UPDATE: MEMA Confirms 7 Deaths From Severe WX

PEARL, Miss. (WCBI)- The Mississippi Emergency Management Agency has confirmed seven deaths from the severe weather than began moving through the state early Wednesday morning, and preliminary reports indicate damage in seven counties from the storms.

Four deaths were reported in Benton County, two in Marshall County and one in Tippah County. In addition, one person is unaccounted for in Benton County.

Governor Phil Bryant declared a state of emergency for Benton, Coahoma, Marshall, Panola, Prentiss, Quitman and Tippah counties and other affected areas of the state. The declaration allows local governments to request state assistance with response and recovery.

The storms caused widespread damage to houses, mobile homes and public structures. More than 1,400 power outages have been reported as of Thursday morning, and weather-related debris forced numerous road closures in the affected counties.

 Additional damage assessments are ongoing. The National Weather Service will investigate and confirm reports of tornadoes.