Weatherman breaks down over Mississippi tornado: 'Dear Jesus, please help them'

25 March 2023 , 18:00

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Meteorologist Matt Laubhan was overwhelmed by the tornado emergency (Image: WTVA)

A weatherman broke down on air while reporting on the deadly tornado sweeping through Mississippi.

WTVA meteorologist Matt Laubhan appeared overwhelmed as major gales wreaked havoc in Amory, USA.

At least 24 people have been killed so far in the southern state, leaving a 100-mile path of destruction.

Widespread storms sparked a tornado emergency to be issued in several Mississippi towns, with buildings destroyed and power knocked out.

Reporting on the latest state of affairs, Laubhan broke down on TV and pleaded for help.

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"We've got a new scan coming in here as we speak," he told viewers on WTVA.

Putting his elbow on the table, he let out a big sigh and bowed his head as updates continued to roll in.

"Oh man, like north side of Amory this is coming in. Oh man. Dear Jesus, please help them," he added.

The tornado wreaked havoc some 60 miles northeast of Jackson, Mississippi (WTVA)

At least two dozen people have been killed in the severe weather, according to the latest reports.

Dozens are hurt and at least four are missing following the powerful storms which struck the South on Friday night.

These numbers are expected to rise as emergency and rescue crews look for survivors and clear the rubble across the state.

Power was cut off at more than 83,000 homes and businesses across Mississippi, Alabama and Tennessee, according to PowerOutage.us.

The damage and death toll has been most severe in Mississippi where the tornado hit.

Laubhan reported on the latest state of affairs from Amory (WTVA)

Hail the size of golf balls and heavy rainfall were reported in several areas of the state

The greater storm system is headed east and pushing off the East Coast by this evening, with the risk of damaging winds and isolated tornadoes.

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President Biden said the storms are "heartbreaking" and promised to provide emergency support.

"We will do everything we can to help. We will be there as long as it takes," he said in a statement.

Laura Sharman