The National Weather Service has confirmed that a tornado touched down in Chickasaw during a round of severe weather that moved across Mobile and Baldwin counties on Friday.
Surveyors rated the tornado an EF-0, the weakest category on the damage scale, with maximum winds estimated at 75 mph.
Funnel Cloud and Debris
A funnel cloud was reported in the Chickasaw area, where debris was seen being lifted by the circulation. Severe weather also hit Silverhill on the Eastern Shore, and hail was reported farther west in Leakesville, Mississippi.
Typical of Gulf Coast Summer Storms
EF-0 tornadoes are the most common type recorded along the Gulf Coast and often develop quickly within lines of strong summer thunderstorms, giving little lead time. Damage at that intensity is usually limited to tree limbs, fencing, roof shingles and outbuildings rather than structural failure.
No injuries were reported in connection with Friday’s storms.