BROOKHAVEN, MS – The Mississippi Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) has confirmed that a devastating outbreak of 14 tornadoes touched down across the state on Wednesday, leaving at least 17 people injured and roughly 400 homes damaged.
Hardest Hit: Lincoln and Lamar Counties
Lincoln and Lamar counties bore the brunt of the storm’s fury. In Lamar County, officials report that 275 homes sustained damage, with four injuries recorded.
In Lincoln County, the destruction was centered around the Wash Trailer Park. Authorities confirmed that 12 of the state’s 17 injuries occurred within this single community, where over 200 homes were impacted. Residents described the scene as “indescribable” and “upsetting” as families began the process of sifting through the wreckage.
Relief Efforts and Safety Warnings
Governor Tate Reeves announced that the Cajun Navy has been deployed to Lincoln County. The volunteer group is providing:
- A 50-person shelter pod
- A 30-kilowatt generator
- 10 pallets of emergency supplies
MEMA and the Lamar County Sheriff’s Office are strictly urging residents to avoid “sightseeing” in affected areas. Downed power lines and floodwaters have created unstable conditions, and unnecessary traffic is currently hindering emergency crews.
School Closures and Power Outages
The scale of the damage has forced several school districts to remain closed as cleanup begins. Schools in Lawrence, Franklin, and Lincoln counties are currently shut down.
As of Thursday morning, over 15,600 residents remain without power statewide. While damage assessments are preliminary, officials confirmed that, fortunately, no fatalities have been recorded.
Looking Ahead
The storm system is now pushing eastward toward the Florida Panhandle and the Atlanta area. Meanwhile, Gulf Coast cities—including Houston, Lake Charles, and New Orleans—are bracing for continued heavy rain and potential flash flooding through Friday.
