At Least 7 Killed in Winston County Storm

Louisville, Mississippi (WCBI) – Severe storms have brought destruction and death to Winston County.

Coroner Scott Gregory has now confirmed  seven people are dead after a reported large and violent tornado hit the county Monday afternoon.

One death was reported in the Plattsburg area in southwest Winston County.

Gregory said the owner of a daycare in Louisville was also among those killed. The facility took an apparent direct hit.

A number of people  are still missing Tuesday morning and Gregory fears the death toll could climb.

Winston Medical Center received heavy damage.

The University of Mississippi Medical Center sent a specialized pediatric transport team to Winston County.

“We have a mobile field hospital unit there and will be rotating physicians and emergency responder teams there tonight and tomorrow,” said spokesman Jack Mazurak.

UMMC said six patients from Winston Medical were taken to Baptist Golden Triangle Medical Center in Columbus.

Two pediatric trauma patients were taken to UMMC from Winston County.

“UMMC late this afternoon sent a three-person triage team to Louisville after the hospital was struck by high . Two of the hospital’s walls were down, a third was damaged, and hospital officials were dealing with a gas leak,” Mazurak said.

OCH Regional Medical Center in Starkville said it has received several patients with multiple injuries from the storm, ” including lacerations, abrasions, head injuries and broken bones. Additional nurses, physicians and other OCH staff were called in to assist with the influx of patients,” the hospital said in a press release.

Heavy damage was also reported near the Louisville Country Club and in the “Four Corners” area of Winston County.

A shelter has been set up at First Methodist Church in downtown Louisville. If needed, First Baptist Church will open for additional space.

Nanih Waiya Attendance Center is also open as a shelter.

Louisville Municipal Schools will be closed through Thursday.