JACKSON, Miss. (AP) — Devastating weather systems swept across Mississippi Wednesday evening, with at least one verified tornado wreaking havoc on communities and leaving hundreds of residences in ruins, according to state officials.
Fortunately, authorities reported no fatalities or serious injuries from the severe weather that impacted multiple counties across the state.
A trailer park in Bogue Chitto, located in Lincoln County, sustained extensive destruction from the storms.
“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,” resident Max Mahaffey told WAPT-TV.
Mahaffey escaped without harm, though his grandmother injured her ankle and several neighbors received cuts and bruises during the ordeal.
Weather officials described “a very large and dangerous tornado” that traveled from eastern Lincoln County through Lawrence County.
Governor Tate Reeves confirmed that several tornadoes struck central and western regions of Mississippi, with the state’s Emergency Management Agency now coordinating relief operations.
“Pray for Mississippi,” he posted online.
Lincoln County emergency officials confirmed significant destruction and multiple injuries occurred, but emphasized no lives were lost.
“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.
Additional severe weather was forecast for Thursday, with tornado risks extending across Alabama, Georgia, and Florida, meteorologists warned. The Carolinas and Texas also faced potential for dangerous storms.
