Yazoo County hammered by major twister

Reports continue to come in from Yazoo County following a major twister hitting Yazoo City. Reports are that Hillcrest Church at the corner of Highway's 49 and 16 was leveled and that some people may have been trapped inside. At least five ambulances have passed our location in Flora headed north on 49. Reports are that Ribeye's Restaurant and the shopping center just north of the intersection of 49 and old 16 were also leveled.

Initial information received suggested that Benton had also been hit, but reports now indicate that Benton has received only minor damage.

Update: Recently received photos suggest that Ribeye's Restaurant and the shopping center had major damage, but both structures remain standing.

Update: WLBT reports Dale Thrasher was inside Hillcrest Baptist Church and took refuge under the communion table as the entire building came down around him.

Update 3:13 pm: Military helicopter passed over Flora in route to storm damage minutes ago. Emergency vehicles still in route to Yazoo City.

Update: 3:29 pm: Reports from Holmes County are that an Ebenezer man was killed while trying to get in his truck from the same storm.

Update: 3:39 pm: MDOT announcing road closures due to the storm:
Debris on Hwy 51 from Madison County to Durant, MS

County: Yazoo
Traffic Impact: High
Direction: All Directions
Lanes: All Lanes
Trees down on Hwy 51 from Madison County to Druant, MS

I-55 @ 151 mile marker north of Pickens near Holmes Co. Park

Traffic Impact: Closed
Approximate Duration: 1 hour
Direction: Northbound
All Lanes
All northbound lanes are closed. One southbound lane is open.

Update 3:49 pm: Yazoo City has established a staging area for injuries at the old Yazoo Motors on Highway 49.

Update 3:55 pm: Governor Barbour briefing media from storm site in Yazoo City. Say's will be no confirmation of fatalities until cornoner reports them. Governor says, "several fatalities likely" from across Yazoo and Holmes County's. 17 reported injuries taken to Jackson via Ambulance, 2 by helicopter.

Update 4:09 pm: AP reporting two confirmed deaths.

Update 4:20 pm: MHP confirmed 2 children dead in Weir, Choctaw County.

Update 4:30 pm: Red Cross has established a shelter, and will be serving meals at the LT Miller Community Center in Yazoo City.

Forward any pictures and information you have on the storm to floraharvester@bellsouth.net and we'll attempt to keep information posted.