A powerful storm system swept across the southeastern United States over the weekend, resulting in at least two fatalities and significant damage as tornadoes touched down in Texas and Mississippi.
Reports indicate that the storm, deemed unusually severe for this time of year, generated around 40 tornado reports stretching from southeastern Texas to Alabama. These reports await confirmation as damage assessments continue. According to Frank Pereira, a National Weather Service meteorologist, while such a severe weather outbreak is rare in late December, it is not unprecedented. The storms are expected to move eastward and diminish by Sunday evening.
In the vicinity of Houston, surveys were being conducted following at least five tornadoes that occurred on Saturday. A tragic fatality was confirmed in the Liverpool area south of Houston, where a 48-year-old woman was found approximately 100 feet from her home. The precise cause of her death remains undetermined, according to Madison Polston of the Brazoria County Sheriff’s Office. Additionally, four others sustained non-critical injuries in the region, and more than 40 homes suffered substantial damage.
In Mississippi, another individual lost their life in Adams County, with two more injured in Franklin County. The Mississippi Emergency Management Agency confirmed the impact of tornadoes around Bude and Brandon, which severely damaged rooftops and other structures.
Northern Alabama, notably the town of Athens, experienced storm damage as well. National Weather Service teams began evaluating the destruction early Sunday. Chelly Amin, a weather service meteorologist, noted the survey efforts in Athens, where large HVAC units were dislodged from buildings, and a military helicopter display was toppled. Holly Hollman, a spokesperson for the city, expressed relief that the storm struck late at night, potentially preventing further injuries or fatalities.
Power outages affected thousands across the region, with nearly 65,000 customers in Mississippi experiencing service disruptions at one point. Electric utility tracking reflected similar issues in Georgia, Alabama, Louisiana, and Texas.
Severe weather also led to road closures in western North Carolina. U.S. 441 was temporarily shut due to high winds, while State Road 1672 was closed because of high water, according to Jamie Kritzer from the North Carolina Department of Transportation. Both roads were expected to reopen within a day.
The storm system advanced through Georgia, leaving a trail of fallen trees in the Atlanta vicinity. Authorities remain on alert as recovery and assessment efforts are underway.
As authorities continue to assess the damage and aid affected communities, the impact of these tornadoes serves as a somber reminder of the unpredictable nature of severe weather. Efforts to restore power and rebuild damaged areas are ongoing.
Source: News4jax
