Tornado Emergency Issued; Massive Damage Reported As Large Tornado Rages Through Western Mississippi

April 25th, 2010 - 12:44 am ICT by BNO News  

VALLEY PARK, MISSISSIPPI (BNO NEWS) — The National Weather Service (NWS) on Saturday issued a rare tornado emergency for a large tornado that is raging through western Mississippi. Widespread damage is being reported.

The tornado was first spotted around 11.35 a.m. CDT near Valley Park, an unincorporated community in Issaquena County. As of 12.50 p.m. CDT, the tornado was located near Franklin, moving northeast at 55 mph. “National Weather Service meteorologists and storm spotters were tracking a large and extremely dangerous wedge tornado,” the agency said.

It said the tornado is expected to be near Durant, Bowling green and Sallis by 12.55 p.m. CDT and near Possumneck and West by 1 p.m. CDT.

The tornado emergency - which is more severe than a tornado warning - is currently in effect for western Attala and southeastern Holmes counties. It is set to expire at 1.15 p.m. CDT but may be continued if necessary.

People in the immediate area are urged to take protective action immediately, as this is an extremely dangerous tornado.

The NWS reported significant, widespread damage in Yazoo City and surrounding areas. It said at least 30 homes were destroyed in Eagle Bend, an unincorporated community in Warren County northwest of Vicksburg. Multiple people are believed to be injured and trapped inside collapsed structures.

(MORE TO COME.)

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