Tornado in Mississippi kills at least seven, with more trapped under rubble

Buildings wrecked and power lines downed by ‘supercell’ storm system as governor says search and rescue efforts continuing

A powerful tornado tore through rural Mississippi on Friday night, killing at least seven people, destroying buildings and knocking out power as severe weather that produced hail the size of golf balls moved through several southern states.

The National Weather Service confirmed a tornado caused damage about 60 miles (96km) north-east of Jackson, Mississippi. The rural towns of Silver City and Rolling Fork reported destruction as the tornado continued sweeping north-east at 70mph (113km/h) without weakening, racing towards Alabama.