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A powerful storm system swept across the U.S. state of Mississippi overnight on May 6, damaging hundreds of homes, injuring at least 17 people, and triggering reports of up to 14 tornadoes, as emergency teams moved in to assess the destruction.
Severe weather struck late Wednesday, with authorities reporting numerous tornado sightings across central and western parts of the state. While at least one tornado has been officially confirmed, officials indicated that as many as 14 were reported during the outbreak.
The storms tore through residential areas, collapsing homes, downing trees, and knocking out power lines across several counties. Around 500 homes were reported damaged, highlighting the scale of the impact as emergency crews began evaluating affected areas.
In Tylertown, a house caught fire after reportedly being struck by lightning, adding to the destruction caused by the storm system.
Emergency officials said at least 17 people were injured to varying degrees, although no fatalities were confirmed in the initial assessments. Rescue efforts continued as authorities responded to multiple incidents, including blocked roads and damaged infrastructure.
In Lincoln County, falling trees split a car and trapped individuals inside a mobile home park in the community of Bogue Chitto. Local reports also indicated that a 1-year-old child was missing following the storms, prompting ongoing search efforts.
Residents described the sudden nature of the destruction, with one local recounting how a room in his home was gone moments after he mistook the storm for thunder.
Officials stressed that damage assessments remain ongoing, with emergency teams working to clear roads and assist affected communities. Residents were urged to avoid traveling to impacted areas to allow crews to carry out their operations without disruption.
State authorities confirmed that the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency is coordinating the response, as the full extent of the damage continues to unfold.
The National Weather Service warned that additional storms could develop on Thursday, bringing the risk of more tornadoes to parts of Alabama, Georgia and Florida. Strong storms were also forecast for areas including the Carolinas and Texas, raising concerns about further disruption across the region.
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