Supervisors declare state of emergency after storms ravage parts of county

By Paul Keane

The Wayne County News

Wayne County's Board of Supervisors declared a state of emergency 
during a meeting Thursday morning in the aftermath of Wednesday 
night's storms.

The declaration of a state of emergency opens the door for possible 
state and federal officials to offer assistance to the area — both to 
governments trying to restore infrastructure and potentially to 
residents as they try to rebuild and recover.

Steve Strickler, a field representative for Congressman Mike Ezell 
(R-4th District) stopped by the meeting to let officials know Ezell's 
office would be available to assist in any way possible. He was not able 
to speak directly to the Board because it was in executive session when 
he arrived.

Supervisors said that Bunk Butler Road and the surrounding area suffered 
extensive damage. Multiple home were destroyed and other suffered severe 
damage.

On report was that a man suffered a broken leg and was trapped in his 
home for nearly two hours as crews tried to cut trees out of the roadway 
in order to reach his home.

As of 10 a.m., no deaths had been reported.

Governor Tate Reeves will be asked to declare a state of emergency for 
the area and other areas in the state affected by Wednesday night's 
storms. Reeves is expected to sign that declaration, which opens the 
door for MEMA and possibly FEMA to provide assistance.