PHOTO: Courtesy MHP, Tornado near Four Corners
JACKSON, Miss.–At least nine tornadoes were reported to have touched down in Mississippi Monday, killing at least seven people. But, that casualty list was expected to grow as crews continued their search for survivors through the wreckage into Tuesday morning.
Tupelo and Louisville took direct hits from large tornadoes.
This is a press release from the Miss. Emergency Management Agency with their official tally as of early Tuesday:
The Mississippi Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) continues to receive reports of several counties affected by severe weather and possible tornadoes. The National Weather Service says strong storms will continue moving through the state overnight. Tornadoes, large hail, damaging winds, flooding and flash flooding are still possible. Mississippians should remain weather aware as severe weather continues and have a way to receive weather warnings overnight.
The counties reporting damages are as follows:
- Desoto: Road closures due to flash flooding.
- Itawamba: Minor injuries. Some roads inaccessible due to downed trees. Several homes destroyed.
- Lee: Major damage in the City of Tupelo. Reports of extensive home damage in the area.
- Madison: Homes damaged. A few injuries.
- Montgomery: Trees down and homes damaged.
- Quitman: Trees and power lines down in the Marks community.
- Warren: Homes damaged and multiple roads closed.
- Winston: Major damage near Louisville. The Winston Medical Center has been damaged. The Mississippi Health Department is en route to provide assistance and damage assessment. Several homes have been destroyed.
A shelter is open in Lee County at the BancorpSouth Building at 375 E. Main Street in Tupelo.
Governor Phil Bryant has declared a State of Emergency to enable State resources to assist affected areas.
The primary focus of emergency crews is search and rescue in the affected areas. MEMA area coordinators have been dispatched to Itawamba, Lee and Winston counties to assist with operations.
The Governor has mobilized the Mississippi National Guard in Lee and Winston counties. The Mississippi Highway Patrol has also dispatched teams to affected areas.
Damage assessments are ongoing in areas where the storms have passed. Damage report updates will be released as they become available. Residents should continue monitoring their local media, social media or other technology for current weather conditions.
MEMA urges the public to report damages to your local Emergency Management Agency. For a list of contact numbers for your county, visit www.msema.org/local-ema. For more information, go to MEMA’s website at www.msema.org or download the MEMA mobile app on your iOS or Android device.
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