19 dead as 'destructive' tornado, storms batter Mississippi
At least 19 people died as a "destructive" tornado and strong thunderstorms swept across Mississippi late Friday, leaving a trail of damage for more than 100 miles, ABC News reported, citing local and federal authorities.
Search and rescue operations were underway in Sharkey and Humphreys counties, Mississippi's Emergency Management Agency said late Friday. The agency issued a series of tornado warnings in counties throughout the state.
"Many in the MS Delta need your prayer and God's protection tonight," Gov. Tate Reeves said on Twitter. "We have activated medical support -- surging more ambulances and other emergency assets for those affected. Search and rescue is active."
Thirteen people died in Sharkey County, Coroner Angelia Easton told ABC News, adding that she could not yet confirm their ages. Carroll County Coroner Mark Stiles said three people had died. Another two were dead in Monroe County, Coroner Alan Gurley said. Jose Watson, a Mississippi Highway Patrol trooper, said one person died in Silver City, in Humphreys County.