Multiple tornadoes ripped across central and southern Mississippi Wednesday night, damaging homes and businesses and leaving more than 15,000 customers without power. The American Red Cross has teams out across several counties, assessing the damage and working with state and local officials to determine what help and support people need.
Early reports from Mississippi Emergency Management indicate the tornadoes have damaged or destroyed as many as 1,000 structures. The agency stated the numbers could change as damage assessment continues.
The severe weather threat continues today. The National Weather Service Storm Prediction Center reports severe storms capable of producing damaging winds and tornadoes are possible across parts of Alabama, Georgia, Florida and parts of the Carolinas.
The Red Cross is monitoring the situation and is prepared to respond if necessary. People in the path of this severe weather should make their emergency preparations now. Learn what steps to take to get your household ready here.
STEPS TO HELP YOU STAY SAFE Download the free Red Cross Emergency app for real-time alerts, expert advice in English and Spanish, and available disaster shelter and support locations. Search “American Red Cross” in app stores or go to redcross.org/apps.
AFTER A TORNADO: Keep listening to radio, TV or other news sources. Stay in your shelter until the tornado warning is over.
If you are in the path of today’s severe weather, find the safest location at places where you spend a lot of time. A basement or a small interior room with no windows on the lowest level of a sturdy building is best.
About the American Red Cross:
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or follow us on social media.
Support all the urgent humanitarian needs of the American Red Cross.
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