Mize, MS Tornado April 6, 2005
Clarion Ledger Article
Clarion Ledger Slideshow of Images

 
The path of the tornado was about 23 miles long and about a half mile wide with random spots of destruction, sometimes 300 to 400 yards wide, sometimes smaller, in parallel streaks all the way from the Covington County line at the south to the Jasper County line at the northeast of Smith County. John Little of MDOT at the Y witnessed it crossing Hwy 28. He said he didn't recognize it as a tornado; it looked like a big cloud sitting on the ground until he noticed things spinning around in it. The second floor of the high school was nearly destroyed while about 650 students were downstairs. Almost immediately there was a gas leak, so all 800 students K-12 were evacuated through the storm into the gym. Miraculously there were no injuries. School was closed until further notice. Larry Meadows horse pasture fences were destroyed, but all the horses huddled together in the center; none were lost. Hugh Curtis Byrd's two barns were destroyed and 2 calves were missing, but later the cows found their calves. The day after the tornado power and phone service were restored along north Hwy 35. Volunteers from Christian relief services arrived to help, but had to wait for insurance adjusters to document damage before they could begin. 

CNN tornado damage photo

Page Two - More Tornado Damage

Dick Ford Animations - Home Page

Other Mize, Mississippi Websites:

Redneck Taxidermy

Larry Meadows Auctioneer

Clyde Magee Farm