Twisters slam Mississippi destroying homes during Tornado Emergency

JACKSON, Miss. — Several tornadoes spawned by supercell thunderstorms ripped through Central, West and Southern Mississippi Wednesday evening, triggering a tornado emergency. Officials said homes have been destroyed across several counties, with searches and damage assessments still ongoing.

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Governor Tate Reeves said late Wednesday that the state emergency management agency is in contact with local emergency managers and is coordinating the state's search and rescue response. No deaths have been confirmed.

WHAT IS A TORNADO EMERGENCY?

More than 19,000 customers were without power across the state early Thursday.

Some of the most significant damage has been reported across Lincoln, Lamar, Franklin and Kemper counties.

Lamar County Emergency Management warned people to stay away from the City of Purvis due to tornado damage and downed power lines. Video out of Purvis showed homes with roofs torn off and cars that were completely crushed.

A Tornado Emergency was first issued for parts of Adams and Franklin counties, just after 7 p.m. local time.

NOAA's Storm Prediction Center (SPC) received at least 14 reports of tornado damage.

Severe storms generated large hail across the region, including reports of hail up to 2.75 inches in diameter in Waugh, Alabama, and Tucker, Mississippi.

A Tornado Watch remained in effect for Mississippi, Alabama, and parts of Florida through 6 a.m. Thursday.

Check back for updates on this developing story.