Mississippi station loses power, thanks community for help it get back on air

By Matt Collins Article may include affiliate links

WCBI, the CBS affiliate in Tupelo and Columbus, Mississippi lost power as its hometown was hit by a tornado.

• The station remained on air as long as it could, lasting until the evening of Saturday, Feb. 23, 2019.
• However, the station eventually lost power.
• Personnel were forced to evacuate as the funnel neared.
• Eventually, the station was able to work with Columbus Light and Water and get a generator to the station.
• Local businesses and utilities came to their aid as well.
• “This is why there is nowhere better to live than North Mississippi. Everyone always pulls together to help one another whenever people are in need. We are proud to call this home,” wrote the station’s general manager, Derek Rogers, in a statement.

A crazy week ended with an emotional night as Columbus, a town I’ve come to call home, was hit by a tornado. We stayed on the air as long as we could, but had to seek shelter as a funnel passed over us & we lost power. Praying for injured & thankful to be ok. #mswx #WCBIStrong pic.twitter.com/hKXa9yrduN

— Alex Puckett (@Puckettwx) February 24, 2019