Mississippi hit by tornado. At least 23 are dead after a rare, long-lasting tornado.

I'm sorry to hear that. Tornadoes are a destructive force of nature that can cause significant damage and loss of life. It is important for people living in tornado-prone areas to be aware of the risks and take appropriate precautions to protect themselves and their property. 

 If you or someone you know has been affected by the tornado, there are resources available to help. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) provides disaster assistance to individuals and families in areas affected by natural disasters, including tornadoes.

 You can apply for assistance online at www.disasterassistance.gov or by calling 1-800-621-3362. In addition, local organizations and charities may be providing assistance to those affected by the tornado. It may be helpful to reach out to these organizations for help or to offer support.

A rare, long-lasting tornado struck western Mississippi on Friday night, leaving a trail of destruction and killing at least 23 people. The tornado touched down in Rolling Fork around 8 pm local time and traveled northeast, upending neighboring towns in Silver City, Black Hawk, and Winona. The tornado spanned roughly 170 miles and lasted over an hour, which meteorologist Lance Perrilloux described as "very rare." The severe weather also produced golf ball-sized hail. At least one other, weaker tornado may have hit Mississippi, but it has not been confirmed. Search and rescue operations are ongoing, with numerous local and state teams working to assist those affected. As of Saturday morning, more than 81,000 customers had lost power in Mississippi, Alabama, and Tennessee. The tornado caused widespread damage, especially in homes, and authorities are prioritizing rescuing those injured by the wreckage. This is a developing story, and updates will be provided as available.