HATTIESBURG, MS (WDAM) - Three people are dead after a large tornado ripped through parts of Hattiesburg and Petal in the early hours of Saturday morning, according to the Forrest County coroner's office. The death toll is expected to rise.
Extensive damage has been reported on Arledge Street near the Hattiesburg Police Department. Damage is evident for multiple blocks. There are reports of structures destroyed, roofs missing and downed trees and power lines.
William Carey also took a major hit from the storm.
"There are some minor injuries," said Mia Overton, William Carey public relations coordinator. "Officials are working to ensure students are safe and accounted for. There is damage to most buildings on campus including cars and a home across campus is damaged."
Overton said emergency officials are on campus assessing the damage.
Mayor Johnny DuPree has boarded a flight and is on his way back from Washington D.C.
Fire station number 2 in Downtown Hattiesburg suffered a direct hit.
There is also extensive damage in Petal.
The strip mall near Foxes Pizza is destroyed. The Walmart also suffered significant damage. Most roads in Petal are impassible. There are also reports of a building being swept into the road, making Carterville Road and the Main Street intersection impassible.
Perry County Sheriff Mitch Nobles also reported damage in Runnelstown, but nothing specific.
There is also reports of homes and roads flooded in Rawls Springs, specifically near Cherokee Road.
Search and rescue teams are being deployed to assist Forrest County emergency management in the Hattiesburg area.
The Mississippi Highway Patrol is reporting Interstate 59 north of Hattiesburg is closed due to debris.
There are power lines and debris over a large area so the public is asked to avoid traveling.
Severe weather is still moving through the southeastern part of the state.
The State Emergency Operations Center is activated providing resources as needed from counties.
MEMA will provide updates as information becomes available. The best way to get up-to-date information during this event is to “Like” MEMA on Facebook, or “Follow” us on twitter @msema.
Road closures:
- Highway 15 near Ovett completely shut down. Trees in the road.
- One lane open on I-59 South near mile marker 62.
- Do not try and go across East Hardy Street bridge into Petal.
- South Main Street in Petal is completely impassible.
- The road under the Hardy Street bridge near Highway 49 and 7th street is flooded
- Road blocked at Salvation Army Headquarters in downtown Hattiesburg
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