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Strong storms are battering the Gulf Coast, generating flash flooding and tornado warnings for millions of people from Texas to the Florida panhandle.
Flooding and high winds have closed roads across the south, leading to the closure of schools and offices on Wednesday. In New Orleans, flooding devastated the city center, making it difficult for cars to travel on the roads.
Heavy rain, flash flooding and severe weather threats associated with an intensifying low pressure system are forecast to hit the region, according to the National Weather Service.
“We believe there will be double-digit tornadoes produced by the severe weather outbreak, and there could be multiple tornadoes on the ground at the same time on Wednesday even though atmospheric conditions are not perfect,” AccuWeather Chief On-Air Meteorologist Bernie Rayno said.
Forecasters said strong damaging winds, which may exceed 75 mph, could wreak havoc across the region and topple trees and poles.
Strong storms are battering the Gulf Coast, causing flash flooding and tornado warnings for millions of people from Texas to the Florida panhandle, including in New Orleans, where rain has flooded the city center.
ET on Wednesday, 172,226 customers are without power in Louisiana, 49,231 in Mississippi and 45,318 in Texas, according to Poweroutage.us.
This is what’s happening on the Gulf Coast
TEXAS
In the Lone Star state, several people were rescued from homes and vehicles Wednesday morning as floodwaters inundated parts of Jasper County near the Louisiana line, authorities said.
“The town of Kirbyville remains underwater and remains the primary concern at this time,” the Jasper County Sheriff’s Office said on social media.
All major roads into Kirbyville, a town of about 2,000 people, were closed early Wednesday due to flooding, the sheriff’s office said.
Several people were rescued from homes and vehicles Wednesday morning in Texas.
All major roads into Kirbyville, a town of about 2,000 people, were closed early Wednesday due to flooding.
LOUISIANA
In Louisiana, state office buildings closed Wednesday as storms were expected to hit the state during rush hour, the governor’s office announced.
Authorities also asked drivers to limit trips if possible and warned that strong winds were expected to affect large trucks.
National Weather Service Issues Flash Flood Emergency in New Orleans as Heavy Rain Floods Roads
Louisiana State University announced that its campus would close on Wednesday
The National Weather Service issues a flash flood emergency in New Orleans, Chalmette and Meraux until 2 pm CT as heavy rain made it impossible to cross roads.
One of the nation’s largest universities, Louisiana State University, announced its campus would close Wednesday due to “the developing severe weather situation.”
MISSISSIPPI
Video shows hail storms hitting central Mississippi Tuesday night, reported WJTV.
Hinds County Sheriff Tyree Jones said several trees and power lines are down throughout western and northern Hinds County, including Learned, Raymond, Old Port Gibson Road and Pocahontas.
Gov. Tate Reeves said that as of Wednesday, 12 homes were damaged in Hinds County, two homes damaged in Neshoba County, one home destroyed in Warren County, as well as eight homes damaged and one home destroyed in the Yazoo County.
Strong storms damage a home in Pelahatchie, Mississippi.
Video shows hail storms hitting central Mississippi Tuesday night
Downed trees have caused several road closures in Hinds and Yazoo County.
Downed trees have caused several road closures in Hinds and Yazoo County.
“It is extremely important to note that our state is expected to experience more severe weather today,” the governor said.
‘There is a real possibility that the situation will get worse before it gets better. Prepare before today’s storms; It can make the difference between life and death and keep your family safe.’
ALABAMA
The Alabama Department of Transportation reported a flooded road on eastbound Interstate 90 near the I-10 interchange in Spanish Fort that is causing moderate delays Wednesday morning.
Dozens of school districts announced early dismissals due to tornado risk, according to AL.com.
The National Weather Service issued a tornado watch for Sumter, Marengo, Dallas and Lowndes counties until 5 p.m.
Strong storms are battering the Gulf Coast, generating flash flooding and tornado warnings for millions of people.
Forecasters said the main flooding threat is in southern Alabama, where they predict two to four inches of rain is possible.
Waterfront Rescue Mission opened its severe weather shelter for people seeking temporary shelter from the storm, reported HAVE A POSITION.
FLORIDA
As severe storms approach the Florida panhandle, one school district closed and two have early dismissal, reported Pensacola News Journal.
Escambia County Public Schools and district offices will close, the Santa Rosa School District will follow an early dismissal schedule and Okaloosa County Schools will close an hour early.
A tornado watch was issued for Escambia, Okaloosa and Santa Rosa counties until 5 p.m.
The National Weather Service forecast storms that could bring wind gusts of up to 80 mph, strong tornadoes and quarter-sized hail to the area.
