The South was met with brutal storms on Easter that sent deadly tornadoes and storms tearing across several southern states.
Storms and over a dozen tornadoes were reported on Sunday and into Monday throughout Kentucky, Georgia, Florida, Mississippi, Louisiana, Texas, and Arkansas, inflicting “catastrophic” and deadly damage in their paths. According to emergency officials, at least 29 people were killed and many more have reported injuries.
“This could be a very difficult day weatherwise,” Republican Mississippi Gov. Tate Reeves noted in a video on Facebook. “Please be weather aware. Pay attention. I know that these storms that are coming through can be dangerous. We can see significant winds. We can also see significant tornadoes coming through Mississippi today.”
Huge, destructive tornado in Soso, MS just now @WXgage pic.twitter.com/zpzuEa5erS
— Connor McCrorey (@ConnorWX) April 12, 2020
The city of Monroe, Louisiana, was hit with several suspected tornadoes, which destroyed 300 homes and damaged the Monroe Regional Airport.
“Even though the morning storms have left the state, many other dangerous systems remain across Louisiana. Please stay at home, follow the orders of local officials and tune in to your local weather person for updates,” Democratic Louisiana John Gov. Bell Edwards said on Twitter.
“By the grace of God, early reports show only a few minor injuries. Pray for our city! Many neighbors & friends suffered catastrophic damage. We are hurting; but not broken. Times like this remind us WE ARE STRONGER TOGETHER! Together we we will rebuild.“ – Mayor Jamie Mayo pic.twitter.com/sByzavTiTg
— City of Monroe, LA (@CityofMonroe) April 12, 2020
Tornado watches have been issued across parts of Mississippi and Louisiana, with the weather service issuing a tornado emergency for Monroe — its highest level of tornado alert.
The onslaught of severe storms moved across southern states and up the East Coast. Around 95 million people in up to 20 states could be affected by tornadoes, damaging wind, and hail.
