Tornadoes in the southern US: Deadly tornadoes kill four, injure hundreds.
December 30, 2024 - A powerful and deadly severe weather outbreak swept across the southeastern United States over the weekend, leaving a trail of destruction and claiming at least four lives. The storms, which included several tornadoes ranging in intensity from EF-0 to EF-3, caused significant damage across several states, including Texas, Mississippi, Arkansas, Louisiana, and North Carolina.
Significant Tornado Deaths and Damage
The confirmed death toll is four, with more than a dozen injured. Hundreds of thousands of people were left without power at the height of the storms, and more than 600,000 homes and businesses were damaged. While power has since been largely restored, property damage is extensive. Numerous homes were destroyed or severely damaged, especially mobile homes in Mississippi, and there was significant infrastructure damage, including downed power lines and damaged roads. One school, Walt Disney Elementary, suffered significant roof damage.
A tornado outbreak at the end of the year.
Meteorologists described the severity and timing of the outbreak as unusual for this time of year. The National Weather Service (NWS) received a large number of tornado reports, with Mississippi particularly hard hit. The NWS Storm Prediction Center recorded 45 tornado reports from the Southeast on Saturday alone, 19 of which were in Mississippi.
Specific Tornado Impacts: Several particularly destructive tornadoes are under investigation. One EF-2 tornado near Liverpool, Texas, had peak winds of about 201 km/h (125 mph), killing one person and injuring five others. An EF-3 tornado near Porter Heights, Texas, had peak winds of 225 km/h (140 mph), causing extensive damage along a 16 km (10 mi) path. Another EF-3 tornado in Chambers County, Texas, injured one person and left a 35 km (22 mi) path of destruction.
Massive disruption: Severe weather also caused significant disruption to air travel, with more than 600 flight delays reported at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport on Sunday.
Current assessment: Emergency responders continue to assess damage and provide support to victims. The investigation into the cause of death in Lowndes County, Mississippi, is ongoing. NWS continues to monitor weather conditions for further potential severe weather.