Severe Storms and Tornado Warnings Prompt Emergency Response in Pine Belt A series of powerful storms swept through the Pine Belt region of Mississippi on Wednesday, prompting widespread damage, power outages, and urgent safety alerts. The National Weather Service (NWS) issued multiple tornado warnings across several counties, including Marion, Jefferson Davis, Lawrence, Lincoln, Jones, Covington, Perry, Greene, Walthall, and Forrest, as the storm system intensified. Residents were urged to seek shelter immediately, with emergency shelters and first responders working to assess damage and clear debris. The NWS Jackson office declared a tornado warning for Marion, Jefferson Davis, Lawrence, and Lincoln counties until 11:45 p.m., while additional warnings were extended to Covington, Perry, and Greene counties later in the evening. A tornado was confirmed in Jefferson Davis County, prompting officials to advise residents to take cover. The storm’s impact was felt across the region, with reports of downed trees, blocked roads, and significant structural damage. Power outages affected thousands of residents, with PowerOutage.us reporting over 1,796 customers without electricity in the Pine Belt. Southern Pine Electric served 1,098 customers in Jefferson Davis County, while Dixie Electric Power Association reported 1,500 customers without power. Other utilities, including Mississippi Power, Singing River Electric, and Pearl River Valley Electric Power Association, also faced outages, with some areas experiencing prolonged disruptions. A boil water notice was issued for the northeast section of Dixie, Forrest County, following a lightning strike that damaged the main water line.#national_weather_service #pine_belt #marion_county #jefferson_davis_county #lamar_county
