Mississippi tornadoes kill 4; emergency declared

Tornadoes in Mississippi, the southeastern state of United States, have claimed lives of at least four people and injured 20 others, The Mississippi Emergency Management Agency confirmed.

Two people died in Marion County, Mississippi, and two more in Jones County, state Emergency Management Agency spokesman Brett Carr confirmed to the Huffington Post.

According to the ABC, at least five tornadoes touched down across the southeast, including Mississippi, Georgia, and Louisiana.

The tornado caused power outages in Columbia and closed many roads. About 15 homes outside Amite, Louisiana were destroyed by the storm system, Tangipahoa Parish Emergency Management spokeswoman Vicki Travis told CNN.

Mississippi Governor Phil Bryant declared a state of emergency in Jones and Marion counties. “I have declared a state of emergency to assist local officials with any available state resources that are needed in areas affected by severe weather, specifically in Jones and Marion counties,” Gov. Bryant said.

According to the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency (MEMA), Red Cross Shelter has been opened at Mt. Carmel Church of God, 573 Mt. Carmel Church Rd. in Foxworth.

Mississippi

Mississippi

The National Weather Service had put parts of Mississippi, Louisiana, Alabama, Georgia and Florida under a tornado watch.

Related Post: Mississippi state natural disasters

Preliminary tornado damage reports by The Mississippi Emergency Management Agency.

• Jones: Two deaths. Damage to homes and power outages.
• Lamar: Homes damaged and road closed due to flooding/debris.
• Marion: Two deaths and 20 injuries. Extensive damage to homes and businesses. Multiple roads closed. Numerous power outages. Red Cross Shelter is open at Mt. Carmel Church of God, 573 Mt. Carmel Church Rd. in Foxworth.

Photos of damage caused by Mississippi tornadoes posted by Tangipahoa Parish Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness.

Original post: Natural Disasters List December 23, 2014