April 12 Storm Damage Assessment
This is a summary of the aerial detection flight of the tornado outbreaks that occurred on April 12, 2020. The damages areas were flown for timber damage assessment on April 14 by the Mississippi Forestry Commission (MFC).
The areas affected totaled approximately 19,215 acres, of which 12,998 (5,438 pine; 3,352 hardwood; 4,208 mixed) were forested acres on non-industrial, private forestland. The potential economic impact to forested acres is estimated at $14,903,596 using the average prices from Silvastat 360 for each product class.
Damage by County
| Name | Pine Acres Damaged | Hdwd Acres Damaged | Mixed Acres Damaged | Totals | Total Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Covington | 1359 | 1209 | 932 | 3,500 | $4,881,420 |
| Jasper | 444 | 564 | 656 | 1,664 | $1,505,740 |
| Jefferson Davis | 1,177 | 211 | 833 | 2,221 | $1,962,036 |
| Jones | 1,296 | 856 | 1,049 | 3,201 | $3,731,009 |
| Lawrence | 631 | 285 | 323 | 1,239 | $1,614,685 |
| Marion | 51 | 0 | 1 | 52 | $52,236 |
| Smith | 18 | 12 | 51 | 81 | $113,241 |
| Walthall | 462 | 215 | 363 | 1,040 | $1,043,229 |
| Total Values | 5,438 | 3,352 | 4,208 | 12,998 | $14,903,596 |
The acreage was calculated using a 2016 NCLD layer along with data collected from aerial reconnaissance. Volumes were estimated using current FIA data for each county.
This estimated value does not include urban areas, sparsely forested areas or non-forested areas where trees may still have been damaged. This estimate may change as more data on the ground is collected. MFC crews are on the ground surveying damage to forests managed by the agency.
This estimate may not accurately effect an individual landowners damage. Landowners with timber damage should contact a registered consulting forester to further evaluate the storm’s impact to their forestlands and discuss recovery options. These areas may or may not fully recover as insects, diseases and other stressors tend to cause further timber loss.
For additional information about storm damage impacts, contact Todd Matthews, MFC Forest Management Chief, at tmatthews@mfc.ms.gov. Landowners seeking advice or programs to assist with recovery can contact their local MFC forester.
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