Powerful punch: Christmas storm brings damage to area, state

Published 12:01 am Thursday, December 27, 2012

JULIA NAGY | The Natchez Democrat — A tree lies in Cora Lewis’ backyard after Tuesday’s storm. The tree cracked some of the shingles on the house.

NATCHEZ — Tuesday’s storm packed a punch for Natchez resident Cora Lewis, literally.

High winds sent a tree through a portion of Lewis’s house and ruined her Christmas day.

“I was so upset I just couldn’t go to sleep,” Lewis said. “I was just terrified.”

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Lewis’ house off of Maplewood was one of the homes around the state affected by Tuesday’s storm.

The Jackson National Weather Service reported approximate wind speeds of 60 mph and between one and two inches of rain fell in Adams County from

JULIA NAGY | THE NATCHEZ DEMOCRAT — A tree, which punched a small hole in the house, lies in Lewis’ backyard after Tuesday’s storm.

Tuesday’s storm.

Downed trees and dime-sized hail were reported near the airport, according to Adams County Emergency Management Director Stan Owens.

Owens said Adams County “threaded the eye of the needle” when it came to the storm.

“Adams County was pretty fortunate,” Owens said.

Other areas throughout the state reported more severe damages though. Gov. Phil Bryant declared a State of Emergency Tuesday. More than 25 injuries have been reported statewide.

Twelve counties, including Wilkinson and Amite counties, reported damages to the State Emergency Operations Center in Pearl.

Lewis was not home when the tree fell, but received a call at approximately 2:30 p.m. from a neighbor about the fallen tree.

A small hole in the back of the house, cracked shingles, and a torn off awing are what Lewis has to repair. She’s waiting on the insurance company for estimates.

Lewis said she’s thankful to all those who have come to her aid.

A neighbor helped her board up the hole to keep the wind from getting in the house.

“I appreciate my neighbors for what they are doing for me,” Lewis said. “They’ve really been there for me.”