Warren County was among three counties added to the state’s request for a federal disaster declaration in the wake of Saturday’s tornado — the deadliest in Mississippi since 1992.

Heavily-damaged Yazoo and Choctaw counties, along with Warren, Attala and Holmes, could receive an array of assistance for individuals and local government if a federal declaration is approved. Food, clothing, rental assistance and relief for uninsured and underinsured storm victims would become available for individuals. Also, counties might be reimbursed for overtime expenses and debris cleanup.

Saturday’s tornado tracked 149.25 miles across Mississippi from Warren to Oktibbeha counties, the fourth-longest track for a twister in the state, as per the National Weather Service and the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency. The tornado formed just west of Tallulah, La., making the overall track nearly 180 miles. Wind speeds of the EF-4 tornado peaked at 170 miles per hour in Yazoo County. Ten deaths in Mississippi were attributed to the storm, which has been measured to be the widest ever recorded in the state, at 1.75 miles.

Most damage in Warren County took place at Eagle Lake, particularly around Sea Island Drive on the northern rim of the oxbow lake. District 2 Supervisor William Banks, whose district includes the outdoor resort community of about 600, said a federal declaration will be welcome. Banks termed it a “wait and see” situation for property owners.

“I’ve been up there four times,” Banks said. “We’re on standby waiting on the approval.”

Federal and state emergency and environmental officials were expected to continue assessing damage here today and in 16 other counties to determine eligibility for federal aid. MEMA estimated 69 homes and mobile homes were damaged in Warren County, along with one business.

More than 700 homes were damaged across the state, with damages thought to be more than $50 million.

Damage in Madison Parish included the Willow Bayou farming community and businesses at the Madison Parish Port. Inspectors with the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality continued to clear debris at Complex Chemical LLC, left flattened by rail cars and storage tanks thrown around by the tornado’s winds. Removing the containers is the next step, an agency official with the West Monroe regional office said today.

Contact Danny Barrett Jr. at dbarrett@vicksburgpost.com