Thousands of chickens stay put after tornado strikes Mississippi poultry farm

A large Mississippi poultry farm in the direct path of an EF-3 tornado was leveled earlier this week, leaving tens of thousands of chickens unsheltered.

The tornado that stuck Louin, in Jasper County, late Sunday was also responsible for killing at least one person and injuring 25 others.

Mississippi Gov. Tate Reeves said 72 homes were damaged in the county as well.

Videos from Louin after the tornado touched down around 11:40 p.m. CDT showed buildings that were destroyed, trees snapped like toothpicks, and vehicles obliterated by the storm’s ferocious winds.

“We’ll be here for the long haul to support these communities and help them recover,” the governor said. “I look forward to being with the people of Jasper County (Wednesday) and supporting them in this difficult time. Please continue praying for those affected.”

Footage recorded by Christian M. Chevres Nevarez on Monday showed the aftermath at the poultry farm in Jasper County.

Massive flocks of chickens could be seen in the video as they fluttered in place.

He added that the tornado left more than 1,000 chickens dead and more than 80,000 out in the open.

“It was sad to see what people lost,” he said of the destruction following the tornado.

On Monday, the Jasper County Community Center opened its doors to all those displaced.

The Red Cross was also on-site helping those in need.

The National Weather Service office in Jackson said five tornado paths were identified from Sunday night and Monday morning’s storms.

Additional surveys are ongoing for damage that occurred with these storms and are expected to continue for at least a few days.

The NWS said the EF-3 tornado in Louin had estimated peak winds of 150 mph and was on the ground for nearly 8 miles.