A tornado is a storm unlike any other. It is a tall and narrow funnel of swirling air. Tornadoes are smaller in size than hurricanes. But their winds are powerful and can move quickly. That’s what happened in Mississippi and Alabama on the night of March 24.
The tornado lasted for more than an hour. It tore through about 170 miles (273 km) of land. It destroyed buildings and sent cars flying. At least 26 people died. Most of the damage was in Rolling Fork, Mississippi.
Experts rated the storm as a 4 on the Enhanced Fujita (EF) scale. That system rates tornadoes 0–5 based on wind speed and damage. EF-5 is the most powerful of the tornadoes. Friday’s EF-4 tornado is one of the worst on record to hit Mississippi.
Still, the state’s people are powerful too. They are helping each other and cleaning up. Emergency responders jumped into action right away to keep people safe. Later, set up stations for residents who lost their homes. They gave out food, water, clothes, diapers, and more. Roofers got to work fixing houses. And companies hurried to get electricity back on in areas where it went out.
U.S. President Joe Biden approved a disaster for Mississippi. That act will let the state get more money. Other officials visited the cities impacted by the tornado. They include U.S. Congressperson Bennie Thompson and Mississippi Governor Tate Reeves.
“When there’s a , Mississippians respond quickly and to help their neighbors,” Reeves said. “The spirit of Mississippi is strong. And we’re ready to rebuild!”
Updated March 27, 2023, 5:02 P.M. (ET)
By Ashley Morgan
