Destructive tornadoes touched down in Mississippi and Alabama and possibly Tennessee on Tuesday, destroying dozens of homes and creating emergency situations all across the three states.
Greg Flynn, spokesman for the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency, said a confirmed tornado was reported just before 3:30 p.m. in eastern Newton and Lauderdale counties, largely rural areas in the eastern part of the state. Lauderdale County Sheriff Billy Sollie said the storm damaged homes, toppled trees and knocked out power.
In Alabama, the National Weather Service in Birmingham reported a “confirmed large and destructive tornado” on the ground near the city of Aliceville, about 45 miles west of Tuscaloosa. Minor injuries were reported.
Later, in west Tennessee, high winds damaged several homes and school buildings in Crockett County. Public schools there were to be closed Wednesday as officials surveyed the damage. Law enforcement officials believed a tornado had passed through, but Weather Service meteorologists in Memphis said late Wednesday they couldn’t confirm a touchdown, The Jackson Sun reported.
Debris lies on the ground after a storm passed through the Sapps mobile home park destroying many homes in Sapps, Ala., just outside of Aliceville on Tuesday, Feb. 2, 2016. Authorities say a large tornado in rural western Alabama left a trail of damage as powerful storms moved into the state. (Erin Nelson/The Tuscaloosa News via AP)
Friends and neighbors work on the roof of the home of Debbie McCormick on Shelby Road near Newton, Miss., that received extensive damage after a storm Tuesday, Feb. 2, 2016. A tornado damaged homes and at least one church, and strong winds damaged student housing at a community college Tuesday in eastern Mississippi. Authorities said no injuries were immediately reported. (Robbie Robertson/The Newton County Appeal via AP)
Debris lies on the ground near First Baptist Church of Collinsville in Lauderdale County, Miss., after it was severely damaged during a storm Tuesday, Feb. 2, 2016. Authorities say a large tornado in rural western Alabama left a trail of damage as powerful storms moved into the state. (Paula Merritt /The Meridian Star via AP)
People look at debris after a storm passed through the Sapps mobile home park destroying many homes in Sapps, Ala., just outside of Aliceville on Tuesday, Feb. 2, 2016. Authorities say a large tornado in rural western Alabama left a trail of damage as powerful storms moved into the state. (Erin Nelson/The Tuscaloosa News via AP)
The Associated Press contributed to this article.
I feel SO SAD for the people that had to deal with these horrible tornadoes!!! May God be with them – and may HELP come their way!!
Is anyone hurt or dead? Are the people ok.
It could have been a lot worse. Praise God it wasn’t!
First Baptist Church, Collinsville, MS was our former church. We spent 15 wonderful years there and love the people. We are praying for strength and guidance at this time.
When Bad Times Happen to So many around us ,,Dear Lord, Give them All the Help They Need.. And Then Comes … ” Thank God It wasn`t me .. and how much longer am I Going to BE>>Lucky ? Dear God, Help Those poor Unfortunates thru this Terrible Calamity..and Provide to them all that they need We thank You .