A tornado caused extensive damage in the north part of Tupelo Monday afternoon.
Residential areas along North Gloster Street, Green Street and the Lakeshire subdivision were hit, and two gas stations were reportedly destroyed.
"Obviously there has been storm damage. It's a very serious situation," Tupelo Mayor Jason Shelton said. "I am just encouraging everyone to stay inside and be weather aware. There is still a very real danger of another line coming through and people still need to be inside."
Shelton said he has heard reports of extensive damage along the busy North Gloster Street thoroughfare that connects downtown to the shopping district but said he hasn't had a chance to survey the damage yet. He has been at Fire Station No. 1 downtown where the county emergency management team has set up its headquarters.
A long-time, popular restaurant — Vanelli's — was destroyed. Vanelli's is a Greek and Italian restaurant that first opened in 1975.
An Outback restaurant reportedly also was destroyed. It is located near the Barnes Crossing in north Tupelo.
Comfort Suites, located just across Gloster from Vanelli's took extensive damage.
