A deadly wedge tornado, which was almost a mile wide, hit Mississippi and led to the deaths of at least 26 individuals. The storm battered the land with hail the size of a golf ball and winds that moved at 200 mph.
Violent Wedge Tornado
First Light of Rolling Fork Mississippi after a Violent #Tornado last night. #mswx @SevereStudios @MyRadarWX pic.twitter.com/NG0YcI3TQn
— Jordan Hall (@JordanHallWX) March 25, 2023
According to Live Science, the violent wedge tornado that hit Mississippi last Friday night injured dozens of people and killed at least 26 individuals. The storm hit many small towns with strong winds with speeds that ranged from 166 mph to 200 mph.
The National Weather Service's (NWS) records suggest that this violent wedge tornado was the deadliest storm in 50 years. On the Enhanced Fujita Scale, which is the second-highest rating in the system of the NWS, it garnered an initial rating of EF4.
According to the World Socialist Web Site, the last time an EF4 tornado was documented in Mississippi was in April 2020. Zachary Hall, a storm chaser who was able to witness the wedge tornado's destructiveness, notes that Friday night was unlike anything that he had ever experienced before. The violent wedge tornado was different, scary, and loud. It was a terrifying and dangerous beast that led to the destruction of a town.
Sometimes it is best to just get things off your chest… So here it goes I guess. 🤷🏻♂️
— Zachary Hall (@WxZachary) March 27, 2023
Friday night was like nothing I’ve ever experienced. This tornado was just…
Different.
It was scary. It was loud. It had a growl. It was a terrifying beast in the dark that literally… pic.twitter.com/nhwr6rkqA6
My final view of the Rolling Fork, Mississippi #tornado before it moved into town.
— Zachary Hall (@WxZachary) March 25, 2023
Low quality screengrab from a video.
I’m telling you, this tornado had a roar like I’ve never heard. Intense, scary tornado that inflicted major damage. @wx_Frankie pic.twitter.com/iI3lwFbIQK
Yahoo! News reports that, prior to the hit of the tornado, the NWS had issued urgent and dire warnings of the disaster. This included four tornado emergencies, which are the most threatening ones in the arsenal of the NWS.
As per Axios, Tate Reeves, the governor of Mississippi, has declared that the affected counties are in a state of emergency. Governor Reevers notes that the state will marshal available resources for neighbors that are in need.
I have declared a State of Emergency in the Mississippi counties impacted by last night’s severe storms including tornadoes.
— Governor Tate Reeves (@tatereeves) March 25, 2023
We will marshal every available resource on behalf of our neighbors in need. We’re here for the long haul. pic.twitter.com/yPENOSfZwr
Governor Reeves notes that the scale of the losses and damages is clear. It has affected businesses, homes, and communities.
President Biden has also granted a disaster declaration for the areas that were impacted. This allows business owners and residents to access and avail of federal assistance.
Fatalities
According to Axios, deaths due to the devastating disaster were reported in several counties. These include Sharkey, Monroe, Carroll, and Humphreys. Angelia Easton, the coroner of Sharkey County, mentioned to ABC News that 13 people from their county died during the storm. Jose Watson, a trooper for the Mississippi Highway Patrol, also mentioned that one individual died in Silvery City, Humphreys County.
As per Live Science, the disaster has led to the injuries of dozens and the deaths of at least 26 individuals from several areas.
Nighttime Tornadoes
Axios notes that nighttime tornadoes are deadlier than daytime ones. This is partially due to how individuals are less attuned to warning sources for these disasters.
Several risk factors, about which scientists have issued years' worth of warnings, worked together and resulted in this disastrous event. Axios also notes that rural Mississippi is filled with mobile homes that can get gravely damaged even when weak tornadoes hit.
Check out more news and information on Natural Disasters in Science Times.
