A second death has been confirmed following severe weather that struck Mississippi on Tuesday and Wednesday.
Shanika Newton, 43, was traveling south on Highway 49 in Leflore County on Wednesday night when her vehicle hydroplaned into a flooded ditch. Per a report from WAPT, she drowned in the ditch.
Newton’s death came after Shirley Wilson, 64, died earlier Wednesday after her home north of Harperville lost power. The TV station said Wilson had multiple health problems and was unable to use her oxygen concentrator. First responders were unable to get her to a hospital in time due to storm debris blocking the roads.
Gov. Tate Reeves, in separate posts on X, asked people to keep the families in their thoughts and prayers.
Preliminary damage reports from severe thunderstorms trekking the entire state and confirmed tornadoes in Hancock, Hinds, and Madison counties show 179 homes were either damaged or destroyed.
As of Thursday afternoon at 5:15 p.m., over 20,000 residents were still without power.