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In Choctaw County in central Mississippi, WTVA News reported at least seven people died after a severe storm ripped through the French Camp area. The sheriff’s office would only confirm there were multiple fatalities and injuries, along with widespread damage.

In Yazoo County in west-central Mississippi, Yazoo City Mayor McArthur Straughter estimated about 15 to 20 buildings had been heavily damaged in his city.

“It’s devastating. All of the buildings up in this area have had the roof torn off,” Straughter said.

Flynn said three deaths were reported in Yazoo County.

Dozens of people were injured as the tornado swept across at least six Mississippi counties, said Jeff Rent of state Emergency Management. Yazoo City appeared to be the hardest-hit, Rent said.

In Louisiana, the Madison Parish Sheriff’s Office said a tornado destroyed a chemical plant and heavily damaged or destroyed 20 to 25 houses in the Tallulah area, trapping people in houses and the plant.

More than a dozen people were treated for cuts, bruises and broken bones, said Laura Henderson, who works at the hospital there.

WLBT-TV reported numerous buildings were leveled at Highway 16 on the south side of the Yazoo City. A church was also reported destroyed.

The Hinds County Sheriff’s Department was sending two dozen deputies and about 100 inmates to assist with the response in Yazoo County and clear debris.

Survivor’s tale
Amid the destruction, a stunning tale of survival arose. Dale Thrasher, a Yazoo City man, told WLBT-TV he was inside the Hillcrest Baptist when his wife called him around 11:30 a.m. to tell him that a tornado was approaching. Thrasher looked outside and saw the rain and the funnel cloud. The only place he had to go was back inside the church.

Thrasher ran into the sanctuary and dived underneath the communion table as the church came down around him. Thrasher was not hurt.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/36755249/ns/weather/