Eugene Dixon Jr., 36, of D'Iberville drowned around 2:30 a.m. when flood waters swamped his vehicle. Police discovered his body hundreds of yards from the vehicle, reports the Sun Herald.
The last three days of the week into Saturday morning saw several severe weather systems rip through the state. Strong storms and eight confirmed tornados damaged more than 90 homes across central and south Mississippi Wednesday, and two confirmed tornadoes touched down Friday, one in Smith County, hit twice during the three-day stretch. In all, 11 confirmed tornadoes hit the Magnolia State, only one of which occurred on Thursday.
Dixon's is the only death reported so far; however the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency is unable to get to at least two communities due to high water.
Simpson County, one of the many areas in Mississippi to experience damage from tornadoes and strong storms last week, is expecting Gov. Haley Barbour to survey the damage today.
Barbour declared a state of emergency Thursday, which kicks in the state's ability to request federal aid for cleanup and other storm-related purposes. MEMA reports that Friday's storms destroyed or heavily damaged 143 homes, affecting 25 counties and 645 residences.
More rain is in the forecast for early this week, and MEMA warns that Mississipians should remain vigilant for flooding, especially along creeks, rivers and streams.
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