At least 14 people died as a "destructive" tornado and strong thunderstorms swept across Mississippi late Friday, leaving a trail of damage for more than 100 miles, local and federal authorities said, Paralel.Az reports citing ABC news.

Search and rescue operations were underway in Sharkey and Humphreys counties, Mississippi's Emergency Management Agency said late Friday. The agency issued a series of tornado warnings in counties throughout the state.

"Many in the MS Delta need your prayer and God's protection tonight," Gov. Tate Reeves said on Twitter. "We have activated medical support -- surging more ambulances and other emergency assets for those affected. Search and rescue is active."