A severe storm system swept across the southern United States over the weekend, leaving a trail of destruction, at least four fatalities, and widespread power outages. Officials are now assessing the extent of the damage caused by tornadoes, high winds, and heavy rains that affected several states, including Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, North Carolina, and Tennessee.
The National Weather Service (NWS) reported at least 45 instances of tornado damage across the region. Crews are conducting surveys to confirm the exact number of tornadoes. Meteorologist Frank Pereira noted that while late-year severe weather outbreaks are not unheard of, they are relatively uncommon.
In the Houston area, survey teams confirmed five tornadoes struck on Saturday. In Brazoria County, south of Houston, a 48-year-old woman was found deceased 100 feet from her home, with her exact cause of death still under investigation. The storm caused significant damage to at least 40 structures in the area and left four others injured. To the north in Montgomery County, approximately 30 homes were destroyed, and 50 others sustained major damage.
In North Carolina, the storm claimed the life of a 70-year-old man when a tree fell on his pickup truck in Statesville. Trooper DJ Maffucci described the incident as a "freak accident" and noted that the storms caused widespread tree damage and numerous vehicle accidents. Mississippi reported two fatalities, including an 18-year-old woman in Natchez who died after a tree fell on her home. Another person in Lowndes County lost their life, and at least eight others were injured statewide.
Athens, Alabama, experienced significant storm damage early Sunday. Downtown areas were hit hard, with large HVAC units ripped from rooftops, a bookstore’s roof torn off, and a military helicopter display toppled. Holly Hollman, a city spokesperson, remarked on the timing of the storm, suggesting that the lack of daytime activity may have prevented further injuries or deaths.
The storms disrupted travel, particularly during the busy holiday period. Over 600 flights were delayed at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, while road closures were reported in western North Carolina, including a section of U.S. 441. Heavy rains exacerbated unstable ground conditions in regions already recovering from Hurricane Helene earlier this fall. In Tennessee, Justin Fromkin, president of Raising Hope Disaster Relief, worked to salvage supplies from a relief tent after significant flooding in Bumpus Cove.
As of Sunday afternoon, more than 40,000 customers in Mississippi remained without power. Texas, Alabama, North Carolina, and Georgia each reported around 10,000 outages. Emergency crews and relief organizations are mobilizing to assist affected communities as the region begins the arduous task of recovery.
