By Rupert Howell
Some Panola County first responders were still assessing damages while keeping a watchful eye on the sky Monday after the second day of unstable weather skirted then struck in various areas around the county.

Fourteen had died from the previous day’s storms across the Mississippi River in Arkansas and first responders and citizens alike were taking nothing for granted the following day.

Como was apparently the worst hit Panola area with trees and downed power lines on Highway 310 (East Oak Avenue) and Pointer Road. No injuries were reported.

Utility workers and their clean-up contractors as well as Panola County road crews were clearing debris from both streets in Como Monday morning while wondering what the afternoon’s forecast of additional turbulent weather would bring.

Como Police Chief Earl Burdette said the storm hit the town between 6:30 and 7:00 Monday morning.

He thought damage was caused by tornado rather than straight line winds as it seemed to “jump” from location to location and “sucked” the doors off at Thomasville Metal Fabricators south of the main business area on South Main Street next to the railroad.

Emergency workers in Como including policemen and volunteer fire fighters went door to door in affected areas. Burdette praised firemen, Emergency Management and county road crews for quick response and assistance.

Emergency Managment Director Daniel Cole reported mostly power lines and trees down in various spots in the county from Sunday evening and Monday morning’s weather, but was focusing more on upcoming weather disturbances predicted for later Monday.

(Batesville Fire Chief Tim Taylor reported that a contingent of Batesville firemen were heading to Tupelo to help in recovery following a tornado at presstime. Check panolian.com or Facebook for updates.