Severe storms have continued to wreak havoc on the Magnolia State, causing the loss of lives, property damage, and ongoing power outages.
Over the weekend, over 150,000 Mississippians lost power as inclement weather and flying debris caused disruptions in power lines. On Monday, another round of dangerous elements struck Mississippi, specifically Jackson and Jasper Counties.
In Jackson County, local officials are reporting that an estimated 100 structures were damaged. This includes homes, apartments, businesses, churches, and schools. Six people were injured as a result of Monday’s storm.
Officials with the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency have confirmed one fatality and nearly two dozen injured in Jasper County due to severe storms and an EF-3 tornado that was confirmed. An estimated 72 homes were also damaged.
MEMA executive director Stephen McCraney says officials are currently working to receive emergency declaration status for the entire state due to the impact the weather had on communities all over. To get a declaration, there must have been $5.2 million in damages from natural disasters.
McCraney added that MEMA is also keeping an eye on the emergence of Tropical Storm Bret, which is no longer forecast to elevate into a hurricane.
To prepare for future storms and natural disasters, McCraney is encouraging Mississippians to download the official MEMA app to receive alerts with information on current and upcoming severe weather in the state.
“We thought it was pretty cool to let the person decide what they want to get alerts for,” McCraney said on MidDays with Gerard Gibert. “During a popup storm, we want everybody to be warned. The outside tornado sirens are for people that are outside, so you have to have a way to be connected. When you lose power, that phone hopefully should have some power on it, so we’ll be able to keep you updated.”
MEMA is continuing to modify the app to add advanced weather radar and other features to keep residents as prepared as possible when disaster strikes.
The full interview with McCraney below.
