Moss Point tornado updates: EF-2 storm packed winds of 130 mph

The tornado that damaged or destroyed more than 100 homes and businesses in Moss Point on Monday packed maximum winds of 130 mph, a preliminary report from the National Weather Service says.

The NWS investigated the tornado Tuesday, classifying it as an E-2 on a scale of E-0 through E-5. The tornado’s path was 2.14 miles long and a maximum of 300 yards wide. It lasted for 6 minutes, from 2:51 p.m. to 2:57 p.m. Monday, the NWS says.

The high school and downtown got the brunt of the storm.

Mayor Billy Knight is met with city officials at 8:30 a.m. Tuesday to assess the damage and plan for the cleanup, WXXV reported.

Six people were injured, according to Mississippi Emergency Management Agency. There were no fatalities.

“Thankfully residents received the tornado warning in time and took shelter,” storm chaser Daniel Shaw posted on Facebook, after he called in the tornado had touched down.

“One home was significantly impacted and I received information that a disabled elderly man was likely home at the time and trapped in the rubble,” Shaw said. He was not able to check the home since the power was still live.

“Once power was isolated a team rushed in to check the property,” Shaw said. “The man was located and rescued from the property. Thankfully, his injuries were only minor and he was taken to hospital in a stable condition.”

He posted pictures of the tornado, the damage and rescues.

Traffic delays & road closures

The traffic signal is again operational at U.S. 90 and Mississippi 63 in Pascagoula, reports Mississippi Department of Transportation.

Also not working Tuesday is the traffic signal on Mississippi 57 at I-10.

Southbound lanes of Mississippi 613 between Dutch Bayou Road and Bellview Avenue are closed as first responders clear debris and assess storm damage.

Mississippi Power reports Tuesday morning 20 customers in the Moss Point are still without power. Crews worked overnight cleaning debris and setting new power poles in place. At least 75 poles will need to be replaced, the company said.

Crews from Hattiesburg, Laurel, Meridian and Gulfport were in Moss Point Tuesday replacing a dozen 45-foot poles on Main Street, Mississippi Power said.

Red Cross arrives

The tornado touched down around 3 p.m. Monday, ripping part of the roof off Merchants & Marine Bank and on Main Street and trapping eight people inside. First Baptist Church, Moss Point High School’s gym and homes and businesses along the path of the tornado also had major roof and structural damage.

The Red Cross set up a shelter at Pelican Landing for those whose homes were damaged.

Gov. Tate Reeves provided an update on tornado damage in Moss Point and in Jasper County, where one person died.

Weather warnings

As thunder rumbles across the Coast Tuesday, the National Weather Service says South Mississippi has a slight chance of severe weather from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Severe storms are possible with winds up to 60 mph and hail.

A flood watch is issued through 10 p.m. Tuesday throughout South Mississippi.

Ocean Springs & Gautier to help Moss Point residents

Ocean Springs and Gautier quickly took to Facebook to extend a helping hand to Moss Point as they deal with the devastation.

“Moss Point, we are all in to help you,” Ocean Springs said on a Facebook post and said the city would update the post when learning how to assist their sister city.

“The Gautier Police Department and Gautier Fire Department have also offered assistance from Chief Bever and Chief Latch,” Gautier posted.

Satae Rep. Jeramey Anderson is meeting with local officials and said in a press release Moss Point will get the help needed.

“I want to assure all of you that you will not tackle this recovery alone. I am confident that officials at the city, country, state and national level will be working together to bring whatever assistance and resources Moss Point needs,” he said. “The silver lining in such a disaster is it strengthens the unity and sense of community of those affected. There are no Republicans and Democrats in a disaster’s aftermath, just people helping people.”

Need help after the tornado? Check this website

A website — The Tornado in Moss Point, Mississippi, US — also was posted to give residents a place to ask for help, and one resident reported their roof was damaged and leaking while others offered clothing if needed.

The Sun Herald will continue to update this article through the day.