At least one fatal tornado touched down in Mississippi during a severe weather outbreak that spread through multiple southern states on Friday evening and Saturday morning.
During the storm’s furious assault on the state on Friday evening, which resulted in the destruction of structures and the loss of electricity for thousands of citizens, FOX News Channel reported at least seven fatalities in Rolling Fork, Mississippi, and three in Carroll County, Mississippi.
At least two other injuries were also reported, according to FOX Weather. These figures are anticipated to increase.
The most serious tornado-related alert, a tornado emergency, was issued in a few places as a result of the dangerous line of storms. By definition, it alerts people to the presence of a “big and powerful” tornado that is expected to produce severe, widespread damage and many fatalities.
The northeastern town of Amory, which is not too far from the Alabama state boundary, was one of many localities across Mississippi that sustained extensive damage.
Holly Barnes, a local, posted a number of images with the comment, “Amory was struck, but we were able to escape. attempting to return home, if there is one.”
In social media posts, drivers were urged to avoid the devastated areas by first response organizations in the worst-hit municipalities.
Shortly after the tornado moved over, Amory’s police and fire services released the following statement:
“Please don’t try to drive via Amory, stay at home. If emergency services cannot enter certain places, they will not be able to help restore electricity, evaluate damage, and carry out rescue operations. Please don’t drive into Amory, stay in a safe place instead!”
According to FOX Weather, the first significant tornado originated near Rolling Fork and moved 30 miles northeast to Silver City. First responder organizations report catastrophic damage in both regions. It was on the ground for almost 80 miles, according to radar analysis, and during its devastating route, it lifted debris at least 20,000 feet into the air.
According to Rolling Fork’s previous mayor, Fred Miller, who spoke to FOX Weather, much of the town has been devastated.
According to Miller, only a few of the homes in the residential portion of Rolling Fork’s west side have been fully destroyed. “The majority of our businesses are located along Highway 61, and every single one of them has been totally devastated. Some of the restaurants have individuals trapped inside, and people are currently attempting to free them.”
Brett Adair, a field meteorologist with FOX Weather, saw the twister enter Silver City while he was pursuing the storm.
We observed multiple explosions as the enormous tornado crossed the highway here in Silver City while the drone was in the air, and we could see it coming from at least five or six miles away.
Tate Reeves, the governor of Mississippi, tweeted the following message after the outbreak and the state activated medical support:
“Tonight, God’s protection and your prayers are needed by many in the MS Delta. For those who are harmed, we have activated medical support, dispatching additional ambulances and other emergency resources. There is ongoing search and rescue. Mississippi, keep an eye on the weather reports and exercise caution all night long!”
According to PowerOutage.us, almost 18,500 individuals in Mississippi were without power as of 4 a.m.
