Photos show the devastation caused by the deadly Mississippi tornado

In an aerial view, damage from a series of powerful storms and at least one tornado is seen in Rolling Fork, Mississippi. (Will Newton/Getty Images)

Emergency responders are digging out after a rare, long-lasting tornado tore through western Mississippi Friday night, killing at least 26 people and leaving a trail of destruction behind.

The tornado — which landed in Rolling Fork around 8 p.m. local time and then plowed through nearby towns including Silver City, Black Hawk and Winona — lasted for more than an hour, which a federal meteorologist called "very rare."