A devastating tornado struck Mississippi Friday night. The Mississippi Emergency Management Agency tweeted early Saturday that at least 23 people were confirmed dead and dozens more were injured.
At 8:05 p.m. local time on Friday, the National Weather Service in Jackson confirmed a tornado was on the ground and approaching the town of Rolling Fork. Search and rescue crews were dispatched to Rolling Fork, according to Gov. Tate Reeves. Many have arrived there to assist those that have been impacted. Additionally, emergency shelters are also open for the residents.
Morning Update as of 6:20am:
— msema (@MSEMA) March 25, 2023
We can confirm 23 dead, dozens injured, 4 missing due to last night's tornadoes. We have numerous local and state search and rescue teams that continue to work this morning. A number of assets are on the ground to assist those that have been impacted
According to WPAT, the tornado was was at least a mile wide and traveled for more than 170 miles. “Complete and utter devastation. Just houses, roofs ripped off of houses, walls took down from houses,” said Rolling Fork resident Edgar O’Neil. “I’ve seen several areas where parts of the concrete, the asphalt had been jacked up from the ground. I mean, complete devastation.”
United Cajun Navy President, Todd Terrell, told ABC News that Rolling Fork was “pretty much devastated,”. Additionally, he stated, “there’s a lot of people still trapped in their homes.”
Per the Storm Prediction Center and CNN, at least 11 tornados were reported in Mississippi and Alabama on Friday — including the ones that touched down in Rolling Fork, Silver City, and Winona.
WAPT News:
MEMA said there is also damage in Amory along Highways 6 and 25. There are numerous power lines and trees down making it difficult for rescue crews to maneuver. Additionally, the tornado caused damage to the town of Winona, mainly along Highway 407.
Chief Meteorologist, David Hartman, said it will take days to determine the extent of all the damages.
Let us please keep the residents in these affected towns in our prayers. We will keep you all updated as more information is released.
