HATTIESBURG- Friday night storms moved through the central and southern part of Mississippi causing a serious amount of damage and leaving four dead.
UPDATE 5:30 p.m.- Gov. Bryant has issued a state of emergency in order to offer assistance to the areas effected by Friday night’s severe weather.
The Mississippi Emergency Management Agency has confirmed fourdeaths and more than 20 injuries from severe weather that struck south Mississippi Saturday morning.
There is extensive damage from a tornado in Forrest County in and around the cities of Hattiesburg and Petal.
Two state search and rescue teams, Mississippi Task Force Two and Three have been deployed to Forrest County.
Highway 43 has been closed due to flooding and MDOT is encouraging people not to travel unless necessary due to debris and down power lines all over the area.
The Forrest County Multipurpose Center, 962 Sullivan Drive,Hattiesburg has been opened as a shelter for anyone seeking assistance.
The National Weather Service confirms that a storm system pushed across the state last night that produced other smaller storms.
“We did have a touchdown across east central Lamar County that ended up tracking across the southern portion of the City of Hattiesburg,” said Alan Campbell, NWS.
MDOT reporting- Aside from flooding on Hwy 43 in Marion County, all
#MShwys remain open: Live travel info: http://ow.ly/7MYW308dBq7 . Flooding on MS 43 at Old River Rd South in Marion Co. will have road closed in ALL directions until noon. Do not travel unless absolutely necessary. If you must travel, use extreme caution.More damage in downtown Hattiesburg. #mswx pic.twitter.com/GHIGLQ43zy
— Ryan Moore (@RyanMooreMS) January 21, 2017
Campus officials say it’s not safe to enter buildings @wdam pic.twitter.com/PlG9KvsD35
— Jac Bedrossian (@JacBWDAM) January 21, 2017
Damage to #WilliamCarey school of business building. Windows blown out, glass everywhere, streets flooded. @RyanMooreMS pic.twitter.com/Fl4TPTGO4V
— Taylor Curet (@TaylorCuret) January 21, 2017
More damage along Edwards Street in Hattiesburg. #mswx pic.twitter.com/nenTZ2NXWc
— Ryan Moore (@RyanMooreMS) January 21, 2017
4 people confirmed dead from Tornado
— City of Hattiesburg (@Hattiesburg_MS) January 21, 2017
The City of Hattiesburg has announced that shelters are now open for anyone who needs a place to go.
Forrest County Multipurpose Center (962 Sullivan Drive) is now open as storm shelter. For assistance, call: 601-544-5911.
— City of Hattiesburg (@Hattiesburg_MS) January 21, 2017
After the severe weather Mayor Johnny DuPree has signed an emergency declaration for the city.
Bob Ghetti General Manager for Supertalk Hattiesburg and resident gave News Mississippi this report:
The path was formed around William Carey University and headed South of Hattiesburg to Evelyn Gandy Parkway. Four are confirmed dead with one still missing.
Photos of the damage at Willam Carey University:
Photos of the damage to a Petal shopping mall
