GAUTIER, Miss. (WLOX) - Recovery efforts continue in Gautier after an EF1 tornado struck the city, with local officials and community partners working to help.

The tornado damaged homes, apartment complexes , and businesses.

“We’re very blessed in Gautier that we did not have any injuries or fatalities,” said Mayor Casey Vaughan.

Most of the reported damage consisted of roof damage, along with downed trees and fences.

Aztecas restaurant on Highway 90 sustained major damage , but employees were not injured after taking shelter in a cooler.

“They’re working with their engineers. They’ve already pulled permits for the demolition part that has to be demoed and then start rebuilding,” said Vaughan.

The city is expediting permits for other properties with substantial tornado damage and

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