At Least 26 Dead After Devastating Tornadoes Tear Through Mississippi
(Photo : Scott Olson/Getty Images) ROLLING FORK, MISSISSIPPI - MARCH 27: Residents and volunteers continue their recovery efforts in the aftermath of Friday's tornado on March 27, 2023 in Rolling Fork, Mississippi. At least 26 people died when an EF-4 tornado ripped through the small town of Rolling Fork and other nearby communities on March 24th.

A deadly wedge tornado, which was almost a mile wide, hit Mississippi and led to the deaths of at least 26 individuals. The storm battered the land with hail the size of a golf ball and winds that moved at 200 mph.

Violent Wedge Tornado

According to Live Science, the violent wedge tornado that hit Mississippi last Friday night injured dozens of people and killed at least 26 individuals. The storm hit many small towns with strong winds with speeds that ranged from 166 mph to 200 mph.

The National Weather Service's (NWS) records suggest that this violent wedge tornado was the deadliest storm in 50 years. On the Enhanced Fujita Scale, which is the second-highest rating in the system of the NWS, it garnered an initial rating of EF4.

According to the World Socialist Web Site, the last time an EF4 tornado was documented in Mississippi was in April 2020. Zachary Hall, a storm chaser who was able to witness the wedge tornado's destructiveness, notes that Friday night was unlike anything that he had ever experienced before. The violent wedge tornado was different, scary, and loud. It was a terrifying and dangerous beast that led to the destruction of a town.

Yahoo! News reports that, prior to the hit of the tornado, the NWS had issued urgent and dire warnings of the disaster. This included four tornado emergencies, which are the most threatening ones in the arsenal of the NWS.

As per Axios, Tate Reeves, the governor of Mississippi, has declared that the affected counties are in a state of emergency. Governor Reevers notes that the state will marshal available resources for neighbors that are in need.

Governor Reeves notes that the scale of the losses and damages is clear. It has affected businesses, homes, and communities.

President Biden has also granted a disaster declaration for the areas that were impacted. This allows business owners and residents to access and avail of federal assistance.

ALSO READ: 'Back to Back' Tornadoes Hit Mississipi: 1 Fatality Recorded As Terrified Locals Shared Photos and Videos Online

Fatalities

According to Axios, deaths due to the devastating disaster were reported in several counties. These include Sharkey, Monroe, Carroll, and Humphreys. Angelia Easton, the coroner of Sharkey County, mentioned to ABC News that 13 people from their county died during the storm. Jose Watson, a trooper for the Mississippi Highway Patrol, also mentioned that one individual died in Silvery City, Humphreys County.

As per Live Science, the disaster has led to the injuries of dozens and the deaths of at least 26 individuals from several areas.

Nighttime Tornadoes

Axios notes that nighttime tornadoes are deadlier than daytime ones. This is partially due to how individuals are less attuned to warning sources for these disasters.

Several risk factors, about which scientists have issued years' worth of warnings, worked together and resulted in this disastrous event. Axios also notes that rural Mississippi is filled with mobile homes that can get gravely damaged even when weak tornadoes hit.

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