Tupelo, Miss., reportedly hit by tornado; damage assessment underway
A severe weather system moving through the central and southern U.S. on Monday has struck again, with a twister reportedly damaging and destroying businesses in Tupelo, Miss.
No injuries have yet been reported as officials begin to assess the emergency.
City spokeswoman Sarah Robinson told the Los Angeles Times that officials are reporting “significant damage to some businesses and hotels” in northwestern Tupelo shortly after 3 p.m. local time, though it hasn’t been officially confirmed whether the damage was caused by a tornado.
Stormwatchers had reported seeing a wedge-shaped tornado headed toward town.
Dr. Robert Thornton, a dentist in Tupelo, gave the Los Angeles Times permission to share his Instagram photo of the damage at a Courtyard by Marriott hotel; he said everyone was safe.
Other witnesses also tweeted photo of apparently serious damage, with none reporting injuries.
This is Vanellis in Tupelo where I work. Everyone is safe. Praising God for His hand of mercy over my coworkers. pic.twitter.com/2iyDneDy9O— Brandy Davis (@brandydavis01) April 28, 2014
MAJOR damage in North Tupelo. This is serious guys! pic.twitter.com/QepqUO5ydp— Steven Heicher (@stevenheicher) April 28, 2014
Tupelo tornado damage just now. #tupelo #tornado pic.twitter.com/f0RpwhqTyf— Tabitha Hawk (@tabithahawk) April 28, 2014
spoke with #tupelo police chief aguirre. He said things are really bad, still pulling people out of areas. No confirmed deaths. #tornado— Robbie Ward (@r0bbie_ward) April 28, 2014
pic.twitter.com/9Lj8SMz0ML— Jay Ward (@jayward11) April 28, 2014
pic.twitter.com/LmJgsHd06x— Jay Ward (@jayward11) April 28, 2014
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