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 Thursday.
Despite the widespread destruction, there were no immediate reports of deaths or severe injuries.
The small community of Bogue Chitto in Lincoln County was particularly hard hit, with a mobile home park suffering severe damage.
Resident Max Mahaffey recounted his harrowing experience to 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."
While Mahaffey was uninjured, his grandmother sustained an ankle injury, and some neighbors suffered cuts and bruises.
The National Weather Service confirmed that "a very large and dangerous tornado" moved from eastern Lincoln County into Lawrence County.
Governor Tate Reeves stated multiple tornadoes were reported across central and western Mississippi, with the state Emergency Management Agency coordinating response efforts. He posted online, "Pray for Mississippi."
Emergency officials in Lincoln County confirmed major damage and several injuries, but no deaths. They issued a public advisory early Thursday: "Damage assessments are ongoing, there are multiple roads blocked in the county we ask that you please refrain from sightseeing as crews are working."
More storms are expected on Thursday, with potential tornadoes across Alabama, Georgia, and Florida. Strong storms are also forecast for parts of the Carolinas and Texas.
