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A tornado in Mississippi killed 23 people and injured dozens.

Severe storms swept through the US state, leaving a trail of destruction in its wake.

Buildings were reduced to rubble and cars overturned as a result of the tornado.

It hit at 6:20 a.m., meaning many were forced to seek shelter in the early morning darkness.

WTVA meteorologist Matt Laubhan provided a live weather report as he watched the tornado rip through the state.

Speechless, he struggled to put sentences together as he tried to convey the immense danger they posed.

“Dear Jesus, please help them,” Mr. Laubhan added, putting his face in his hands.

The National Weather Service issued a warning as the storm hit, which read, “HIDE THE COVER NOW to protect your life!”

The damage in Sharkey County, Mississippi (Image: @SacharBlake/Twitter)

Homes in the tornado’s path were destroyed (Image: @MHPTroopD / Twitter)

“You are in a life-threatening situation,” it warned.

“Flying debris can kill those caught without shelter. Mobile homes are destroyed. Significant damage to homes, businesses and vehicles is likely and complete destruction is possible.”

Rural towns like Silver City and Rolling Fork reported devastation as the tornado raced to the northeast at 70 miles per hour, unabated by towns like Winona and Amory into the night toward Alabama.

The damage extends to communities over a total distance of more than 100 miles, authorities say.

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Cornel Knight told The Associated Press that he, his wife and their three-year-old daughter were staying with a relative in Rolling Fork when the tornado hit.

He said the sky was dark, but “you could see the direction of every transformer that blew.”

He said it was “eerie quiet” when that happened. Mr. Knight said he watched from a doorway until he estimated the tornado was less than a mile away.

He then told everyone in the house to take cover in a hallway.

11901179 Tornado Kills At Least Seven in Sharkey County, MS ---A tornado has made landfall in Silver City, MS in Humphreys County. Highway 49W is currently congested by emergency services. If possible, use an alternate route.

Search efforts for the missing are underway (Image: @MHPTroopD / Twitter)

epa10542394 A handout photo courtesy of the Mississippi Highway Patrol showing on-site destruction and emergency response after tornadoes swept through the US state of Mississippi in late March 24, 2023. Debris of destroyed buildings. EPA/MISSISSIPPI HIGHWAY PATROL HANDOUT BEST QUALITY FROM THE SOURCE HANDOUT FOR EDIT/NO SALE ONLY

Many were asleep when the tornado’s presence was announced (Photo: EPA)

Four people remain missing and the death toll is expected to rise in the aftermath of the tornado.

In a tweet, the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency wrote, “We can confirm 23 dead, dozens injured and four missing from last night’s tornadoes.

“We have numerous local and state search and rescue teams continuing to operate this morning. There are a number of resources on the ground to assist those affected.’

The National Weather Service confirmed that a tornado caused damage about 60 miles northeast of Jackson, Mississippi.

At least 24 reports of tornadoes were filed overnight with the National Weather Service by storm chasers and observers.

“Many on the MS Delta need your prayers and God’s protection tonight,” Governor Tate Reeve said in a tweet.

“We have activated medical assistance, increasing the use of ambulances and other emergency services for those affected. Search and Rescue is active.”

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