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Storm Damage - South Church Street, Tupelo
According to the National Weather Service in Memphis, sustained wind speeds were at 64 mph with gusts up to 82 mph during a thunderstorm that was felt by most of the area.
Meteorologist Chris Dukes said 82 mph winds are more than strong enough to cause severe structural damage.
In Tupelo, power outages were reported on Eason Boulevard, Church Street, Madison Street, West Main Street and several areas in the county due to downed power lines.
According to the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency, trees and power lines also were down in Chickasaw, Pontotoc, Itawamaba and Union counties. Several homes were reported damaged in Oxford, roofs blew off in Tupelo, and Pontotoc had some flooding.
Emergency 911 operators were bombarded with calls because of the weather, but said no one was injured.
The storm system hit Tupelo shortly after 6 p.m., bringing heavy rains, high winds and lightening.
Several reports of possible gas leaks were reported throughout Lee County.
Contact Danza Johnson at (662) 678-1583 or danza.johnson@djournal.com.
Click here for the weather forecast.