(TheIndependentStar.com) – A devastating storm system left a trail of destruction and killed at least four people after ripping through the southern United States.
The powerful storm system created several tornadoes across Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama and Georgia, with at least 45 reports of tornado-related damage.
Meteorologist Brian Hurley of the Weather Prediction Center confirmed that teams are now conducting detailed surveys to assess the full extent of the destruction.
In a troubling development, this severe weather outbreak is considered unusual for this time of year.
Meteorologist Frank Pereira stated, “It’s not unheard of, but it is fairly uncommon to have a severe weather outbreak of this magnitude this late in the year.”
The storm’s fury hit the Houston area the hardest. At least five confirmed tornadoes caused significant damage to homes and buildings.
Tragically, one person was killed in this region. Meanwhile, a 70-year-old man was killed when a tree fell on his truck in North Carolina.
Additionally, two more people lost their lives in Mississippi, including an 18-year-old woman.
“I stepped out on my porch and I could hear it roar,” said Holly Hollman, a resident affected by the storms.
The widespread destruction has left tens of thousands without power. Over 40,000 people in Mississippi alone were plunged into darkness. Additional outages were also reported in Texas, Alabama, North Carolina, and Georgia.
The storm’s impact extended beyond property damage and power outages. Major airports in Atlanta and Charlotte experienced significant flight delays and cancellations, causing travel chaos for thousands of Americans.
At Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport alone, over 600 flights were delayed.
In Tennessee, the heavy rainfall has affected ongoing disaster relief efforts, adding to the challenges faced by communities still reeling from previous storms.
Copyright 2024, TheIndependentStar.com
