A tornado touched down near Rolling Fork on Sunday evening, March 23, causing damage but sparing the town from a repeat of the devastating 2023 event.​

The National Weather Service (NWS) reported a tornado in Issaquena County at 7:16 p.m., with a small vortex forming under a rotating wall cloud observed from Mississippi Highway 14 on Rolling Fork's west side. ​

Emergency Management Agency Director Frank Eason's home in the Lorenzen area sustained significant damage. The storm tore off part of the roof, damaged his EMA vehicle, and destroyed an outbuilding. Eason was attending a memorial service for the 2023 tornado victims at the time. ​

Despite downed trees and power lines, no injuries were reported. The community remains vigilant as recovery efforts continue.​

This incident underscores the persistent tornado risk in the region, following a series of tornadoes earlier this month that resulted in seven fatalities across Mississippi. ​

Residents are encouraged to stay informed and prepared during severe weather seasons.

Tornado Touches Down in Rolling Fork, Mississippi
Tornado Touches Down in Rolling Fork, Mississippi

Local storm chasers and footage from a live traffic camera captured a large funnel cloud making contact with the ground, raising the threat of significant damage.

Residents in Rolling Fork and nearby Anguilla are being urged to seek immediate shelter. The NWS has extended a tornado warning for the area until 8:15 p.m. CT.

This warning comes as part of a broader severe weather event affecting the region. Earlier, a tornado watch was issued covering parts of Arkansas, Mississippi, Tennessee, and Kentucky, in effect until 11 p.m. CT. The threat zone for severe storms stretches from east Texas through western Tennessee and Kentucky, with forecasters warning of the potential for more tornadoes, damaging winds, and large hail.

Tornado Strikes Rolling Fork, Mississippi; Residents Urged to Take Cover
Tornado Warning continues for Anguilla MS until 8:15 PM CDT

No confirmed reports of injuries or structural damage have been released yet, but emergency management teams are closely monitoring developments.

This is a developing story.