Mississippi tornado leaves at least 26 dead as horror 135mph twister obliterates town in 100-mile trail of destruction

AT LEAST 26 people have been killed and a number are missing after a deadly tornado ripped through Mississippi - leaving a 100-mile trail of destruction in its path.

The powerful twister caused widespread damage in Silver City and Rolling Fork, Mississippi,- downing powerlines and leaving thousands of residents trapped in darkness.

The storm consisted of 24 twisters that threw debris over 20,000 feet in the air.

Mississippi Governor Tate Reeves declared a state of emergency after dozens of people were killed.

The tornado began ripping through the Sharkey and Humphrey counties at 8:50pm last night.

Authorities even warned those in the tornado's path were in a "life threatening situation" as over 30million people were urged to prepare for the 135mph mega storm and golf ball-sized hail.

The damage caused by the whirlwind stretches at least 100 miles long, and weather reports said it may now be heading toward Alabama.

The National Weather Service released an urgent alert after the tornado touched down in Rolling Fork, advising: "To protect your life, take cover now.

"You are in a life-threatening situation," it warned.

"Flying debris may be deadly to those caught without shelter. Mobile homes will be destroyed.

"Considerable damage to homes, businesses, and vehicles is likely and complete destruction is possible."

Search and rescue crews have been scrambled out to Sharkey and Humphreys counties after reports flooded in of people being trapped under rubble.

CALM BEFORE THE STORM

A Mississippi resident, Corney Knight, said that he, his wife, and their three-year-old daughter were at a relative's home in Rolling Fork when the tornado hit, and said it was "eerily quiet" just moments before, the reports.

He explained how he watched the twister from a doorway until the beast was less than a mile away and then told everyone in the house to take cover in the hallway.

Corney described the nightmare as it unfolded - recalling the moment the tornado ripped into another relative's home across from where he was and as the wall collapsed, several people were still left inside.

More than half a dozen emergency shelters have now been set up throughout Mississippi following the carnage.

After the whirlwind first tore through Rolling Fork, weather watcher Zachary Hill tweeted: "The damage in Rolling Fork, Mississippi is BAD. People are trapped, we need help here.

"Major tornado damage, we need as many ambulances as possible and any help for search and rescue in this town," he added.

Drone footage from Rolling Fork captured demolished homes and destroyed vehicles trapped in rubble with household items scattered outside.

Residents have been seen examining the damage to their property looking for valuables they could salvage.

TORNADO DESTRUCTION

After Rolling Fork had been hit, the tornado continued north-eastward for at least 40 miles to near Silver City, Tchula, and Winona.

The storm is part of a string of severe weather in the Midwest after southern Missouri was hit by nearly three inches of torrential rain on Thursday night.

This downpour triggered flash flooding and two people have been reported dead after their car was swept away in the deluge.

Local authorities stated that six young adults were in the vehicle at the time, but only four managed to escape.

On Friday, a suspected tornado was also reported to have swept through Poolville, Texas, ripping mobile homes off the ground and leaving two injured.

A man in Alabama was killed on Friday night after getting trapped in his mobile home during the tornado.

Louisiana Gov. John Bel Edwards warned of potential tornados reaching the state as the weekend approaches - and he urged residents to prepare for severe damage. 

As the tornado continued to wreak havoc through Mississippi, Governor Reeves tweeted early Saturday morning: "Many in the MS Delta need your prayer and God's protection tonight.

"We have activated medical support — surging more ambulances and other emergency assets for those affected. Search and rescue is active."

As the series of severe storms continue to roll through Texas, the National Weather Service warned they are continuing to head south during the afternoon and evening, especially across parts of Mississippi.