Apr 10, 2021 - Science

1 dead as severe storms pummel the South

Rebecca Falconer

A tree fell on a home carport damaged a vehicle off Sullivan Rd in St Landry Parish, La. — A tree that fell on a home carport damaged a vehicle during a storm in Central, Louisiana. No injuries were reported, according to Central Fire Department. Photo: Central Fire Department/Twitter

Strong storms lashed the South early Saturday, spawning at least one tornado and unleashing powerful winds and hail. And forecasters warned more severe weather was expected to hit parts of the region in the coming hours.

Details: Thousands of customers lost power in Florida, Mississippi, Arkansas, Texas and Louisiana, according to tracking site poweroutage.us. An F3 tornado that hit St Landry Parish, Louisiana, killed one person and wounded seven others.

The National Weather Service said 15 homes were damaged or destroyed, along with several other buildings, as the tornado downed power lines and trees.

In Mississippi, a suspected tornado tore down power lines and trees in Rankin County, per AP.

In Orange Beach, Alabama, hail the size of baseballs damaged vehicles, Al.com reports.

In Panama City Beach, Florida, authorities said "high winds took the roof off" a convenience store and damaged a house.

A water spout was spotted over the Gulf in the morning, the City of Panama City Beach said. A Twitter user shared footage of the suspected tornado:

What to expect: Severe thunderstorms were possible Saturday evening from western North Carolina into southeast West Virginia, the NWS said.

"Strong storms may also develop later tonight across portions of northern Florida," the agency added.

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1 dead as severe storms pummel the South

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