Storms Spawn 14 Tornadoes in Mississippi, Injure 17 and Leave Child Missing

Destructive storms swept through parts of Mississippi on Wednesday night and spawned at least 14 reported tornadoes, authorities said. One tornado has been confirmed.

A 1-year-old child was missing after the storms struck, CBS affiliate WJTV reported, citing emergency responders in Lincoln County. Officials said at least 17 people were hurt to some degree.

The storms flattened hundreds of homes, toppled trees and snapped power lines across multiple counties, officials said. A fire consumed a home in Tylertown after witnesses reported a lightning strike.

In Lincoln County, falling trees crushed a car and pinned people inside a mobile home park in the community of Bogue Chitto, WJTV reported.

"I was just watching TikTok on my bed and thought it was thunder. I went to my living room. I went back to my room, and the room's gone," resident Max Mahaffey told WAPT-TV.

He said he escaped injury, but his grandmother twisted her ankle and some neighbors sustained cuts and bruises.

The National Weather Service reported a very large and dangerous tornado that tracked from eastern Lincoln County into Lawrence County.

Gov. Tate Reeves said multiple tornadoes hit central and western parts of the state. He added that the state Emergency Management Agency was directing response efforts.

"Pray for Mississippi," he posted online.

Emergency officials in Lincoln County reported major damage and several injuries from the severe weather, but no deaths.

"Damage assessments are ongoing, there are multiple roads blocked in the county we ask that you please refrain from sightseeing as crews are working," the emergency management department posted early Thursday.

More storms were forecast for Thursday, with tornado risks across parts of Alabama, Georgia and Florida, the weather service said. Strong storms also loomed for parts of the Carolinas and Texas.