LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (AP) — The latest on the severe storms moving across the U.S. and the unusually warm December weather.
At least three people have been confirmed dead in Mississippi after multiple tornadoes swept through the state.
Greg Flynn, a spokesman for the Mississippi Emergency management Agency, says at least one death was reported in Marshall County Wednesday. He says there are reports of other deaths, but could not confirm any more.
Flynn also reports more than 40 injuries in six counties but that number could rise as the night goes on.
The Benton County Sheriff’s Office, which neighbors Marshall County, also confirmed at least two dead and between two and four people reported missing.
Neither agency had any details as to ages or gender of the deceased.
The Benton County Sheriff’s Office says search-and-rescue crews are currently doing a house-by-house search to make sure residents are accounted for.
Storm Prediction Center meteorologist Matt Mosier says a preliminary report shows that there were 14 tornadoes to touchdown in Mississippi.
Mosier says the tornado raced for more than half an hour for about 100 miles Wednesday. He says it went from the Mississippi River to the northern part of the state including Holly Springs and eventually crossed the border of southwest Tennessee.