Mississippi Tornadoes Claim Six Lives, Cause Extensive Damage

TYLERTOWN, Miss. — A series of tornadoes swept through Mississippi on March 15, killing six people and injuring 29 others. The storms, which Governor Tate Reeves described as unprecedented, left widespread destruction across multiple counties, particularly Walthall, Jeff Davis, and Covington counties.

During a news conference on Monday, Governor Reeves confirmed that the fatalities included one person in Covington County, two in Jeff Davis County, and three in Walthall County, including a 7-year-old boy. The child, identified as Carter Young, died when a tornado destroyed his mobile home in the Darbun community.

Tylertown Police Chief Jordan Hill provided additional details, indicating that the deceased included two adults in adjacent mobile homes. Hill emphasized that the focus is on ongoing rescue efforts as emergency responders assess the damage. Reports indicate that many families are displaced, with several people still hospitalized.

The tornado that struck Mississippi was part of a larger storm system that also affected areas in Louisiana, notably Kentwood, causing damage to approximately 30 homes there. Hill noted the storm’s similarities to past disasters, raising concerns about the community’s readiness and response capabilities.

According to the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency (MEMA), 23 counties in Mississippi experienced significant damage, with search and rescue operations ongoing. MEMA Executive Director Stephen McCranie highlighted the challenges faced by first responders due to the storm’s severity and long track, with some tornadoes reportedly remaining on the ground for over 70 miles.

As a result of the devastation, Governor Reeves declared a state of emergency. This declaration allows for a more organized and expedited recovery process, including the possibility of federal assistance. Reeves stressed the importance of data collection to meet the requirements for federal relief.

“While we focus on rescue, we must gather information on structural damage to support our request for federal assistance,” said Reeves. “We need to ensure that we have accurate assessments to guide our recovery efforts.”

McCranie reported that emergency teams have conducted over 500 damage assessments within the first 24 hours following the storms, with numbers expected to rise. He urged patience among residents as utility teams work to restore power, which was disrupted for over 36,000 customers at the storm’s peak.

General Bobby Guin of the Mississippi National Guard reiterated their collaboration with MEMA in the ongoing recovery operations and outlined available resources, stating that many local organizations are stepping up to support affected communities.

Meanwhile, as Mississippi grapples with the aftermath of this disaster, neighboring states are also dealing with severe weather, including Alabama and Texas, where separate tornadoes and high winds have contributed to rising fatalities and injuries.

As communities begin the long process of recovery, officials continue to urge residents to remain vigilant as weather conditions may continue to pose threats.