JACKSON, Miss. (WDAM/Gray Louisiana) – A confirmed, large and extremely dangerous tornado moved across parts of Mississippi on Wednesday night, prompting a Tornado Emergency for several communities and leaving behind reports of major damage.
Governor Tate Reeves said multiple tornadoes had been reported and asked for prayers.
Multiple tornadoes have been reported throughout Central and West Mississippi. Please continue to monitor emergency alerts throughout the night.
The State of Mississippi is in contact with local emergency managers and first responders. @MSEMA is currently coordinating State SAR…
— Governor Tate Reeves (@tatereeves) May 7, 2026
The National Weather Service in Jackson issued the emergency for Bude, Meadville, McCall Creek, Brookhaven and Bogue Chitto after a confirmed destructive tornado was observed near Meadville around 7:09 p.m., moving east at 50 mph.
“This is a PARTICULARLY DANGEROUS SITUATION. TAKE COVER NOW!” the warning said.
The warning covered Lincoln County and eastern Franklin County, where forecasters said the tornado was capable of deadly damage. The National Weather Service warned that flying debris could be deadly, mobile homes could be destroyed, and complete destruction was possible.
Franklin County emergency officials said a major tornado tore through the area near Garden City, destroying multiple homes. Officials also reported residents trapped inside damaged homes, though the number of people affected was not immediately clear.
⚠️⚠️TORNADO EMERGENCY⚠️⚠️ for Brookhaven, MS. A large, dangerous tornado is moving through Bude heading for I-55 and the Brookhaven area. Do not travel the interstate as this tornado passes, get to safe shelter NOW. pic.twitter.com/nXUhnA9S5X
— Zack Fradella (@ZackFradellaWx) May 7, 2026
Emergency crews said dangerous conditions slowed response efforts. Authorities said sheriff’s deputies were hunkered down in some areas because of the ongoing storm threat and hazardous road conditions.
The National Weather Service later issued another warning for northeastern Lincoln County, Lawrence County and western Jefferson Davis County after a confirmed large tornado was reported near Enterprise, near Brookhaven, around 7:59 p.m. That storm was moving east at 35 mph.
Forecasters urged anyone in the path of the storm to move to a basement or an interior room on the lowest floor of a sturdy building, away from windows. People in mobile homes, vehicles or outside were told to move to the nearest substantial shelter.
The National Weather Service said strong to severe storms were expected to continue across the Southeast overnight, with the strongest storms capable of strong tornadoes, damaging wind gusts, large hail and flash flooding.
The full extent of the damage and possible injuries was not immediately known.
Residents were urged to stay off roads and continue sheltering as severe weather moved through the region.
Click here to report a typo. Please include the headline.
Click here to subscribe to our WAFB 9 News daily digest and breaking news alerts delivered straight to your email inbox.
Watch the latest WAFB news and weather now.
Copyright 2026 WAFB. All rights reserved.
