Mississippi town comes together after tornado tears through homes

Burnsville, MS (Source: WMC Action News 5)
Burnsville, MS (Source: WMC Action News 5)(WMC Action News 5)
Published: Feb. 25, 2019 at 6:28 PM CST
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BURNSVILLE, MS (WMC) - Severe storms may have missed the Mid-South, but the same system caused tornadoes in Burnsville and Columbus, Mississippi.

The storm caused major damage to homes and businesses in the area and claimed a woman’s life.

The National Weather Service said the tornado ranged between an EF0 and EF2, bringing winds as strong as 115 miles per hour over an 8-mile stretch in Burnsville, Mississippi just East of Corinth.

"I immediately heard the storm hitting and hollered for everyone to get to the bathroom,” said Jill Lee, whose home was hit by a tornado.

Jill and Mike Lee have lived in their home off Highway 72 for 16 years.

Jill was inside with her parents, their daughter, and her daughter's friend when the tornado tore off their roof.

“My mom and dad were stuck in the kitchen because of the front door blowing open, and all the glass coming through,” Jill said. “I don’t ever want to do that again.”

No one inside was injured.

Burnsville may be small, but these folks said it’s times like this that show how strong and tough a community they are.

Ever since Saturday evening friends, family, and members of the community have come to the Lee’s help, doing everything from raking to clearing the road — something they didn’t expect.

“All the local churches in our community have brought food, water, offered everything,” Mike said. “Red Cross has been here, there’s just been all levels of support that we’ve felt in this community.”

“They have really been wonderful,” Jill said. “It’s a great place to live.”

Right across the street, the tornado devastated the Lee’s neighbors’ home.

The family who lives there said they left the house 10 minutes before the twister hit.

They’re just one of several families in Burnsville, the Lee's included, who say they're thankful to be alive and unharmed.

“Very thankful,” Mike said. “Very thankful! I know it could have been a lot worse than what it was. We recognize that.”

"I don’t ever want to do that again,” Jill said.

Mike and Jill hope to have a new roof on before the storms come through later this week.

With the help they’ve had from the community, they’re confident the work will get done in time.

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