A Mississippi meteorologist appealed to God while on air to help those who were in the path of a vicious tornado that was ripping through the state.
WTVA meteorologist Matt Laubhan said a prayer on air as a tornado headed toward the small city of Amory, which was crushed by the storm alongside other areas of western Mississippi.
“Here’s the thing about this, y’all trust me too much,” Laubhan said. “I tell you where it’s going to go and some of you guys are like: “That’s where it’s gonna go.’ The reality of this, this could be changing direction. So, Amory, we need to be in our safe place.”
Laubhan, who was monitoring the tornado’s trajectory, got a new scan and appeared very disturbed by its path. “Oh man, north side of Amory, this is coming in,” he said. “Oh, man. Dear Jesus, please help them. Amen.”
WATCH: WTVA meteorologist Matt Laubhan overwhelmed as major tornado hits Amory, Mississippi pic.twitter.com/JDd8n46X31
— BNO News Live (@BNODesk) March 25, 2023
Laubhan put later posted footage of damage to buildings in Amory, including the National Guard armory.
Storm damage at the National Guard armory and nearby buildings in Amory, MS. pic.twitter.com/niRpolWwwP
— Matt Laubhan WTVA (@MattWTVA) March 25, 2023
Daylight scene of storm damage in Amory, MS. pic.twitter.com/meOSNXPzgj
— Matt Laubhan WTVA (@MattWTVA) March 25, 2023
According to the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency, at least 23 people were killed and four people went missing due to the tornado. “Unfortunately these numbers are expected to change,” the agency tweeted on Saturday.
The tornado, which was around a mile wide and traveled for over 100 miles, devastated the small towns of Rolling Fork, Anguilla, and Silver Creek.
The devastating storm ripped off roofs, leveled homes, and knocked out power for thousands of Mississippians. Mississippi Gov. Tate Reeves warned his state’s residents, gave an update on what actions the state is taking, and asked for prayer in a tweet just after 10:00 p.m. Friday.
“Many in the MS Delta need your prayer and God’s protection tonight,” Reeves said. “We have activated medical support — surging more ambulances and other emergency assets for those affected. Search and rescue is active. Watch weather reports and stay cautious through the night, Mississippi!”
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President Biden responded to the tornado by expressing his condolences to the families of those who lost loved ones and saying that FEMA would “ensure the fullest possible Federal response to those in need.”
Zach Jewell contributed to this report.