Twisters smash Miss., 25 dead

Powerful tornadoes tore the Deep South on Friday (March 24) night, killing at least 25 people (updated) in Mississippi, obliterating dozens of buildings and flattening the town of Rolling Fork, whose mayor declared: “My city is gone.”  The Mississippi Emergency Management Agency said search and rescue teams have been deployed to help the victims. The agency confirmed 23 deaths - which may go higher - four missing and dozens injured. Mississippi Gov. Tate Reeves tweeted March 25 that he was on the way to Sharkey County, location of Rolling Folk. “Devastating damage. This is a tragedy.”  The National Weather Service confirmed a tornado caused damage about 60 miles NE of Jackson. The towns of Silver City and Rolling Fork reported destruction as the tornado swept NE at 70 mph racing towards Alabama through towns, including Winona and Amory, Miss., into the night. Magnonlia State Live 03/25/23) UPDATED with new info: Mississippi tornadoes kill 23, injure dozens overnight - Magnolia State Live | Magnolia State Live 

Sites for Assistance 

* Rotarians in the Delta are responding with water and personal hygiene items. People in the Delta can deliver these items to the Central Fire Station in Greenville Saturday. The group is working with the Rolling Fork Rotary Club. 

* The Cajun Navy has responded to impacted areas. Follow them on Facebook at “Cajun Navy Ground Force” for donation needs and volunteer opportunities.

* Several catering and food truck teams are setting up in impacted communities to offer free food for victims and first responders.

* The Episcopal Diocese of Mississippi is collecting water and snacks. Donations may be delivered to several parishes across Mississippi. St. Columb’s in Ridgeland is serving as the coordinating parish.

* Jacks’ Family Restaurants are reported to be responding with free food for victims. 

* Arms of Mercy is working with Emmanuel Baptist Church at the National Guard Armory in Rolling Fork to offer coffee, donuts, and sausage biscuits.

* The American Red Cross responded with food to Silver City.

* The Mississippi Department of Public Safety is partnering with the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency and Mississippi Department of Agriculture and Commerce in a donation drive Saturday. Donations may be delivered to the Armory at the fairgrounds in Jackson from 1:30 p.m. until 5 p.m. They are accepting water, canned goods, and paper products. 

* Water and ice may be delivered to the John Deere dealership on Highway 61 in Rolling Fork.

* The American Legion has mobilized. They are asking for donations of water, cleaning supplies, diapers, or anything that can be useful. Money is also being accepted. Donations can be made at the Posts in Decatur or Vicksburg. (Magnolia State Live 03/25/23) 

Monroe County, Miss., twister damage - photos: PHOTOS: Tornado killed two in Monroe County | News | wtva.com