Twenty-six people have been reported injured after tornadoes struck parts of Mississippi, officials said. The Mississippi State Department of Health reported 22 injuries in Lincoln County, three in Lamar County and one in Franklin County and said it will meet with hospitals on Thursday to assess the status of those injured.
State and local officials said about 1,460 customers remain without power statewide, down from a peak of roughly 20,100, and utility crews are working to restore service. In Lincoln County eight roads remain impassable because of debris and county officials said damage assessments are scheduled for Thursday, with support from Hinds, Covington, Jones and Forrest counties and the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency.
Officials said the American Red Cross shelter in Brookhaven had no occupants overnight. Two points of distribution remain open at the Bogue Chitto Fire Department and East Lincoln Fire Department, and feeding operations continue at those sites plus Auburn Road near Calvary Road and Bogue Chitto Baptist Church. Samaritan’s Purse opened a volunteer intake site at Pleasant Hill Baptist Church and will hold volunteer orientations at 7:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. daily as needed. A donation intake center is located at the Lincoln County School District building, 702 Saints Trail NW, Brookhaven.
In Lamar County, officials said damage assessments are complete, debris removal continues and utility crews are restoring power; a safe room has been placed on standby. Franklin County officials said assessments are complete, roadways are passable and the emergency operations center has returned to normal. Officials thanked volunteers, first responders, utility crews and emergency managers assisting recovery. We will provide more information as it becomes available.
