VICTIMS “FEEL THANKFUL” AFTER EF-3 TORNADO
VICTIMS “FEEL THANKFUL” AFTER EF-3 TORNADO
By: 2017Jordain Lang
Over 1,000 tornados per year touch down across the United States, sometimes leaving behind absolute destruction.
The top 10 states for tornadoes as of the most recent average (1991-2015) are in order from highest number of tornados to lowest: Texas, Kansas, Oklahoma, Florida, Nebraska, Illinois, Colorado, Iowa, Alabama, Missouri, and Mississippi. In previous years (1971-2002) Mississippi
has experienced a trend of long-track tornados spanning across Mississippi and Alabama.
Last October, The Clarion-Ledger reported that meteorologists expect to see unusual weather conditions due to climatic changes such as El Nino and La Nina. Most of Mississippi's tornado activity is in November, March and April. However, as Hattiesburg residents know too well, tornados are oftentimes unpredictable.
Early Saturday morning on January 21st, a tornado touched down in Lamar County and ripped a 31-mile path through Forrest County, causing significant damage to the Hattiesburg area. The extent of the damage occurred south of Hardy Street heading in an east direction crossing over Hwy 49 and I-55 in west Hattiesburg. The tornado wrecked the Hattiesburg Salvation Army and Fire Station 2, among other residential areas and businesses.
“At 3:45 a.m. CST, a confirmed tornado was located over West Hattiesburg, moving northeast at 50 mph,” read a National Weather Service warning of severe weather issued at 3:46 a.m.
Major damage was also reported in Petal, a community adjacent to Hattiesburg that is home to roughly 10,800 people. The strip mall near Foxes Pizza was destroyed and Walmart suffered significant damage.
When Jadaka Thurmond woke up, he was floating in the air. An EF-3 tornado caused Thurmond’s trailer to lift off the ground and crack open. He grabbed the hitch of the trailer and held on for dear life until it plummeted back to the ground.
“When I got up off the ground and looked up everything was gone,” Thurmond exclaimed.
“It was crazy, sounded like an 18-wheeler or train comin’ through,” said Annis Baker, a victim of the tornado.
The tornado caused 4 fatalities, more than 50 injuries, about 480 destroyed homes, collapsed buildings, and downed power lines.
An estimated 7,600 residents were without power statewide, according to Mississippi Power and the Electric Power Association.
Numerous people found themselves trapped in houses. Hundreds of residents awoke to shattered windows and damaged roofs. Additionally, there is serious destruction
Aerial Footage
on the campus of William Carey University. Dormitories and other buildings have been damaged but students report only minor injuries.
HubCity TV reporter Julius Kizzee assessed the damage at Edwards St. in mid-town Hattiesburg. Although faced with devastation, the Hattiesburg community remains resilient and thankful for their lives.
Although the storm devastated homes and possessions, for some, it reminded them how grateful they are.
Edna Smith remains peaceful in the wreckage of her home. “God’s still got me alive, and I’m just thankful that I’m still here.” “I’m just happy to just be alive and just uh, knowin’ that ya know God got me here for a reason.” “He could of took [sic] me last night but he didn’t.”
Baker says that she expects the community to bounce back just as it did after a tornado that hit Hattiesburg 4 years ago through “the miracle of God.” She remains hopeful and plans to pick up then pieces “one step at a time, one day at a time.”
The Mississippi Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) states that Gov. Phil Bryant declared a state of emergency with President Donald Trump designating four counties federal disaster areas: Forrest, Lamar, Lauderdale and Perry counties.
The devastation prompted Hattiesburg Mayor Johnny DuPree to sign an emergency declaration for the city of about 47,000 people.
“I would like to thank President Trump’s administration for it’s exceptionally quick response to our Mississippians in need,” Gov. Bryant said. “With more than 500 homes either destroyed or having suffered major damage, this federal assistance is critical to help these counties recover. Our hearts and prayers continue to be with the four people killed, those injured and everyone who is faced with the task of rebuilding.”
Anyone with damages in Forrest, Lamar, Lauderdale and Perry counties may apply by for additional federal disaster assistance by going to going to www.disasterassistance.gov or by calling 1-800-621-FEMA (3362). The speech or hearing impaired may call (TTY) 1-800-462-7585.
To learn more about tornado safety and preparedness, visit http://www.redcross.org/get-help/prepare-for-emergencies/types-of-emergencies/tornado#About
