WBRZ - Baton Rouge

JACKSON, Miss. - Gov. Phil Bryant has declared a State of Emergency for four Mississippi counties hit by tornadoes and severe storms.

Forrest, Lamar, Lawrence and Marion were named in the declaration Sunday night, but any other counties damaged by the continuing severe weather will be covered.

The declaration is an administrative tool that lets the state offer help to hard-hit areas.

Storm spotters confirmed at least one tornado moved through Lamar and Forrest Counties, damaging Hattiesburg and three buildings at the University of Southern Mississippi.