US: Death toll increases as recovery operations continue following tornado damage in parts of west-central Mississippi March 25 /update 1

Event

As of March 25 the death toll has increased amid ongoing recovery operations after a tornado touched down in Silver City, Humphreys County, and Rolling Fork, Sharkey County, Miss., late March 24. The tornado tracked over northwestern Tchula, Holmes County, and along Highway 49 before impacting Winona City in Montgomery County and Amory City in Monroe County.

Authorities have confirmed at least 23 fatalities thus far, with dozens injured and four more missing; the death toll will likely rise in the coming hours. Of the fatalities, 13 occurred in Sharkey County, with more deaths occurring in Carroll (three), Monroe (two), and Humphries (one) counties; the locations of the remainder of the deaths are unknown at the time of writing.

Search and rescue operations are underway in Humphreys and Sharkey counties; Rolling Fork and Siver City have been worst impacted. Reports indicate that multiple structures are damaged or destroyed, including commercial and residential buildings.

As of 07:30 CDT more than 100,000 people across Alabama, Mississippi, and Tennessee were left without power, with the majority of these occurring in Tennessee. Associated responses and tornado damage are likely to result in localized ground transport delays in the coming days. Employees may be affected by possible business and school closures. Disruptions to internet services are possible as are water outages; local authorities may issue boil-water advisories.

Advice

Monitor local media for updated emergency and weather information. Be prepared to quickly move to a safe location if new warnings are issued. Seek updated information on road conditions before driving or routing shipments through areas where damage has occurred. Charge battery-powered devices in case prolonged electricity outages occur. Prepare for possible communication disruptions, including to mobile phone and internet services.