Huge tornado hits Mississippi

Emergency officials in Mississippi are assessing damage after a tornado ripped through a populated area near the University of Southern Mississippi.

Forrest County Fire Coordinator Chip Brown said there is major damage in Hattiesburg, Miss., where the university is located, and Petal, Miss., according to the Associated Press. There are unconfirmed reports of injuries in the area.

"There are power lines down, some gas lines down. We are encouraging people to stay at home, don't leave home unless you have to," said Kyle Hopkins, a member of Forrest County's Emergency Management team. "University of Southern Mississippi was hit by the tornado. No dorms were damaged and there were no injuries on campus, however some academic buildings were damaged."

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[charlton myers]

i used to live in mississippi