Deadly Storms Across Arkansas, Mississippi, Alabama, Tennessee

A monster storm system capable of spawning hurricane-force winds, baseball-sized hail and potential long-track violent tornadoes is moving East, targeting states like Tennessee, Mississippi, Alabama and Georgia deep into the overnight hours.

The storm already walloped the Plains, bringing fierce wind that launched hundreds of wildfires and spread smoke for miles, causing deadly multi-car pileups. Next, it brought extreme wind, hail and several tornadoes to parts of the Midwest, battering Missouri, Arkansas, Illinois and Mississippi, which have reported more than a dozen storm-related deaths. Damage investigations from those storms are ongoing as teams begin to rate the destruction on the ground.

Now, all eyes are on the Southeast, where the National Weather Service has issued stark warnings about the “high risk” tornado threat. Several states, including Alabama and Georgia, have declared states of emergency as officials urge residents to be weather-aware.

Get updated forecast and timing here.

Here is the latest information:

(08:54 p.m. EDT) Severe Risk has been lowered

From weather.com Senior Meteorologist: Jonathan Belles

The threat for severe weather is beginning to decrease across the Southeast. In the latest update from the Storm Prediction Center, they lowered the overall risk down to a level 4 out of 5 risk. Several tornadoes, destructive wind gusts and some flash flooding are still expected in parts of Tennessee, Georgia, Alabama, Florida and the western Carolinas overnight.

(08:47 p.m. EDT) Confirmed Tornado

From weather.com Senior Meteorologist: Jonathan Belles

A new confirmed tornado about 40 miles south of Birmingham headed northeast

(08:15 p.m. EDT) New Tornado Watch

From weather.com Senior Meteorologist: Linda Lam

The Storm Prediction Center expects to issue a new tornado watch for parts of eastern Alabama, western Georgia and the Florida Panhandle in the next hour or so. Conditions in this area are favorable for long-track and significant tornadoes, as well as wind gusts as high as 70 mph.

(08:05 p.m. EDT) A confirmed tornado was located near Loudon, Tennessee

(07:29 p.m. EDT) Satellite Imagery

(07:12 p.m. EDT) Tylertown, MS

(07:09 p.m. EDT) Kansas dust storm crash

(07:07 p.m. EDT) Death Toll Update

AP Just alerted that the severe weather outbreak has killed 26 people

(06:56 p.m. EDT) Half way through level 5 risk

From weather.com Senior Meteorologist: Jonathan Belles

While we're about half way through the level 5 risk area for today, you shouldn't let your guard down if you're in the Southeast because storms have to get through at least Alabama, Georgia, Tennessee and west Florida before we're out of the woods tonight.

(06:44 p.m. EDT) Storm damage in Hazelwood, MO

(06:41 p.m. EDT) Tornado that went through Taylorsville

(06:35 p.m. EDT) Governor Update From Arkansas

(06:29 p.m. EDT) Not All Tornado Warnings Are The Same

From weather.com Senior Digital Meteorologist: Jonathan Belles

The same goes for tornado warnings—when the National Weather Service issues a standard tornado warning, you should take cover immediately. But if a “tornado emergency” is declared, it means a confirmed, catastrophic tornado is already causing devastation. Don’t wait until severe weather is on your doorstep—have a safety plan in place so you can act fast when every second counts.

(06:25 p.m. EDT) Not All Severe Thunderstorm Warnings Are The Same

From weather.com lead editor Jenn Jordan:

Not all severe thunderstorm warnings are created equal—some storms pack a far greater punch than others. While all warnings meet minimum hail and wind criteria, storms labeled “considerable” or “destructive” pose a much higher threat. A “destructive” warning automatically triggers a Wireless Emergency Alert (WEA) on your phone, signaling that life-threatening conditions are imminent.

(06:09 p.m. EDT) Twice as Deadly at Night

From weather.com senior meteorologist, Jonathan Erdman

Tornadoes that strike overnight are nearly twice as likely to be deadly as those during the day due to a combination of factors, including lack of storm spotter reports and missing alerts for tornado warned storms.

For more information, read our in-depth article here

(06:04 p.m. EDT) Parts of Georgia, North Carolina and Tennessee under Tornado Watch

(05:59 p.m. EDT) Several Damaged Homes in Louisiana

(05:57 p.m. EDT) Wedge Near Gordo, AL

(05:52 p.m. EDT) "Two Reasons To Take Shelter Immediately"

From weather.com senior meteorologist Jonathan Erdman:

"We’re seeing two things today that are good reminders why it’s critical to move to shelter immediately when you receive a warning. First, some of these storms are moving at highway speeds (55 to 60 mph), so you may not have as much time as you think. Secondly, some of these tornadoes are wrapped in curtains of heavy rain. So, they may not “look like tornadoes.”

(05:48 p.m. EDT) How Fast Do Tornadoes Move

From weather.com lead editor Jenn Jordan:

Tornadoes don’t just vary in size and strength, they can also zip across the landscape at wildly different speeds, from a sluggish crawl to highway flying. A deadly EF4 that hit Mayfield, Kentucky in 2021 raced along at 56 mph, while a monstrous F5 in a 1974 outbreak hit a staggering 75 mph.

On the flip side, a 2013 Bennington, Kansas tornado barely budged, creeping at just 2.3 mph and even appearing to stop at times.

For more information, read our in-depth article here.

(05:44 p.m. EDT) Tornado Twice

From weather.com senior meteorologist Jonathan Erdman:

We mentioned in our forecast the potential for multiple rounds of severe thunderstorms in this outbreak. One such example is happening now. A radar-confirmed tornado is in progress over Pickens County in western Alabama, about an hour after another tornado struck near the Pickens-Tuscaloosa County line.

Bottom line: Don’t assume your first round of severe weather today and tonight is your last until the National Weather Service clears the tornado or severe thunderstorm watch from your area.

(05:43 p.m. EDT) Big Flooding in MS

(05:34 p.m. EDT) Thunderstorms Approaching New Orleans

From weather.com senior meteorologist Jonathan Erdman:

A strong line of thunderstorms is approaching New Orleans. A new severe thunderstorm warning has been issued just west of the metro. The line may be capable of producing tornadoes.

(05:25 p.m. EDT) Two Tornadoes in Progress

Near Stonewall, Mississippi. Those in the city of Meridian, Mississippi should head to their tornado shelter immediately!

In northern Tuscaloosa County, Alabama, headed into southern and eastern Walker County. Take shelter immediately!

(05:18 p.m. EDT) Some Recent Storm Reports

Here’s a sampling of some storm reports received by the National Weather Service over the past hour:

- Near Elrod, Alabama: At least one home with roof damage, a few trees uprooted from a tornado earlier. (That severe thunderstorm is now passing well north of Tuscaloosa.)

- Near Adrian, Michigan: 66 mph wind gust. This is about 60 miles southwest of Detroit.

(05:12 p.m. EDT) Good, Better And Best Tornado Shelters

From weather.com lead editor Jenn Jordan:

If severe weather strikes, make sure you’re ready to take shelter fast. Have a flashlight, a way to communicate (charge your phones now) and don’t forget about pets.

Remember, the worst places to shelter are mobile homes, vehicles, or under highway overpasses.

Better options include interior rooms of a sturdy building, or a basement, but your safest bet is a tornado storm shelter or FEMA-approved safe room.

For more in-depth advice on where and how to shelter, check out our list of 14 Things Meteorologists Want You To Know About Severe Weather.

(05:09 p.m. EDT) Power Outage Update

(04:50 p.m. EDT) Flash Flooding A Danger, Too

From weather.com senior meteorologist Jonathan Erdman:

Dozens of counties are under flash flood warnings right now from southern Mississippi to middle Tennessee. Homes were reported flooded in Lee County, Mississippi, and some roads are reported flooded near White House, Tennessee.

This is because there are two bands of thunderstorms, one a broken line of supercells, the other a more solid band of heavy rain, each of which is training like boxcars of a train over the same section of track. This often leads to flash flooding in these situations.

(04:46 p.m. EDT) Tornado Damage

(04:36 p.m. EDT) Next Cities In Severe Threat

From weather.com senior meteorologist Jonathan Erdman:

The next cities in line for the severe threat are: New Orleans, Birmingham and Huntsville, Alabama. According to our latest computer models, the severe threat should be over in New Orleans after 6 p.m. CDT and after 10 p.m. in both Birmingham and Huntsville.

(04:22 p.m. EDT) Forecast Update From The Storm Prediction Center

In their afternoon update, the SPC made two tweaks to the severe thunderstorm forecast for the rest of the evening and into the overnight hours. First, they extended the level 5 threat area southwestward into more of southern Mississippi where we’ve already had several tornadoes this afternoon. Secondly, they have trimmed areas on the western edge of the threat zone where storms have already passed and the outbreak is over there.

(04:18 p.m. EDT) “What does PDS mean?”

From weather.com lead editor Jenn Jordan:

I heard one of our meteorologists say this: “Seminary, MS could be in danger in short-order. PDS tornado warning in effect.”

From weather.com senior meteorologist Jonathan Erdman:

This is a term meteorologists use to highlight a Particularly Dangerous Situation. In this situation, that means a confirmed, strong tornado is in progress and poses a significant threat to life and property.

(04:02 p.m. EDT) Answers from the Meteorologist

From weather.com senior meteorologist Jonathan Erdman:

The Atlanta metro’s severe threat appears to be from 11 p.m. to 6 a.m. EDT. While there is certainly a threat for tornadoes, especially in the western metro, strong thunderstorm winds gusts capable of downing trees and knocking out power is a more likely threat in Atlanta. And, yes, some local flash flooding of the usual trouble spots in the Atlanta metro is also possible. Have multiple ways of receiving National Weather Service warnings, including your smartphone. Turn off any “do not disturb” setting on your smartphone, so an overnight warning can wake you up.

(04:01 p.m. EDT) When is Atlanta’s severe threat?

From weather.com lead editor Jenn Jordan:

So my best friend just texted me worried that her power is going to go out. My weather app sais a tornado is likely. What does that mean for her if she lives in the city? Does this mean she’ll be getting alot of rain?

(03:59 p.m. EDT) EF3 Tornado Confirmed In Arkansas

From weather.com senior meteorologist Jonathan Erdman

A National Weather Service storm survey so far has found EF3 tornado damage in Cave City, Arkansas with peak winds estimated at 140 mph. Cave City is about 90 miles northeast of Little Rock. Damage surveys continue.

(03:46 p.m. EDT) This One Thing Could Save Your Life In A Tornado

From weather.com lead editor Jenn Jordan:

A helmet could be the lifesaving tornado protection you’re overlooking. Head injuries from flying debris are the top cause of tornado deaths, but grabbing a helmet—whether it’s for football, biking, or baseball—can dramatically lower your risk.

It’s a critical but overlooked safety measure, according to experts, but it’s important to note it is not a substitute for shelter. That said, having one ready to grab in a tornado warning could mean the difference between survival and severe injury.

Watch our interview with an emergency room physician here.

(03:41 p.m. EDT) Tornadoes In Progress

From weather.com senior meteorologist Jonathan Erdman:

As of now, there are two confirmed tornadoes in progress, according to the National Weather Service:

- Near Collins, Mississippi

- Near Turnerville, Mississippi

(03:32 p.m. EDT) Explaining Tornado Ratings

From weather.com lead editor Jenn Jordan:

The Enhanced Fujita (EF) Scale is how we rate tornadoes in the U.S., but you may be surprised to learn it doesn’t actually measure a twister’s power by its wind speed. Since tornadoes destroy most weather instruments in their path, scientists had to get creative.

They devised the EF system to estimate a tornado’s strength based on its levels of destruction. This is why they sometimes aren’t rated until days or sometimes weeks later.

For a deep dive into each rating and the damage required to reach each threshold, click here.

The EF Scale was developed by meteorologists and engineers, including the Weather Channel’s own Dr. Greg Forbes and has been the standard for classifying tornadoes since 2007.

(03:05 p.m. EDT) Mid-Afternoon Weather Update

From weather.com digital meteorologist Jonathan Belles:

Several broken lines of thunderstorms are pushing through Alabama, Louisiana and Mississippi. We've had at least one strong to violent tornado move through southern Mississippi near Tylertown earlier this afternoon. The tornado and flood threat are expected to increase overall and in Alabama through the remainder of this afternoon. The near-term greatest concern for stronger tornadoes is across southern Mississippi and into western Alabama as circled on the map below. Flooding will become a bigger threat into this evening from Middle Tennessee into the southern Appalachians.

(02:58 p.m. EDT) Three States

From weather.com lead editor Jenn Jordan:

We now have three states involved with tornado warnings: LA, MS, AL. There are also flash flood warnings up into TN

For a deep dive into each rating and the damage required to reach each threshold, click here.

(02:46 p.m. EDT) “Particularly Dangerous Situation?”

From weather.com digital meteorologist Jonathan Belles:

Tornado watches and warnings sometimes have a tag and you’ll often see meteorologists talk about a “particularly dangerous situation” or PDS. Tornado watches tagged with this addition are issued for areas where strong, long-lived tornadoes, wind gusts over 75 mph and very large hail are possible over the next few hours. Warnings that are tagged as PDS tornado warnings are those that are more certain to be producing a strong tornado or have a history of producing damage.

We’ve seen several PDS warnings issued across the Southeast so far today.

For more in-depth info on the different types of tornado warnings, click here.

(02:41 p.m. EDT) More Photos Roll In Of Tylertown Tornado

A social media user posted a terrifying photo showing the size and scale of a tornado in Tylertown, Mississippi.

Radar shows two separate tornadoes hit the same area within minutes of each other, following a similar path.

(02:24 p.m. EDT) Video Shows Destruction In Tylertown, Mississippi

The National Weather Service office in New Orleans reposted video to social media showing destruction in Tylertown, near the Mississippi-Louisiana border.

On radar, the twister’s winds reached speeds of up to 185 miles per hour, capable of causing catastrophic damage.

(02:12 p.m. EDT) Damage Reported In Kentwood, Louisiana

A confirmed tornado tore through Kentwood, on the border of Louisiana and Mississippi, leaving behind major structural damage and completely blocking a highway with debris. The Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s Office has deployed fire and medical crews to the scene.

(01:58 p.m. EDT) Tornado Confirmed In Walthall County, Mississippi

A massive, life-threatening tornado is tearing through northwestern Walthall County, moving at a speed of 50 miles per hour. The National Weather Service is sounding the alarm for residents to take cover from the ongoing tornado emergency.

(01:42 p.m. EDT) Today Vs. Yesterday

From weather.com digital meteorologist Jonathan Belles:

• Location: Today, thunderstorms are ongoing across the Deep South rather than the entirety of the Mississippi Valley
• Different ingredients: Moisture is much more favorable today across the South than it was yesterday until late evening in the mid-Mississippi Valley. We shouldn’t have to wait for tornadoes today. Through 1 p.m. EDT, we’ve already seen several.
• Storm mode: Most storms were along a broken squall line from Iowa to Arkansas yesterday. Today, storms will attempt to be more discrete, or separate from one another. This could ramp up the intensity of tornadoes today.
• Flooding more likely: Given the higher moisture today and the widespread nature of the storms, there will likely be flooding across the Tennessee Valley.