NORMAN, Okla. (AP) — The National Weather Service says one of the tornadoes that killed hundreds in the South had winds of 205 mph and was the first EF-5 tornado in Mississippi since 1966.
That’s the highest rating given by the weather service for tornado damage.
The weather services said Friday the tornado hit Smithville, Miss., at 3:44 p.m. EDT on Wednesday. It was a half-mile wide and was on the ground for close to three miles, killing 14 and injuring 40.
The assessment is preliminary, based on photos taken Thursday and consultation with experts. It will be confirmed later this year after further inspections.
