Tornadoes devastate Texas and Mississippi: 2 dead, 6 injured, thousands without power

A series of powerful tornadoes wreaked havoc in Texas and Mississippi on Saturday, December 28, causing widespread destruction. At least two people have lost their lives, and six others have been injured. The severe storm system has left thousands without power as it continues to move eastward, impacting Alabama and Georgia.

Fatalities and Injuries

In Texas, one fatality was reported in Liverpool, a town south of Houston. Four individuals sustained non-critical injuries, with significant damage noted in Hillcrest Village and Alvin, where at least ten homes were affected.

In Mississippi, one person was killed in Adams County, and two others were injured in Franklin County. Tornadoes hit towns like Bude and Brandon, causing extensive damage, including roofs being torn off several buildings.

Storm System's Path and Impact

The National Weather Service (NWS) tracked the storm system as it moved from Texas to Alabama early Sunday morning, December 29. By 4 a.m. Sunday, the storm was advancing eastward, prompting severe thunderstorm warnings for western Georgia and the northwestern tip of Florida.

Tornado Damage in Texas

The Houston area experienced at least six confirmed tornadoes. Particularly hard-hit areas included Katy and Porter Heights, where mobile homes were damaged or destroyed, and a fire station in Porter Heights had its doors blown in by strong winds. The NWS reported significant destruction caused by both tornadoes and straight-line winds.

Disruptions in Houston

Houston's major airports, Bush Intercontinental and Hobby, faced departure delays exceeding an hour on Saturday afternoon due to the severe weather, according to FlightAware.

Mississippi's Power Outages and Damage Assessment

Mississippi saw around 71,000 utility customers without power by Saturday afternoon, with numbers rising as the storm progressed. By Sunday morning, nearly 81,000 customers remained without power. The Mississippi Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) prioritized the safety of residents and damage assessment, with thorough evaluations starting early Sunday morning.

Alabama on High Alert

As the storm moved into Alabama, the NWS issued severe thunderstorm warnings for the southern part of the state, advising residents to seek shelter due to possible damaging winds up to 60 mph (96.5 km/h) and the potential for further tornado activity.

Ongoing Recovery Efforts

First responders in both Texas and Mississippi are focused on rescue operations and public safety. In Texas, authorities are assessing damage and providing aid, while in Mississippi, officials are gathering information on the extent of the devastation and coordinating recovery efforts.

As the storm system continues to move east, residents in Georgia and Florida are urged to stay alert and prepared for severe weather conditions. The NWS is closely monitoring the situation, and more updates will be provided as damage assessments and recovery efforts continue.