iStock/Thinkstock(NEW YORK) — At least one large tornado touched down in Mississippi early Saturday morning, leaving at least three dead and a trail of destroyed homes, collapsed buildings, downed power lines, and residents trapped in their homes, authorities said.
The city of Hattiesburg tweeted that four people are confirmed to have died while Forrest County Emergency Management told ABC News that three deaths are confirmed so far.
“At 3:45 a.m. CST, a confirmed tornado was located over West Hattiesburg, moving northeast at 50 mph,” read a National Weather Service warning of severe weather issued at 3:46 a.m.
“To repeat, a tornado is on the ground. TAKE COVER NOW! Move to a basement or an interior room on the lowest floor of a sturdy building. Avoid windows. If you are outdoors, in a mobile home, or in a vehicle, move to the closest substantial shelter and protect yourself from flying debris,” the statement urged. “Flying debris will be dangerous to those caught without shelter. Mobile homes will be damaged or destroyed. Damage to roofs, windows, and vehicles will occur. Tree damage is likely.”
Glen Moore, director of Forrest County Emergency Management, told ABC News his agency received reports of multiple people trapped in houses, destroyed homes and collapsed buildings.
William Carey University in downtown Hattiesburg also reported damage to its campus.
Ryan Moore, a reporter with ABC affiliate WDAM-TV in Hattiesburg, tweeted several photos of the devastation, writing that multiple structures were damaged.
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