Mississippi Weather Update: Several Confirmed Tornadoes in Recent Severe Storms
As part of a storm system that moved over many states on Saturday, December 28, the National Weather Service has reported that 27 tornadoes ripped across Mississippi.
According to Governor Tate Reeves, the twisters have so far been linked to two verified deaths and at least ten injuries. Tykeria Rogers, 18, was reportedly killed when a tree fell on a Natchez home. In Lowndes County, Geneva Karr, 68, also passed away after lacking oxygen at home due to a power outage.
Immediately following the storm system, thousands of people around the state lost electricity. Per the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency, the approximately 1,200 people still without power as of Thursday have had their power restored. Entergy Mississippi said on Thursday that electricity had been restored to all 45,000 of its customers who were left without power. A MEMA report released Thursday shows that at least 23 counties have reported damage.
“The National Weather Service is predicting a risk of severe weather on Sunday with freezing temperatures next week throughout Mississippi as we continue to work on the storms from December 28. In the press release, MEMA urged all Mississippians to keep an eye on the forecast and get their homes, cars, and families ready for the potential winter weather. There were 61 tornadoes in Mississippi last year, according to the NWS.
What Countries Have Reported Tornado Damage?
The following are preliminary damage reports for the fatal tornado outbreak:
- Adams: 20 homes, one death.
- Amite: 4 homes, one business, one farm.
- Claiborne: 18 homes.
- Clarke: 10 homes, one business.
- Clay: 65 homes, two farms.
- Franklin: 21 homes, two businesses, one farm.
- Harrison: 6 homes.
- Jackson: 10 homes, one business.
- Jasper: 6 homes, eight farms.
- Jefferson: 4 homes.
- Leake: 2 homes.
- Lincoln: 25 homes, three farms.
- Lowndes: 1 home, one death.
- Oktibbeha: 6 homes, 120 apartments, five businesses.
- Perry: 1 home, one farm.
- Simpson: 19 homes, two businesses, five farms.
- Scott: 5 homes, five farms.
- Smith: 9 homes, three farms.
- Rankin: 17 homes, three apartments, one business.
- Warren: 1 home.
- Wayne: 33 homes, one business, one farm.
- Wilkinson: 2 homes, three flats.
- Yazoo: 10 homes, two farms.
The MEMA self-report tool is available online for both individuals and companies. MEMA advises contacting your local county emergency agency if you have an urgent need.
