Pearl – The State of Mississippi is responding to the devastating tornadoes that swept through the state overnight on March 24, 2023. At the time of this release, 23 are confirmed dead at this time, dozens are injured and four people are missing. The fatalities are reported in Sharkey, Humphreys, Carroll, and Monroe counties. The National Guard Armory in Rolling Fork (19719 US-61, Rolling Fork, MS) is opening to assist in sheltering operations. Life safety is the number one priority and damage assessments will begin soon. A FEMA Team is en route to assist the state. Humphreys County is using its multipurpose building for shelter. The American Red Cross will set up a shelter at the Greenville Multipurpose Center. The Red Cross is also providing food offering one thousand meals for breakfast, one thousand meals for lunch, and one thousand meals for dinner.
ESF-1
District 1 (Northeast Mississippi)
There is significant damage in Amory along Highways 6 and 25. Crews from Monroe County are unable to get into Amory from the south where their headquarters is located due to the number of power lines that are down across the road. Crews from Itawamba County are coming from the north to assess damage in Smithville and cut any trees across the road on their way to Amory. Crews from Lee and Chickasaw County are mobilizing to assist the Monroe and Itawamba crews.
District 2 (Northwest Mississippi)
District 2 has a good bit of tornado damage east of Winona mainly along Hwy 407. Montgomery and Attala counties crews are out working to get it open as soon as possible.
District 3 (West Central Mississippi)
D3 Roads are currently clear for the exception of a small cut through highway, SR 826, near the Fire Dept. in Rolling Fork, which the Fire Dept. closed because of a lowered power line. That small section is closed until they clear it, MDOT is not involved in this closure.
While there are no reports of damaged roadways in District 3, the Rolling Fork MDOT campus is reporting significant damage.
Some MDOT employees have damaged and/or lost homes in the Rolling Fork area. Some of those with damaged homes reported overnight to keep the area roads clear and safe.
While Rolling Fork state roadways are CLEAR, MHP is currently detouring big trucks around Rolling Fork due to low or damaged power lines to allow the power company time to repair them.
District 5 (East Central Mississippi)
All District 5 roads are clear and no damage to roads, property or equipment is being reported by maintenance crews.
District 6 (Southeast Mississippi)
No storm-related damage reported
District 7 (Southwest Mississippi)
No storm-related damage reported
ESF 9 – Search and Rescue
Multiple task force teams and the Mississippi State Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks are working in Rolling Fork, Amory, and Monroe Counties.
ESF 8 – State Department of Health
Patients from Sharkey Issaquena Community Hospital were transferred to other hospitals and nursing facilities. The University of Mississippi Medical Center sent pediatric transport to Yazoo City to assist with three pediatric injuries. Covington County EMS sent ambulances to Rolling Fork. Pafford Ambulance Service is providing a mobile hospital and support staff at the Mississippi National Guard Armory in Rolling Fork.
ESF 12- MS Public Utilities Staff
Atmos Energy has cut gas lines in Rolling Fork for the safety of all residents and first responders.
Energy companies are asking the public to report any smell of natural gas to their energy company or 911. The number for the Atmos Emergency line is 866-322-8667.
https://www.msema.org/wp-content/uploads/March-24-Severe-Weather-Update-1.pdf
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