A severe weather system in the US South has led to widespread flooding, tornadoes, and storm damage across several states, including Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama. The National Weather Service reported that large areas were affected, with the system moving eastward to parts of Florida and Georgia, where storm and flash-flood warnings were issued. Tragically, one person died in Mississippi, and another was injured, while more than 200,000 customers were left without power at the peak of the storm.
In Louisiana, at least 10 people were injured and taken to hospital following a possible tornado, with police in Slidell rescuing about 50 individuals and describing the damage as “catastrophic.” Meanwhile, in Lake Charles, Louisiana, homes were damaged by another confirmed twister, but no injuries were reported. The storm continued to move eastward, causing more severe weather in southeast Alabama, Florida, and Georgia, leading to tornado warnings across the region.
Additionally, the weather system impacted sports, with the start of the golf Masters tournament delayed due to thunderstorms at Augusta National in Georgia. The opening tee shots were postponed due to heavy rainfall and strong wind gusts, underscoring the far-reaching effects of the severe weather conditions in the US South. The storm front also brought severe weather to Texas, where evacuations and highway closures occurred due to flooding.