At least 26 dead after tornado causes destruction across Mississippi and Alabama

25 people were killed in Mississippi and 1 person was killed in Alabama after a tornado tore through both states.

The tornado arrived just after sundown on Friday and brought with it twisters, heavy rain, wind gusts and hail as it wreaked havoc in Mississippi and Alabama.

Several communities were damaged by the tornado, including Rolling Fork, Mississippi, which is about 60 km from the state capital of Jackson.  Several structures in Rolling Fork have been turned into debris.

The tornado hit speeds of 70 kmph as it made its way into Alabama hitting many towns, such as Winona and Amory.

“Every trail in this town (is) gone,” said Roger Cummings who is a resident of Silver City. Cummings lost his nephew due to the storm.

“We lost everything, but we got out alive,” Silver City resident Rayford Thomas told CBS News on Saturday.

Thomas has lived in Silver City for nearly 30 years. Thomas said he feared he would die in his home.

“I just balled up to try to get into the tightest corner,” Thomas said of when the tornado hit.

Thomas said his next-door neighbor was killed during the storm.

Mississippi Gov. Tate Reeves Tweeted on Friday night that search and rescue teams were active and that officials were dispatching more ambulances and provisions to those in need.

“Many in the MS Delta need your prayer and God’s protection tonight,” the post said. “Watch weather reports and stay cautious through the night, Mississippi!”

Reeves Tweeted on Saturday to say that rescue teams “are still active” the loss of life will be “felt in these towns forever.”

On Saturday afternoon, Reeves issued a state of emergency for all affected counties.

President Joe Biden issued a statement on Saturday about the hurricane.

“Jill and I are praying for those who have lost loved ones in the devastating tornadoes in Mississippi and for those whose loved ones are missing,” he said. “The images from across Mississippi are heartbreaking. While we are still assessing the full extent of the damage, we know that many of our fellow Americans are not only grieving for family and friends, they’ve lost their homes and businesses.”

Biden has promised “full federal support” to everyone affected.