Tornado, torrential rain causes extensive damage in Monroe County

MONROE COUNTY, Miss. (WCBI) – Monroe County officials held a press conference Sunday morning to update people on the damage from Saturday night’s tornado.

Monroe County Sheriff Cecil Cantrell announced there will be a curfew for the Hamilton community and all impacted areas, from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m.

Monroe County Road Manager Sonny Clay said he was called out at about 11 p.m. Saturday.

Clay confirmed one fatality from the tornado after a tree fell on a trailer and killed an elderly man.

Four people were taken to Columbus hospital by ambulance. Fifteen people were also taken to the hospital by other vehicles.

Two people are in critical condition, and Clay was unable to give an update on their condition as of Sunday morning.

Clay reported tornado damaged caused trees to be all over the road, all the way up to the east side of Monroe County.

Clay said there are numerous trees down still. Torrential rain also appeared to cause damage to 8-10 roads.

Main roads are passable as of Sunday morning.

Clay encouraged sightseers to stay home because damage assessments are still ongoing.

MEMA updated Governor Phil Bryant on the damage Saturday morning. Gov. Bryant will be giving a press conference on Saturday’s severe weather at 3 p.m. in Pearl.

Clay said he has been through this about eight times now, but Saturday night’s tornado was the second worst he’s ever seen in his 25 years in Monroe.

Sheriff Cecil Cantrell was in the north part of the county after the tornado hit.

At Sunday’s press conference he said there were trees all over the road, damages to homes, and flooding.

Clay said it will take Monroe County Power several days to restore power.

Public Service Commissioner Brandon Presley said about 2,500 people were without power after last night’s severe weather.

Clay and Sheriff Cantrell both thanked the surrounding areas for their help.

Categories: Local News, Local Sports

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