Mississippi Governor declares a state of emergency

Mississippi Gov. Phil Bryant has declared a state of emergency for 27 counties in the state affected by severe storms and tornados.

The hardest hit areas include Edwards in Hinds County and Liberty in Amite County, Bryant said.

“To those that are out wanting to help, make sure that you do not self-deploy. Check with your local emergency management director, your sheriff’s department, your police department — anyone of an official response capability. Check with them before you self-deploy or go into these areas,” Bryant said in a news conference.

“This is not a sight-seeing opportunity,” he added.

An initial National Weather Service survey of tornado damage in Mississippi has confirmed that 14 tornadoes touched down in 25 counties. At least 15 people were injured, 150 homes damaged or destroyed, and about 10,000 were left without power. The official tornado count may increase.

Shelters have been set up in Jones, Marion, Smith and Lee counties.

Across the south, nearly 30 reports of tornadoes came in to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

We are out surveying the #tornado damage in #Union County #MSwx Will head to northern #Lee County next. pic.twitter.com/6WyCL78YQu

— NWS Memphis (@NWSMemphis) December 17, 2019