No one was injured after a tornado crossed from Winston County into Oktibbeha Saturday night.
The Mississippi Emergency Management Agency and Natioanl Weather Service reported that an EF-2 tornado crossed from Winston County into Oktibbeha that night around 9:55 p.m.
A tornado with a rating of EF-2 has wind speeds of 111 to 135 mph mph and can cause moderate to considerable damage.
According to Winston County EMA director Buddy King two homereceived damage and trees and other items were reported in the roads Saturday night.
“We thank all the volunteers who helped clear roadways and cleanup debris,” said King to the Winston County Board of Supervisors Monday morning.
MEMA noted in a Monday afternoon news release that damage reports from across the state serve only as initial assessments from the county emergency management offices and could change as additional reports and assessments are provided.
MEMA said it had received damage reports from 21 counties because of tornadoes and severe storms that began Saturday. The National Weather Services in Jackson, New Orleans and Memphis have confirmed a total of 11 tornadoes that impacted the state over the weekend.
Gov. Phil Bryant signed and declared a state of emergency Sunday that covers all counties affected by the weekend’s tornadoes and severe storms. A state of emergency is an administrative tool that authorizes the use of state resources to aid in response and recovery efforts..
The worst damage was around Hamilton in Monroe County, where one person died and 17 were injured. MEMA said 130 houses and numerous other structures were damaged there.
The public is encouraged to report damage to homes or businesses to their county emergency management office. A directory of all the offices can be found at http://www.msema.org/county-ema/
Saferoom put to use
The Louisville Saferoom recently opened and got its first major test this weekend.
About 125 persons used the saferoom as shelter when the National Weather Service declared the severe weather and and a tornado touch down in county. The inaugural weather event for the shelter
Louisville Mayor Will Hill explained, “Being the first night it was a major learning curve, but we did provide safe haven for anyone that made there way to the safe room.”
He added, “We realize the inconveniences of not having it furnished but technically we have not had training for opening or held an official opening. We appreciate everyone's patience and the bottom line is life safety, with or without chairs.”
Mayor Hill noted that the city does plan to add chairs to the saferoom and everyone who use the saferoom should always be prepared to bring a small amount of personal necessities (including medications). He added that pets were an ongoing question and currently the O&M Plan only allows for service animals.
“Overall it was good,” said Mayor Hill. “We will address the plans for the future with the information from this first night of use.”
He also encouraged everyone to have a severe weather plan.
