(MENAFN) At least 25 people are dead in Mississippi and one person in Alabama after a tornado touched down just after sundown on Friday in a storm system that delivered twisters, heavy rain, wind gusts, and hail as it traveled throughout the South. The storm system ripped through Mississippi and produced a tornado that caused catastrophic damage to communities across the state. The twister moved northeast, devastating rural areas and leaving piles of scattered debris in its wake. The National Weather Service confirmed the tornado caused damage about 60 miles northeast of Jackson, Mississippi, and swept through towns including Winona and Amory before reaching Alabama.
Residents who survived the tornado are now left to pick up the pieces and mourn the loss of loved ones. Roger Cummings of Silver City, Mississippi, said that his nephew was killed in the storm, and Ernestine Hill, 73, survived the tornado but lost everything else, including her blood pressure medicine. Despite the devastation, some residents are grateful to be alive. Rayford Thomas, a resident of Silver City's Old Town subdivision, said that he almost died in his home when the tornado ripped through the neighborhood. His next-door neighbor was killed when the tornado smashed a mobile home frame through his wall. Thomas balled up to try to get into the tightest corner and survived.
Mississippi Governor Tate Reeves issued a state of emergency in all counties affected by the storms on Saturday afternoon. He also pleaded for help as residents surveyed the damage left after the storm's wake. Search and rescue teams were active, and officials were sending more ambulances and emergency assets to those affected. Reeves tweeted on Saturday that the search and rescue teams "are still active" and that the loss will be "felt in these towns forever." He also urged residents to watch weather reports and stay cautious through the night.
The tornadoes that swept through the South are a reminder of the destructive power of nature and the need for emergency preparedness. Officials like Reeves are working to provide aid and support to affected communities, but the road to recovery will be long and difficult. The loss of life and property is devastating, and it is important for individuals and communities to come together to support each other in the aftermath of the storm. While the tornadoes have caused widespread damage and tragedy, they have also highlighted the resilience and strength of those affected by the storms.
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