Tuesday’s storms produced an EF-1 tornado that damaged approximately four homes in the Oktoc community, Oktibbeha County Emergency Management Agency Director Shank Phelps confirmed Wednesday.
The National Weather Service designated the tornado as an EF-1, with peak winds of 110 mph, after dispatching storm surveyors to multiple locations, including Oktibbeha County. Comparatively, an EF-2 tornado’s wind speeds reach 111-135 mph.
A preliminary report states it first touched down about 6 p.m. near Skinner Road and traveled 3.5 miles north-northeast before finally lifting. Its path width was 150 yards, the report states.
Although Oktibbeha EMA received no reports of damage during the storms, Phelps toured the rural area southeast of Starkville yesterday and observed homes with light roof damage. Minor and moderate tree damage was also reported.
“It wasn’t on the ground for long; it apparently bobbed up and down a lot,” he said. “We’re fortunate that nobody was seriously injured.”
Phelps said at least one resident in the area was alerted to the incoming severe weather by CodeRED, a national emergency notification service utilized by Oktibbeha County.
CodeRED sends area-specific warnings and alerts from the National Weather Service and local agencies, like Oktibbeha EMA, to users’ cellphones via an app, text or email.
Residents wishing to join the opt-in service can begin the process by visiting www.OktibbehaCountyMS.org and clicking the CodeRED logo near the middle of the page.
“Tuesday is another example of why residents should sign up for the service,” Phelps said.
Fifteen counties reported property damage during Tuesday’s severe weather outbreak, according to the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency. At least 20 homes were damaged across the state, according to a MEMA midday press release.
Along with Oktibbeha County, National Weather Service surveyors also investigated damage in Clay, Leake, Noxubee, Rankin and Scott counties.
Carl Smith covers Starkville and Oktibbeha County for The Dispatch. Follow him on Twitter @StarkDispatch
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