Mississippi Pre-Christmas Storm Takes 4 Lives, Damages Properties

State officials said the initial numbers from the Dec. 23 storms show 241 total homes and 77 businesses suffered some damage in three Mississippi counties.

There were four deaths and 50 injuries from the storm.

In Marion County, the hardest hit area, the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency said in a new release a tornado destroyed or caused major damage to 108 homes and 43 businesses. Two people were killed in Columbia.

In Jones County, 12 homes and one business were destroyed or had major damage. Two deaths also occurred there.

In Lamar County, one business had major damage.

MEMA said other homes and businesses had minor damage.

MEMA has asked the Federal Emergency Management Agency to tour the damaged areas to determine if any federal assistance may be available.