Powerful storms swept across Mississippi on Wednesday night, producing at least 14 reported tornadoes, according to multiple reports. Authorities confirmed one very large and dangerous tornado that moved from eastern Lincoln County into Lawrence County.
Key Takeaways
Powerful storms produced at least 14 reported tornadoes across Mississippi on Wednesday night. The National Weather Service confirmed one very large and dangerous tornado that moved through multiple counties, causing significant damage to nearly 500 homes and injuring at least 17 people. No deaths were immediately reported despite the extensive destruction in Lincoln County, Lamar County, and Lawrence County.
The storms caused widespread damage, including the destruction of nearly 500 homes, downed trees, and knocked-out power lines across several counties. According to CBS News affiliate WJTV, a fire completely engulfed a home in Tylertown after it was struck by lightning. In Lincoln County, falling trees split a car and trapped people at a mobile home park in the small community of Bogue Chitto.
At least 17 people were injured, with 12 transported from the Wash Trailer Park in Bogue Chitto, according to Scott Simmons, a spokesperson for the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency. Resident Max Mahaffey told WAPT-TV that he initially thought the noise was thunder before realizing his room had been destroyed.
The National Weather Service reported that the same storm produced at least two tornadoes from Franklin and Lincoln into Lawrence counties, with another possible in Lamar County extending into Forest County. Governor Tate Reeves stated that multiple tornadoes were reported throughout central and western Mississippi, with the state Emergency Management Agency coordinating response efforts. More storms were expected on Thursday, posing potential tornado risks across parts of Alabama, Georgia, Florida, Carolinas, and Texas.
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