By Billy Davis
Panola County avoided major damage from weekend storms that swept through Mississippi and claimed 10 lives in central Mississippi.

Tornadoes rumbled through Yazoo County and at least six others Saturday, destroying or damaging 700 homes, according to press reports.

An aerial survey of the storm’s path showed damage in 17 counties, The Clarion-Ledger reported Monday.

Panola storm spotters watched two funnel clouds pass over the county Saturday morning, said Daniel Cole, director of Panola County Emergency Management.

The first tornado was spotted in southwest Panola County, where it was tracked until it left the county, Cole said.

Firefighters from the Mt. Olivet Volunteer Fire Department tracked that cloud formation, he said.

The second funnel cloud was spotted between Batesville and Sardis, Cole said.

The National Weather Service has not confirmed formation of the funnel clouds but spotters watched the formations long enough to be sure of the sighting, he said.

 Cole also reported that lightning damaged county radio communication equipment Friday night, when the first wave of the storm passed through. The equipment is housed with an antenna in the Red Hill area.

An electrical surge temporarily knocked out repeaters used for the county’s sheriff’s department and fire departments, said Cole. That equipment was restored in minutes, he said, but repeater equipment for Panola EMA and Solid Waste is being repaired this week.

The repeater is a common device that amplifies radio waves, extending the radio signal to a larger range.

A March 28 lightning strike severely damaged the dispatch center at the Panola County Sheriff’s Department. The lightning hit a 50-foot antenna located next to the building.

 HOW TO HELP

•MEMA’s website, www.msema.org, gives information on donations and volunteering.

• The Mississippi Commission for Volunteer Service has asked charities, businesses and individuals who would like to volunteer to register at www.volunteermississippi.org or call (888) 353-1793.

•Transport trucks are stationed at Brandon City Hall and the Mississippi State Fairgrounds to accept donations of water, toiletries, cleaning supplies, and non-perishable food to be delivered to Yazoo City.