The National Weather Service in Jackson has confirmed at least 12 tornadoes touched down in and around its forecast area following severe weather Wednesday night, according to a Saturday update.
Nine EF-1 tornadoes were confirmed within the NWS Jackson forecast area, which covers 45 counties in central Mississippi. Six of these touched down near Bassfield and Prentiss, two crossed Lincoln and Lawrence counties, and one was tracked in Jones County. An additional three EF-1 tornadoes were confirmed in Pike County, part of the NWS Slidell forecast area.
Damage surveys are still underway. NWS Jackson officials said the tornadoes were embedded within broader straight-line wind damage, complicating the survey process. They added that work will continue Saturday in Lawrence and Covington counties, with potential surveys in Marion and Lamar counties if time permits.
The Mississippi Emergency Management Agency reported storm damage in Amite, Lawrence, Lincoln, Smith, Pike, and Walthall counties. One person was confirmed dead, and three others injured in Lawrence County. The victim was identified as Anthony Case, 56, of Jayess.
Southwest Mississippi Community College in Summit sustained significant damage, including downed trees and power lines, according to college President Dr. Steve Bishop. The college was on spring break at the time and plans to shift to virtual learning Monday and Tuesday. More severe weather could impact the region Sunday night, with northern and central Mississippi under a Level 2 (Slight) risk and southern parts under a Level 1 (Marginal) risk for further storms and tornadoes, the National Weather Service warned.
Jon Ross Myers is the executive editor and publisher of the Mississippi News Network, Mississippi's largest digital only media company. He can be reached at editor@tippahnews.com
