Strong Storms and Tornadoes Devastate Central and Western Mississippi
At least 17 people were injured and no confirmed fatalities were reported after a severe weather system moved through the region on Wednesday night.
Injuries and Missing Person
According to Scott Simmons, a spokesperson for the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency, there were no immediate reports of deaths. Twelve of the injured were from the Wash Trailer Park in Bogue Chitto in Lincoln County, where most mobile homes were destroyed. A 1-year-old child was reported missing in Lincoln County, according to emergency responders.
Damage Assessments by County
- Lincoln County: At least 200 homes were damaged. Emergency officials reported no deaths but confirmed major damage and several injuries. Falling trees split a car and trapped people at a mobile home park. Many roads remained blocked, and assessment teams were active.
- Lamar County: Approximately 275 homes were damaged.
- Lawrence County: Between 10 and 12 homes were damaged.
In total, state authorities reported approximately 500 homes damaged across the affected region.
Tornado Reports
Daniel Lamb, a meteorologist at the National Weather Service in Jackson, stated that the same storm system produced at least two tornadoes in Franklin, Lincoln, and Lawrence counties, and another in Lamar County that potentially moved into Forrest County. Another source reported at least 14 tornadoes across the state, with at least one confirmed.
The National Weather Service said "a very large and dangerous tornado" moved from eastern Lincoln County into Lawrence County.
Eyewitness Account
"I went back to my room, and the room's gone."
Resident Max Mahaffey told WAPT-TV: "I was just watching TikTok on my bed and thought it was thunder. I went to my living room. I went back to my room, and the room's gone." He reported no injury himself but said his grandmother hurt her ankle and that neighbors had cuts and bruises.
Official Response
Governor Tate Reeves posted online that the state Emergency Management Agency was coordinating response efforts. In Lincoln County, a volunteer rescue group provided a 50-person shelter pod, a generator, and 10 pallets of supplies. A home in Tylertown was destroyed by fire after witnesses said it was struck by lightning.
Officials asked the public to refrain from sightseeing in affected areas as damage assessments continued.
Forecast
The National Weather Service forecast more storms on Thursday, with possible tornadoes across parts of Alabama, Georgia, and Florida, as well as strong storms in parts of the Carolinas and Texas.