A severe storm system has caused widespread flooding, tornadoes, and other storm damage in the southern United States, particularly affecting states like Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama. The National Weather Service reported wind gusts of up to 75 mph in some areas, leading to power outages for over 200,000 customers in the region. Flash flooding in New Orleans resulted in more than a month’s worth of rain falling in just a few hours, while suspected tornadoes caused damage across the Gulf Coast region.
In the midst of the storm, one fatality was reported in Scott County, Mississippi, with authorities yet to disclose further details about the incident. Additionally, police in Slidell, Louisiana, confirmed at least 10 injuries following a possible tornado, while another twister hit Lake Charles, Louisiana, causing property damage but fortunately no reported injuries. As the storm front continued its path eastward, parts of southeast Alabama, Florida, and Georgia remained under tornado warnings, underscoring the continued threat to these areas into the evening.
Earlier, the same storm system brought severe weather to Texas, where a suspected tornado touched down outside of Houston, leading to floods, evacuations, closed highways, and ongoing rescue operations in southeastern parts of the state. The widespread nature of the storm system highlights the unpredictable and destructive nature of severe weather events in the region, emphasizing the importance of vigilance and preparedness in the face of such natural disasters.