Columbia Businesses Devastated After Taking Direct Hit From Tornado

Residents of Columbia, Mississippi, were surveying damage after a stormy weather spawned multiple tornadoes across the state on December 16.

This footage, shot by Eugene Chambliss of Bliss Aeronautic a day after, shows damage to Beal’s Collision Center and J-Flame Kustoms, neighboring business on the southeast outskirts of town that took a direct hit. Security camera footage from the business showed the moment the EF-2 tornado barreled through.

According to the the National Weather Service in Jackson, the tornado touched down southwest of Columbia and tracked for about 6.8 miles. Three minor injuries were reported at a “collision repair building” and peak winds were estimated at 112 mph, the weather service said.

Local reports said at least 14 tornadoes were reported throughout the state. At least seven people were injured, WLBT reported. Credit: Bliss Aeronautics via Storyful