UPDATE: The Mississippi Emergency Management Agency has now confirmed that 25 people were killed during Friday night’s tornadoes. The four people who were originally reported missing have been accounted for.
It was a tough night for portions of Mississippi as at least 23 people are dead, dozens injured, and four missing after multiple tornadoes rolled through the state.
The Mississippi Emergency Management Agency confirmed a tentative death total Saturday around 6:20 a.m.
Morning Update as of 6:20am:
We can confirm 23 dead, dozens injured, 4 missing due to last night’s tornadoes. We have numerous local and state search and rescue teams that continue to work this morning. A number of assets are on the ground to assist those that have been impacted— msema (@MSEMA) March 25, 2023
At least 13 of the 23 deaths happened in Rolling Fork, while according to one source, Silver City was “completely obliterated.” In Carroll County, three people died in one home.
Monroe County, home of Amory, also suffered significant damage with two people being killed.
“I would say 40 percent of homes in the town or are in the community are damaged to some sort,” Amory Mayor Corey Glenn told Fox & Friends.
Gov. Tate Reeves issued a statement on the matter Saturday morning, asking people to keep these areas in their thoughts and prayers.
“The loss will be felt in these towns forever. Please pray for God’s hand to be over all who lost family and friends,” Reeves tweeted.
At least twenty three Mississippians were killed by last night’s violent tornados. We know that many more are injured. Search and rescue teams are still active.
The loss will be felt in these towns forever. Please pray for God’s hand to be over all who lost family and friends.
— Governor Tate Reeves (@tatereeves) March 25, 2023
Search-and-rescue efforts are still ongoing. At least 11 tornadoes have been reported across Mississippi and Alabama over the last 24 hours.
MEMA releases shelter locations for those affected by storms