Powerful storms, including at least one confirmed tornado, tore through parts of Mississippi on Wednesday night, collapsing hundreds of homes, uprooting trees, and downing power lines, authorities reported on Thursday. No deaths or severe injuries were immediately reported from the storms that struck several counties.
Severe Damage in Bogue Chitto
A mobile home park in the small community of Bogue Chitto in Lincoln County suffered extensive damage. 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." Mahaffey was unharmed, but his grandmother injured her ankle, and some neighbors sustained cuts and bruises.
National Weather Service Warning
The National Weather Service reported that "a very large and dangerous tornado" moved from eastern Lincoln County into Lawrence County. Governor Tate Reeves stated that multiple tornadoes were reported across central and western Mississippi and that the state Emergency Management Agency is coordinating response efforts. "Pray for Mississippi," he posted online.
Emergency officials in Lincoln County confirmed major damage and several injuries but no fatalities. "Damage assessments are ongoing, there are multiple roads blocked in the county we ask that you please refrain from sightseeing as crews are working," the emergency management department posted early Thursday.
More storms are expected on Thursday, with the possibility of tornadoes across parts of Alabama, Georgia, and Florida, according to the weather service. Strong storms are also possible for parts of the Carolinas and Texas.
