USA

Mississippi tornado victims identified as young father of three and his one-year-old daughter

  • 26. Mar 2023. 9:11
  • By The EU Times
Latest Articles
There’s no norovirus outbreak in the UK – so why is a sharp rise in patients being reported? This 17th-century portrait was given plumper lips years after it was finished – an expert explains why Holocaust comparisons are overused — but in the case of Hamas’ Oct. 7 attack on Israel they may reflect more than just the emotional response of a traumatized people Seven original 1970s skateparks that show why these urban treasures should be protected Ukraine recap: western divisions an ominous sign for Kyiv as the aid funding tap begins to dry up Climate ‘tipping points’ can be positive too – our report sets out how to engineer a domino effect of rapid changes Boris Johnson at the COVID inquiry: sullen, evasive and a danger to democracy How bird feeders help small species fight infection Why Israel’s intelligence chiefs failed to listen to October 7 warnings – and the lessons to be learned New investment labels aim to help savers spot sustainable products – but won’t always stop greenwashing

At least two people have been identified as the victims of a deadly tornado that struck Mississippi on Wednesday night.

The Mississippi Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) confirmed in a statement that the two were a young father of three and his one-year-old daughter.

The father, identified as 30-year-old William Thornton, and his daughter, Emma, were both killed when the tornado hit the town of Tupelo.

The National Weather Service (NWS) said the tornado was an EF-4, meaning it had winds of up to 170 miles per hour. It left a path of destruction a mile wide and nearly 25 miles long.

MEMA Director Greg Michel said, “Our hearts and prayers go out to the families of William and Emma. This is a tragic loss for their family and our entire state.”

The tornado destroyed dozens of homes and businesses, and left hundreds of people without power.

The NWS said the tornado was the fourth strongest ever recorded in Mississippi. It also said that the tornado season in the region has been especially active this year, with more than 20 tornadoes reported so far this spring.

The state of Mississippi has declared a state of emergency and is providing assistance to those affected.

The families of William and Emma are in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.