A tornado ripped through parts of southern Mississippi early Saturday morning reportedly killing at least four people and leaving in its wake a trail of destroyed homes, collapsed buildings and other residents trapped in their homes. The city of Hattiesburg said via its Twitter account that four people had died after the twister blew through the city and surrounding area.
Mayor Johnny DuPree has signed an emergency declaration for the city, which reported “significant injuries” and structural damage. The National Weather Service issued a warning at around 3:45 a.m. that a tornado had touched down in Hattiesburg, located about 91 miles southwest of Jackson. “To repeat, a tornado is on the ground. TAKE COVER NOW! Move to a basement or interior room on the lowest floor of a sturdy building,” the statement read. READ MORE
