Tornado Passes Through Noxubee County

SHUQUALAK, Miss. (WCBI) -In a matter of seconds, lives and landscapes were changed forever. Early Thursday afternoon a powerful storm system made its way through Mississippi, claiming at least one life and leaving millions of dollars in damages behind.
Power lines snapped like rubber bands. Telephone poles were tossed like toothpicks. Storm debris blocked streets and even a major highway. A tornado plunged Shuqalak into darkness, and left at least 8 families without a home.

“Our first respondents come and do whatever they can to assist and clear the streets and help anyone who is displaced, help to get them to a safe place. With family , friends or whatever because we do not have a safe place where we take people to,” said Mayor Velma Jenkins.

Most of the extensive damage came along Highway 21, College Street and Running Water Road. Two people were rushed to Noxubee County Hospital.

“We heard that some people were trapped after the storm. Some of the trailers were turned over, some of the roads were crossed with trees and debris and out thing was to get in there and get those people out as fast as we can,” added Fireman Harry Jenkins.

No fatalities were reported in Noxubee County. The Mississippi Emergency Management Agency will spend Friday assessing the damage. The Red Cross is also pitching in. Local authorities are keeping a close eye on neighborhoods until the lights come back on.

“Most of the damage was done outside the city limits, however out first responders go anywhere in this area and so they have everything under control. Now we’re waiting for Forbe Company to get the lights back up. Once that happens we will be ok,” said Mayor Jenkins.

Noxubee County schools will be closed Friday, while crews work to get a handle on the damage.

Categories: Local News

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