Mississippi Tornado Outbreak: 14 Twisters Damage Hundreds of Homes

At least 14 tornadoes tore across Mississippi on Wednesday night, collapsing hundreds of homes, downing trees, and knocking out power across multiple counties. Officials said at least 17 people were injured and a 1-year-old child was reported missing in Lincoln County as crews worked through the night to reach survivors.

The National Weather Service said one tornado had already been confirmed and described "a very large and dangerous tornado" that triggered a rare tornado emergency, the highest-tier warning the agency issues. Governor Tate Reeves activated state emergency resources and asked residents on social media to "Pray for Mississippi."

What Happened Wednesday Night

The damage stretched across south-central Mississippi, beginning in Adams County and pushing through Franklin, Lincoln, Lawrence, and Jefferson Davis counties. The hardest-hit area appears to be Lincoln County, where emergency officials estimated more than 200 homes were damaged. Lawrence County reported another 10 to 12 homes hit. Across the storm path, nearly 500 homes were damaged.