Powerful storms, including at least three confirmed tornadoes, tore through parts of Mississippi on Wednesday night, damaging nearly 500 homes and leaving 17 people injured, authorities reported on Thursday. No deaths have been recorded so far.
Scott Simmons, a spokesperson for the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency, said 12 of the injured were transported from the Wash Trailer Park in Bogue Chitto, Lincoln County. Resident Max Mahaffey told WAPT-TV he was watching TikTok when the tornado struck, destroying his bedroom but leaving him unharmed, though his grandmother suffered an ankle injury.
National Weather Service meteorologist Daniel Lamb confirmed at least three tornadoes, with two spawned by the same storm system across Franklin, Lincoln, and Lawrence counties, and another from Lamar into possibly Forest county. He noted that more tornadoes may be confirmed after ground surveys.
Governor Tate Reeves urged residents to 'pray for Mississippi' as the state's emergency management agency coordinated response efforts. Lincoln County reported at least 200 damaged homes, while Lamar County had about 275, and Lawrence County saw 10 to 12 homes damaged. A volunteer rescue group provided a 50-person shelter pod, generator, and supplies to Lincoln County.
Further storms were expected on Thursday, with potential tornadoes across Alabama, Georgia, Florida, and parts of the Carolinas and Texas, according to the weather service.
