tornado siren failed to sound, with residents in Durant recounting that they had not heard the siren go off in over a year. Officials in Durant stated they applied for a grant to replace the old siren, but it was rejected.2010-04-28 Sirens Weren't Used Before Mississippi Tornado https://www.hmpgloballearningnetwork.com/site/emsworld/news/10337462/sirens-werent-used-mississippi-tornado 2025-11-08 HMP Global Learning Network en Later in 2010, two environmental scientists, D.W. Wilkinson and M.K. Crosby, observed and surveyed the forestry damage inflicted by the Yazoo City tornado. An aerial survey conducted by the Mississippi Forestry Commission estimated that the tornado affected 16,600 ha acre on of forest across ten counties in central Mississippi. The timber damage inflicted by the tornado was estimated at $19 million. The study noted that, as helpful as these estimates were in directing resources to the salvaging efforts, a better method was needed to assess forest damage events.Rapid Assessment of Forest Damage from Tornadoes in Mississippi https://www.semanticscholar.org/paper/Rapid-Assessment-of-Forest-Damage-from-Tornadoes-in-Wilkinson-Crosby/4adc57b2fa61452e7fea334eae42a140f9275445 Photogrammetric Engineering and Remote Sensing 2010 D. W. Wilkinson M. K. Crosby In July 2010, a pre-mitigation assessment team from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) published a report on the April 23–24 tornado outbreak, specifically on the Yazoo City tornado. The report also observed and assessed the structural damage left behind and the performance of the storm shelters along the tornado's track. There were nine residential storm shelters observed; six were occupied during the tornado, and two showed visible damage. The survey noted that storm shelters were limited in the central parts of the state, with most being located in the northern and southern portions of the state. According to the Ebenezer Fire Department, the community shelter, one of two in Holmes County, was not used, as residents were afraid to use it and sheltered in the fire station. The storm shelters contained flaws that made them untrustworthy for residents, including inconsistent use of anchors, lack of lighting, and difficulty in locking the door. The locals and officials were unaware of the presence and location of storm shelters. Aftermath State and Federal Disaster Declarations 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 implemented after Hurricane Katrina.Wheaton Sarah Fierce Tornado Kills at Least 10 in Mississippi https://www.heraldtribune.com/story/news/2010/04/25/fierce-tornado-kills-at-least/28939073007/ 2025-09-08 Sarasota Herald-Tribune en-US The Governor of Louisiana, Bobby Jindal, declared a state of emergency for Madison Parish.2010-04-25 Tornado Hits Louisiana Chemical Plant, Shipyard, Houses https://www.claimsjournal.com/news/southcentral/2010/04/26/109277.htm 2025-11-23 Claims Journal en-US September 28, 2022 https://web.archive.org/web/20220928154100/https://www.claimsjournal.com/news/southcentral/2010/04/26/109277.htm live Governor Barbour visited parts of Yazoo County that were devastated by the tornado. After the visit, he was interviewed by the Associated Press and stated that parts of the county experienced "utter obliteration", with the destruction reminiscent of Hurricane Katrina. Governor Barbour ordered state flags to be flown at half-staff between April 27 and April 30 during the mourning period.Mohr Holbrook 10 die in Mississippi as tornadoes rip state https://www.nwaonline.com/news/2010/apr/25/10-die-mississippi-tornadoes-rip-state-20100425/ https://web.archive.org/web/20240923005751/https://www.nwaonline.com/news/2010/apr/25/10-die-mississippi-tornadoes-rip-state-20100425/ September 23, 2024 September 22, 2024 Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette April 25, 2010 On April 29, President Barack Obama declared a federal disaster for Mississippi, allocating federal aid to support state and local recovery efforts in the affected locations. Federal funding was provided to people in several counties, including Attala, Choctaw, Holmes, Warren, and Yazoo. Federal funding became available to state and local governments and specific private nonprofit organizations in Yazoo and Choctaw counties for debris removal. The funding also allowed the state 72 hours to choose emergency protective measures.2010-04-29 President Obama Signs Mississippi Disaster Declaration https://obamawhitehouse.archives.gov/the-press-office/president-obama-signs-mississippi-disaster-declaration 2025-11-15 White House (.gov) en September 17, 2025 https://web.archive.org/web/20250917045832/https://obamawhitehouse.archives.gov/the-press-office/president-obama-signs-mississippi-disaster-declaration live FEMA granted nearly $3.3 million in individual assistance, and 849 residents applied for aid. The Small Business Association made $2.4 million in loans, mostly for home repairs.2010-07-25 Most debris cleared 3 months after Miss. tornado https://picayuneitem.com/2010/07/most-debris-cleared-3-months-after-miss-tornado/ 2025-09-08 Picayune Item en April 23, 2025 https://web.archive.org/web/20250423013408/https://picayuneitem.com/2010/07/most-debris-cleared-3-months-after-miss-tornado/ live The Farm Service Agency (FSA) made emergency assistance available for eligible farmers and producers. The state executive director stated that the Emergency Conservation Program (ECP) provided funding to affected farmers and producers. The agency assisted in debris removal on farm fields and restored fencing, with cost-share assistance up to 75%. Multiple FSA offices were cleared to implement the program, including in Yazoo, Attala, Choctaw, Holmes, and Oktibbeha counties.Hill Latrice May 15, 2010 USDA Farm Service Agency Offers Assistance To Mississippi Farmers Affected By Tornado https://agnet.mdac.ms.gov/mmbfirstlook/ArchiveView?201903221455468101MMB.PDF November 23, 2025 agnet.mdac.ms.gov State Governmental Response left|thumb|Clean up efforts at a destroyed supermarket in Yazoo City on April 29|alt=A supermarket having its debris cleared out by volunteers with a forklift|217x217px Rescuers initially struggled to reach Yazoo County due to geographic challenges. The county was on hilly terrain that rose sharply and ran along the Mississippi Delta. Some rescuers used off-road vehicles to reach victims. Helicopters flew overhead to assess damage as rapid response teams searched for victims. The American Medical Response continued its 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 into a multi-patient ambulance. The American Medical Response of Central Mississippi opened a triage center in Yazoo City, taking patients in trucks as debris made travel difficult.2010-04-26 Mississippi tornado survivors share their stories https://www.deseret.com/2010/4/26/20111091/mississippi-tornado-survivors-share-their-stories/ 2025-09-08 Deseret News en In total, 11 ambulances were sent to the city, and four people were transported by those ambulances to different hospitals.2010-04-25 10 killed as twisters tear through US https://www.abc.net.au/news/2010-04-26/10-killed-as-twisters-tear-through-us/409906 2025-11-27 ABC News en-AU2010-04-24 Mayor: Tornado kills 2 in rural Mississippi https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/2010/04/24/mayor-tornado-kills-2-in-rural-mississippi/ 2026-04-08 San Diego Union-Tribune en-US The Mississippi National Guard deployed 80 soldiers, and an additional 40 Highway Patrol officers were deployed across affected areas, with other law enforcement officers assisting.Cassreino Terry April 26, 2010 Mississippi Assessing Damage by Tornado (Published 2010) https://www.nytimes.com/2010/04/26/us/26tornado.html December 7, 2025 registration The New York Times en June 17, 2022 https://web.archive.org/web/20220617104225/https://www.nytimes.com/2010/04/26/us/26tornado.html live 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 skilled in search and rescue operations. State officials opened a donation center at the Mississippi State Fair to receive bottled water and imperishable food for the relief effort.2010-04-26 Tornadoes rip through three states https://www.wlox.com/story/12372977/tornadoes-rip-through-three-states 2026-09-04 WLOX en The Mississippi Commission for Volunteer Service (MCVS) established an emergency volunteer response center in Yazoo City to evaluate the damage. MCVS staff members expanded volunteer coordination operations in Attala County. Other volunteer response centers were established in Attala, Holmes, and Choctaw counties. MCVS partnered with several faith-based and charity organizations that assisted in disaster response efforts and accessed MCVS′ network national service partners. MCVS registered volunteers and accepted request for assistance from residents before volunteers were in disaster zones. Between April 24 and May 25, 1,067 volunteers were registered and deployed in Yazoo County. 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.Budget request for fiscal year ending June 30, 2012 https://www.lbo.ms.gov/misc/FY12_BudgetRequests/277-00.pdf November 22, 2025 www.lbo.ms.gov June 14, 2025 https://web.archive.org/web/20250614103619/https://www.lbo.ms.gov/misc/FY12_BudgetRequests/277-00.pdf live The Mississippi Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) offered housing to victims who lost their homes, using cottages originally built for Hurricane Katrina victims. The cottages were available for victims in all the affected counties.2010-05-09 First MEMA Cottage delivered to Yazoo Co. tornado victim https://www.wlbt.com/story/12451831/first-mema-cottage-delivered-to-yazoo-co-tornado-victim 2025-09-09 WLBT en The Delta unit of AmeriCorps' National Civilian Community Corps was 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.McLaughlin Lacey Jordan Mohr http://www.jacksonfreepress.com/news/2010/apr/27/jordan-mohr/ 2025-11-30 Jackson Free Press en February 13, 2018 https://web.archive.org/web/20180213162044/http://www.jacksonfreepress.com/news/2010/apr/27/jordan-mohr/ live The Mississippi Department of Mental Health and Warren-Yazoo Mental Health Service collaborated to organize a stress management seminar at Yazoo County High School. The event was intended for victims and first responders to receive help for trauma after the tornado. Despite the advertisement, no victims or first responders came to the mental health seminar.Straw Julie 2010-05-07 Mental health seminar held for storm victims and first responders https://www.wlbt.com/story/12443127/mental-health-seminar-held-for-storm-victims-and-first-responders 2025-11-14 WLBT en United States Department of Agriculture The State Director for Mississippi Rural Development visited Yazoo City an hour after the tornado passed through. The Mayor of Yazoo City, MacArthur Straughter, joined alongside the Director assembling full-court press and using resources at USDA Rural Development to aid damaged areas and affected residents. The staff members from USDA's Multi-Family Housing Program coordinated a rapid response to open up vacant units for affected families. The State Director for Mississippi's Rural Development program and other USDA officials, with assistance from local municipal and community leaders, helped rebuild a home significantly damaged by the tornado. The effort was part of National Homeownership Month, a month designated in June by the USDA. The event also highlighted the Self-Help Housing program, which helped people and families build their own homes.Stribling Ken June 21, 2010 USDA Rural Development Homeownership Project Helps Tornado Victims in Mississippi https://www.usda.gov/about-usda/news/blog/usda-rural-development-homeownership-project-helps-tornado-victims-mississippi December 19, 2025 USDA.gov United States Department of Agriculture December 22, 2025 https://web.archive.org/web/20251222024807/https://www.usda.gov/about-usda/news/blog/usda-rural-development-homeownership-project-helps-tornado-victims-mississippi live Local and organizations responses thumb|High school volunteers from Michigan assisting in the cleanup effort near Weir|alt=Teenagers picking up belongings from a pile of rubble and scattered trees|217x217pxOver the next couple of days, rescue efforts spread into rural areas. The federal government and the American Red Cross dispatched rescue teams, distributing tarps, meals, and water to victims. Officials requested volunteers to help coordinate debris removal. From Oakwood University in Huntsville, 20 student volunteers from the National Association for the Prevention of Starvation arrived in Yazoo City. The student volunteers used chainsaws to cut through fallen trees and hauled off debris.May 6, 2010 Search for survivors after twister kills 10 https://www.stuff.co.nz/world/3622069/Search-for-survivors-after-twister-kills-10 2025-11-22 www.stuff.co.nz Stuff The L.T. Community Center in Yazoo City opened as a shelter for victims, with the American Red Cross providing meals at the shelter.2010-04-27 MEMA Helps Coordinate Services for Tornado Victims, Volunteers https://www.mississippifreepress.org/mema-helps-coordinate-services-for-tornado-victims-volunteers/ 2025-11-22 Mississippi Free Press en-US 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. In Hinds County, the sheriff's department accepted imperishable food, water bottles, clothing, beds, and other essentials. The supplies were loaded into a semi-truck and sent out to assist in the relief efforts. The sheriff's department sent out two dozen deputies and 100 inmates to help clear debris in Yazoo County in response to the tornado.2010-04-24 Tornadoes flatten homes in South; several dead https://www.nbcnews.com/id/wbna36755249 2025-11-08 NBC News en On April 26, 15 Firefighters from Columbus Fire Department's Task Force Two team dispatched the search and rescue team to Yazoo and Choctaw counties. The mission was to determine the damage to residences and assist in accounting for all residents in the area.Baswell Allen 2010-04-26 Columbus crews aid tornado rescue effort https://cdispatch.com/category-news/columbus-crews-aid-tornado-rescue-effort/ 2025-11-29 Columbus Dispatch en-US By April 28, Old Benton Road, a hard-hit area in Yazoo County, was cleared of debris. The owner of a local construction company, Paul Parker, reported that workload was overwhelming and there were concerned about the storms forecast for the next week.Hernandez Monica 2010-04-28 Builders try to beat next round of weather in Yazoo County https://www.wlbt.com/story/12391568/builders-try-to-beat-next-round-of-weather-in-yazoo-county 2026-01-16 www.wlbt.com WLBT en 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.2010-09-01 Roy Oswalt's mom left with Yorkie, Bible after tornado demolishes Mississippi home https://www.khou.com/article/news/roy-oswalts-mom-left-with-yorkie-bible-after-tornado-demolishes-mississippi-home/285-342020737 2026-01-14 khou.com en-US 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 caused a significant depletion in stock for the store, though the store manager said trucks from Mobile were bringing fresh supplies. In Holmes County, the hardware store Lexington Home Center experienced high demand for supplies, including plywood, roofing shingles, windows, and pipes, leaving most of the items sold out. Housing Assistance Council provided a $10,000 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.Linda Smith 2015-07-16 Neither Wind, Nor Rain...Can Stop a Determined Self-Help Provider https://ruralhome.org/neither-wind-nor-raincan-stop-a-determined-self-help-provider/ 2025-09-08 Housing Assistance Council en-US December 1, 2022 https://web.archive.org/web/20221201175843/https://ruralhome.org/neither-wind-nor-raincan-stop-a-determined-self-help-provider/ live 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 drove 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.Mamrack Kristin 2010-05-02 Local volunteers help with Yazoo relief https://cdispatch.com/news/local-volunteers-help-with-yazoo-relief/ 2025-11-08 Columbus Dispatch en-US Faith-based groups 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 gave 200 blue tarps to several homes in Yazoo and Holmes counties.Salvation Army Tornado Response in Mississippi, USA, Moves from Relief to Recovery https://www.salvationarmy.org/news/salvation-army-tornado-response-mississippi-usa-moves-relief-recovery 2025-09-08 Salvation Army On June 17, 15 congregations based in St. Louis spent ten days to collectively raise $9,000 to Yazoo County Red Cross.2010-06-17 15 congregations raise $9K for Yazoo City https://stlouisamerican-newspack.newspackstaging.com/religion/local-religion/15-congregations-raise-9k-for-yazoo-city/ 2025-11-22 St. Louis American en-US 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 organize 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 cleanup 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.Leonir Scott May 2010 Disaster relief agencies coordinate services in wake of tornadoes https://s3.amazonaws.com/dfc_attachments/public/documents/851469/MSE_-_May_2010.pdf September 9, 2025 December 15, 2024 https://web.archive.org/web/20241215034748/https://s3.amazonaws.com/dfc_attachments/public/documents/851469/MSE_-_May_2010.pdf live The Lutheran Disaster Response issued a $10,000 emergency grant to LESM to use in the early days of the relief effort.April 27, 2010 ELCA aids Mississippi tornado victims https://ministrylink.org/elca-aids-mississippi-tornado-victims/ 2026-01-07 ministrylink.org October 6, 2025 https://web.archive.org/web/20251006080746/https://ministrylink.org/elca-aids-mississippi-tornado-victims/ live 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 kg on of essentials over the span of five days, including water, tarps, and imperishable foods. The establishment of other distribution centers also occurred in addition. The Central Mississippi chapter opened a shelter with supplies as well as emergency response vehicles, and other places opened up as shelters.Disaster Alert: Tornado in Yazoo City - red cross chat https://redcrosschat.org/2010/04/24/disaster-alert-tornado-in-yazoo-city/ red cross chat 2010-04-24 2026-01-29 https://web.archive.org/web/20240923011938/https://redcrosschat.org/2010/04/24/disaster-alert-tornado-in-yazoo-city/ 2024-09-23 en-US Wendy Harman 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.Ross, Jr. Bobby 2010-05-03 Church members help with tornado relief https://christianchronicle.org/church-members-help-with-tornado-relief/ 2025-09-10 The Christian Chronicle en-US May 19, 2024 https://web.archive.org/web/20240519110735/https://christianchronicle.org/church-members-help-with-tornado-relief/ live 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 residents, rescue workers, and other guests who showed up. The American Red Cross assisted in providing essentials, including water and comfort kits. The Madison Parish Sheriff's Department provided gasoline to generators that were given to residents. Auto parts stores Western Auto and Aaron's Rental donated a few deep-freezers for donated food to be stored until needed.Willoughby Karen 2010-04-26 Community flattened, yet faith fanned https://www.baptistpress.com/resource-library/news/community-flattened-yet-faith-fanned/ 2025-11-23 Baptist Press en-US 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.Kenney David 2010-11-19 Storm chasers, tornado victim rescue, caught on tape. https://www.wlbt.com/story/13532279/storm-chasers-tornado-victim-rescue-caught-on-tape 2025-11-11 WLBT en April 22, 2024 https://web.archive.org/web/20240422024548/https://www.wlbt.com/story/13532279/storm-chasers-tornado-victim-rescue-caught-on-tape/ live McTavish Brian 2017-09-07 Arts News: Diary of a Storm Chaser https://kcstudio.org/arts-news-diary-storm-chaser-reed-timmer/ 2025-11-23 KC STUDIO en-US August 23, 2025 https://web.archive.org/web/20250823160015/https://kcstudio.org/arts-news-diary-storm-chaser-reed-timmer/ live Recovery After the tornado, spilled materials were pumped from the Complex Chemical plant into temporary tanks for disposal. Contractors were hired, and heavy equipment was rented for debris removal across the site. Complex rented out trailers as temporary office spaces. As production was outsourced to several areas, multiple large containers were also brought in as temporary warehouses to store raw materials and products. Key areas of the plant, like the blending and distillation units, were powered by one of the 13 large generators rented out by Complex. By June 14, all Complex plant's 11 processing units were operating at 90% capacity and productivity, though debris was still present on the property. Afterward, a larger office building separate from the plant was constructed. The construction of one large warehouse and a new electrical system were made. A large steel enclosure was also constructed to protect the distillation and oil blending units, which was rebuilt to include a truck loading area. At Eagle Lake, residents planning to rebuild their homes were now required to put their homes on stilts 18 inches cm off off the ground. The addition of the stricter guidelines occurred after FEMA confronted counties that did not include the National Flood Insurance Program policies in their local laws. This led to the new construction guidelines implemented in Warren County's flood ordinance. The said counties were included in Special Flood Hazard Areas, regions designated by FEMA to be in high-risk for flooding inundations by 100-year flooding events. In town, 41 residents received housing, and a disaster recovery center opened at the Eagle Lake Volunteer Fire Department, assisting with unemployment and affected businesses. Along MS 465, a debris collection site opened next to a cotton gin business that was there until June 30.May 12, 2010 After the tornado New regulations rule Eagle Lake rebuilding https://www.vicksburgpost.com/news/after-the-tornado-new-regulations-rule-eagle-lake-rebuilding-483898 2025-12-16 vicksburgpost.com Vicksburg Post en December 19, 2025 https://web.archive.org/web/20251219042051/https://www.vicksburgpost.com/news/after-the-tornado-new-regulations-rule-eagle-lake-rebuilding-483898 live subscription thumb|Army Corps of Engineers assisting with the debris removal at a debris dump site|left|alt=Workers in high-vis surrounding an industrial digger|218x218px Three months after the tornado, almost 69.1 million tons of debris were removed across five counties, according to the United States Army Corps of Engineers. Contractors installed new power poles and volunteers helped with home repairs. In Choctaw County, 15 families were staying in FEMA trailer homes at a recreational vehicle park, with many others moving into FEMA cottage homes. About 22 members of the Saint Pius X youth ministry disaster relief team assisted in rebuilding homes in Yazoo City. A year after the tornado, 90% of damaged homes in Yazoo City were repaired, and many businesses, like the Ribeye Steakhouse and Just My Style spa, reopened soon after.2011-05-05 A Year Later, Gratitude in a Tornado-Torn Town (Published 2011) https://www.nytimes.com/2011/05/06/us/06yazoo.html 2025-09-10 en December 16, 2024 https://web.archive.org/web/20241216020603/https://www.nytimes.com/2011/05/06/us/06yazoo.html live In July 2011, a community preparedness program, StormReady, designated Yazoo County as such due to their efforts in improving severe weather readiness following the previous year's tornadoes. The county received grants to install new sirens in multiple locations. A local weather radio program also received funding to distribute weather radios to schools, businesses, and homes.2011-07-14 Yazoo Co. receives "Storm Ready" designation https://www.wlbt.com/story/15079054/yazoo-co 2026-10-15 www.wlbt.com en On November 21, 2011, the Hillcrest Baptist Church was rebuilt, and held a dedication ceremony for the revival. The church was rebuilt debt-free due to donations, with the estimated cost of reconstruction being $1.5 million.Anderson Roslyn 2011-11-21 Church destroyed by tornado rebuilt & debt free https://www.wlbt.com/story/16087690/church-destroyed-by-tornado-rebuilt-debt-free 2025-09-08 WLBT en In March 2017, embers from a house fire landed in a wooded area, sparking a fast-moving wildfire that scorched 121 acre ha on of forest, with firefighters from multiple agencies extinguishing the fire in 14 hours. Piles of uncleared timber debris from the tornado fueled the fire, and rough terrain also slowed efforts to put out the flames.Clark Patrice 2017-03-21 Yazoo County house fire that sparked wildfire ruled arson https://www.wlbt.com/story/34962310/yazoo-county-house-fire-that-sparked-wildfire-ruled-arson 2025-12-20 www.wlbt.com WLBT en December 22, 2025 https://web.archive.org/web/20251222234415/https://www.wlbt.com/story/34962310/yazoo-county-house-fire-that-sparked-wildfire-ruled-arson/ live Later tornado On November 29, seven months after the tornado, another significant EF2 tornado struck downtown Yazoo City, with estimated wind speeds of 115 mph km/h on. Several buildings were damaged, with most were unroofed and one had parts of its exterior walls collapsing. In the downtown area, windows were blown out, and siding from a building was torn off. Afterward, the tornado tore off roofs from homes and businesses, snapped power poles, and uprooted several trees before dissipating northeast of Yazoo City. No casualties were reported, and the tornado caused $1.1 million in damage.Storm Events Database Yazoo County EF2 https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/access/storm-events-database/event-details/267616 November 20, 2025 NOAA (.gov) September 4, 2025 https://web.archive.org/web/20250904004707/https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/access/storm-events-database/event-details/267616 live Governor Haley Barbour and Lieutenant Governor Phil Bryant assessed damage in Yazoo City, where 24 businesses were damaged. Bryant stated afterward, "I think what you've got here is storm fatigue. It's very frightening to people."2010-11-30 Twisters twice: Town gets hit six months later https://www.nbcnews.com/id/wbna40431671 2025-11-20 NBC News en August 16, 2022 https://web.archive.org/web/20220816043149/https://www.nbcnews.com/id/wbna40431671 live Notes note See also Weather of 2010 List of tornado emergencies List of F4 and EF4 tornadoes (2010–2019) List of deadliest tornadoes in the Americas 2023 Rolling Fork tornado – Another deadly EF4 tornado that occurred in the same region References 04-24 2010-04-24 2010-04-24 2010-04-24 Category:Yazoo City, Mississippi Category:History of Yazoo County, Mississippi Category:April 2010 in the United States