Multiple tornadoes swept through Mississippi on Wednesday night, causing widespread damage across several counties and injuring at least 17 people, state officials reported Thursday.

State emergency management officials said more than 1,000 buildings sustained damage from the tornado cluster and associated storms that moved through the region overnight. The National Weather Service confirmed at least one tornado and reported encountering a "very large and dangerous tornado" during the event.

Scott Simmons, a spokesperson for the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency, confirmed the injury count of at least 17 people, though some reports indicated the number could be as low as four with minor injuries. No deaths have been reported from the storms.

The severe weather downed power lines, uprooted trees, and closed dozens of roads throughout the affected counties. State officials continued damage assessments Thursday as crews worked to clear debris and restore services to impacted areas.

Mississippi's governor asked residents to "pray for Mississippi" as the state responds to the overnight destruction. The tornado activity follows a pattern of severe weather that has affected parts of the southeastern United States in recent days.