MOTHER NATURE

4 Dead in Mississippi Tornado

Authorities say the death toll may rise.

Four people were killed in southern Mississippi after a tornado tore through the area on Saturday morning, leaving “massive damage” and dozens of homes destroyed. Authorities in Hattiesburg confirmed on Twitter that four residents had been killed in the storm, though their identities have not yet been released. The death toll may rise, as firefighters and police officers are now reportedly conducting door-to-door wellness checks to see if there are any more victims. Mayor Johnny DuPree has declared a state of emergency in the area as authorities prepare to deal with the aftermath. Greg Flynn of the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency told the Associated Press that “massive damage” has affected three counties in the state after the 4 a.m. twister. Interstate 59, which is north of Hattiesburg, has been closed down due to debris blocking the road.