Multiple tornadoes tore through central and western Mississippi on Wednesday, damaging roughly 400 homes and injuring at least 17 people, according to the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency.
The agency, known as MEMA, confirmed 14 tornadoes touched down statewide Wednesday. Lincoln and Lamar counties sustained the heaviest damage. In Lamar County, about 275 homes were damaged and four people were injured, one of whom was hospitalized. Lincoln County reported more than 200 homes damaged and 12 injuries — all among residents of Wash Trailer Park.
Ray Warren, a seven-year resident of Wash Trailer Park, told NBC affiliate WLBT of Jackson that he was at a loss for words after the tornado struck his neighborhood. “A lot of drama, a lot of stress — it’s just really indescribable. It’s pretty upsetting to see all these people lose their homes.”
Gov. Tate Reeves announced Thursday morning on Facebook that the Cajun Navy, the volunteer search-and-rescue group, is deploying a 50-person shelter pod, a 30-kilowatt generator and 10 pallets of supplies to support relief efforts in Lincoln County.
Authorities urged residents in affected areas to stay off the roads. The Lamar County Sheriff’s Office said initial reports show damage in the Industrial Park area, including downed trees and roof damage, and asked the public not to travel through the area to allow emergency crews to work.
Reeves cautioned that damage figures are preliminary and subject to change as assessments continue. The storms also struck Lawrence County, where roughly 12 homes were affected, and one injury was reported in Franklin County.
MEMA said in a news release Thursday afternoon that no deaths have been recorded.
“There are reports of hundreds of homes damaged, roads closed due to debris, and power outages. As of 9:30 this morning, there are 15,643 power outages statewide. Damage assessments will begin today and continue into Friday,’’ the release said.
MEMA reminded residents not to “sightsee” in the affected areas as floodwater and downed power lines “create unstable conditions.”
Downed trees and storm damage have forced several school districts to close, including those in Lawrence, Franklin and Lincoln counties.
Although the storm system has weakened, it continues to push eastward toward the Florida Panhandle and parts of Georgia, including the Atlanta area. A tornado watch remains in effect for those regions until about 10 a.m. ET.
Flash flooding has also been reported in some areas, with Montgomery, Alabama, recording 4 to 6 inches of rain. While the immediate flood threat has diminished, rain is expected to persist along the Mid-Atlantic coast.
More rain is forecast through Friday, with Gulf Coast cities — including Houston; Lake Charles, Louisiana; and New Orleans — bracing for continued wet conditions.
