Tornado that killed 25 people had 200 mph sustained winds

Friday night, an EF-4 tornado with wind gusts of up to 200 mph and a staggering 59-mile path of destruction tore through Rolling Fork, Mississippi.

Whole blocks were flattened, houses destroyed, cars flipped over, and a church steeple and water tower were ripped from the ground. In the aftermath of the devastating winds, at least 25 people lost their lives with dozens more injured, including one man in Alabama.

In response to the wreckage, emergency responders, first responders, and the National Weather Service have been collaborating to search through the debris of residences, businesses, and municipal buildings for survivors and bodies.

National Weather Service also warned of more intense weather in the region. President Biden, in recognition of the severity of the situation, declared a major emergency in Mississippi.

Federal funding is now becoming available in the counties of Carroll, Humphreys, Monroe, and Sharkey to assist with temporary housing, home repairs, uninsured property damages, and other programs.

The tragedy of the tornado is immense and the people of Mississippi need all the assistance they can receive to recover.