Mississippi Tornado: 4 Killed, Major Damage Reported to Buildings (UPDATE)

HATTIESBURG, MS — A tornado ripped through southeastern Mississippi early Saturday morning, killing at least four people, injuring about 20 others and causing extensive damage to buildings and structures.

Around 4 a.m. local time, the National Weather Service in Jackson, Mississippi warned of a tornado moving through the city of Hattiesburg with an urgent message asking residents to take cover. According to the NWS, threats of severe weather for southeastern Mississippi were in place until 7 a.m.

On its Twitter feed, the city of Hattiesburg reported that firefighters and police were going door to door to rescue tornado victims. A local fire station and the campus of William Carey University were among the buildings damaged in the tornado. The Hattiesburg campus of the university has been closed until further notice.

Damage was also reported in nearby Petal, Mississippi. An emergency assistance line has been set up for those in the Hattiesburg area along with storm shelters.

Johnny DuPree, the mayor of Hattiesburg, signed an emergency declaration for the city due to the tornado.

The Mississippi office of emergency management reported that local officials in have confirmed four deaths and 20 injuries from the tornado, all in Hattiesburg. Damage to homes and other buildings was reported in at least four counties.

An effort is underway to survey damage and provide relief. In addition to the damage, around 16,000 customers in the state are without power.

An initial storm track shows the tornado cutting through Hattiesburg and Petal.

Mississippi Gov. Phil Bryant said on Facebook that he has been in regular contact with MEMA and has directed all resources towards rescue and recovery.

"I will travel to the affected areas today to get a full assessment of the damage and the need," Bryant said. "I ask all Mississippians to join me and Deborah in praying for the loved and lost."

Image Credit: David Lord @dcl920 via Twitter, used with permission

This report will be updated.