Tornadoes reported across South as dangerous severe weather slams millions
The FOX Forecast Center said that as of 5 a.m. Monday, there have been more than 10 confirmed tornadoes across 3 states, Texas, Mississippi and Louisiana.
Severe weather threats continue across Southeast, tornadoes possible
The Southeast is bracing for additional severe storms and the potential for strong tornadoes across portions of the region, with three already reported in Louisiana this morning. The line of storms will continue pushing east and could intensify along the northern Gulf Coast before reaching the Florida Peninsula Sunday evening. Stick with FOX Weather for the latest:
Severe weather slammed millions across the South, as soaking rains, hail and tornadoes broke hearts this Valentine's Day weekend.
While the threat of severe storms was maximized on Saturday as an area of low pressure delivered heavy, soaking rains to millions from the Plains to the East Coast, the line of storms continued on Sunday morning across eastern Mississippi into southeast Louisiana, including New Orleans, bringing a few 40-60 mph gusts.
The line continued to push east and strengthened across the northern Gulf Coast, before it reached the Florida peninsula by Sunday evening, with 60 mph gusts and small hail.
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(FOX Weather)
The FOX Forecast Center said that as of 6 a.m. Monday, there have been at least 12 confirmed tornadoes across 3 states, Texas, Mississippi and Louisiana.
And in Port Barre, there was a report of a caved roof and part of another roof removed from a home.
Strong wind gusts were reported throughout the weekend, as well.
As of 5 a.m. Sunday, the top thunderstorm wind gust reports were in Lake Charles, Louisiana, at 72 mph, and in Lumberton and Texas City, Texas, with reported wind gusts of 70 mph and 69 mph, respectively.
(FOX Weather)
This line of severe storms will be the same that rolled across the western Gulf coast states, moving into the Panhandle of Florida and southern Alabama/Georgia by late on Sunday morning.
The initial line of storms will bring gusty winds along with a tornado threat.
This line is expected to weaken by midday, then start to re-intensify over parts of northern Florida and southern Georgia, due to a deep layer of shear developing along with more available moisture.
The FOX Forecast Center said that the possibility does exist for a couple of strong tornadoes in this area on Sunday afternoon into the evening.
(FOX Weather)
On Saturday, Texas, Louisiana and Mississippi were in the bullseye for severe weather impacts.
During the day, thunderstorms began to develop, with the chances of hail 1+ inch in diameter.
As the evening moved in, an increasing threat of damaging winds and a couple of tornadoes stretched from east Texas into Louisiana and southwest Mississippi.
Deweyville United Pentecostal Church suffered damage when a line of storms blew across Southeast Texas on Feb. 14.
(Constable Howie M. Wonders/Facebook)
According to the FOX Forecast Center, a level 2/5 severe weather threat was in effect, with Houston, New Orleans, Baton Rouge and Shreveport, Louisiana in the threat area.
Texas Governor Greg Abbott activated a state of emergency for the severe storms brewing.
"The State of Texas is prepared to respond to severe storms anticipated this weekend," said Gov. Abbott. "I directed the Texas Division of Emergency Management to activate all necessary resources to assist Texas communities ahead of potential severe weather. Texans are urged to surveil road conditions before traveling, remain weather-aware, and have a plan in place in case of emergency."
Accompanying the severe storms was the possibility of flash flooding, as a level 2 flash flood threat extended from eastern Texas up through Arkansas and parts of Oklahoma on Saturday.
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Storms continued overnight Saturday into Sunday morning, where the severe threat extends into Alabama, Georgia and Florida.
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On Sunday, the flash flood risk moves further into the Southeast, impacting Alabama, Georgia, northern Florida and the Carolinas.
A level 1 of 4 flood threat persists for these areas, but significant flooding will remain localized due to the ongoing drought, the FOX Forecast Center said.