Mississippi Tornado Kills at Least 23

At least 23 people were killed and dozens wounded as a tornado and strong thunderstorms ripped across Mississippi late on Friday, according to the state's emergency management agency.

The Mississippi Emergency Management Agency wrote on Twitter that 4 people are missing as search and rescue teams combed through the devastation for survivors after the storm battered Silver City, a town of 200 in western Mississippi.

"Unfortunately, these numbers are expected to change," it said, referring to the death toll.

Mississippi Governor Tate Reeves confirmed the death toll.

"We know that many more are injured," Reeves wrote on Twitter. "Search and rescue teams are still active. The loss will be felt in these towns forever."

CNN reported that search and rescue teams were also present in Rolling Fork, a town of 1,700 that bore the brunt of the hurricane.

"My city is gone, but we are resilient," Rolling Fork Mayor Eldridge Walker said on CNN. "We are going to come back strong."

According to Walker, 12 of the people who died were in the Rolling Fork. He added that many people are trapped in their homes. "Rescue efforts are happening as we speak, they resumed early this morning."

The tornado left a trail of damage for more than 100 miles (160 km). Television pictures showed uprooted trees, torn homes, and damaged cars. Many areas were without electricity.

Terrell compared the devastation to a tornado in Joplin, Missouri that killed 161 people in 2011.

At least 24 tornado reports were issued to the National Weather Service Friday night through Saturday morning by storm chasers and spotters.