Tornado hits Mississippi, emergency declared

WASHINGTON - Four people were reported dead in the southeastern US state of Mississippi on Tuesday after a tornado tore through the region.

Mississippi Governor Phil Bryant declared a state of emergency in the two counties which bore the brunt of the disaster.

"I have declared a state of emergency to assist local officials with any available state resources that are needed in areas affected by severe weather, specifically in Jones and Marion counties," Bryant said.

The tornado crashed through the two counties damaging homes, and knocking out power to thousands of customers, he said.

Local WDAM television reported that four people had been killed in the storm, and that many more were injured.

Marion County Coroner Norma Williamson reported two fatalities and several injuries. In Jones County, Sheriff Alex Hodge reported two more died when the tornado gutted a mobile home they were in, the station reported.