Mayor Harvey Johnson Jr. held a press conference in response to today’s severe storms at 2:45 p.m., Friday, April 15, at the Emergency Operation Center (EOC), located in the basement of the Eudora Welty Library.
“We’re pleased to report that we don’t have any fatalities, but there has been some property damage; some areas have been damaged more extensively than others,” said Johnson. “Our town right now is trying to clear the debris from the roadways and streets, so that people on their way home this evening will be able to get over our roads safely without too much delay.”
The mayor said the city is urging its citizens to exercise caution and care. “We have lights that are out at some intersections,” Johnson further stated. “Please pay close attention to the portable four-way stop signs there.
The mayor indicated that his staff had not done a complete assessment, but the most damage in Jackson is in the North Western Hills Subdivision, The Queens area and a “large amount on Northside Drive.”
According to reports, neighboring City of Clinton, Miss. did not fair as well. The suspected EF 3 tornado ripped it way along Interstate 20 and Springridge Road in the college town, snapping power lines, downing trees, sending cars flying and tearing the roof off of Bank Plus, located near Springridge. EF 3 tornados can pack 136-165 miles per hour winds.
During his press conference, Mayor Johnson said two Jackson fire units had already gone to assist Clinton. He contacted Clinton Mayor Rosemary Aultman to let her know that Jackson is available if she needs additional assistance.
The cities of Clinton and Jackson are a part of Hinds County, where 15,700 people were reported without power late Friday evening.
By this updated posting, Wednesday, April 20, recovery efforts are progessing.
The National Weather Service has confirmed at least 17 tornadoes on April 15 caused damaged in 20 Mississippi counties. Three tornadoes wererated as EF3 with winds more than 140 mph.
MEMA reports so far that 321 residences in 20 counties have been reported as destroyed or received major damage.
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