New York, Europe Brief News – At least 23 people have died after a tornado tore through the US state of Mississippi on Friday night.
The mayor of Rolling Fork says the town has been devastated by the storm, while more people are thought to be trapped under rubble.
The twister caused devastation in several rural towns, where trees and power lines were torn down.
Hail the size of golf balls and heavy rainfall were reported in several areas of the state. Other southern states are also braced for powerful storms.
First Light of Rolling Fork Mississippi after a Violent #Tornado last night. #mswx @SevereStudios @MyRadarWX pic.twitter.com/NG0YcI3TQn
— Jordan Hall (@JordanHallWX) March 25, 2023
The Mississippi Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) said there were “dozens injured” and four people missing as search and rescue teams combed through the destruction looking for survivors after the storm struck Silver City in Western Mississippi.
“Unfortunately, these numbers are also expected to change,” it said, referring to the death toll.
Search and rescue operations were under way in Sharkey and Humphreys counties, about 110km (70 miles) north of state capital Jackson, according to broadcaster ABC.
“We have activated medical support – surging more ambulances and other emergency assets for those affected. Search and rescue is active,” Governor Tate Reeves said on Twitter, warning residents to “watch weather reports and stay cautious”.
The rural towns of Silver City and Rolling Fork reported destruction as the tornado swept northeast at 113 kph (70 mph) without weakening, racing towards Alabama through towns, including Winona and Amory, into the night.
