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Ongoing Tornado Outbreak Causes Widespread Damage And Deaths In Southern U.S.

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An ongoing outbreak of fiercely destructive tornadoes is bringing havoc to the southern United States, resulting in widespread damage and at least a dozen fatalities. Per USA Today via AccuWeather, "Nearly 4 million people were under tornado watches Saturday afternoon. Tornado risk will be highest Saturday for most of Mississippi and Alabama, and parts of Louisiana and Georgia including New Orleans and Atlanta."

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News outlets vary in reporting the number of known deaths as a result of the storms. At least one report from NBC News mentions at least 20 have lost their lives so far. They were in Arkansas, Texas, Oklahoma, and Missouri.

The Threat To Lives And Property From Severe Weather Is Still Ongoing

Per the outlet, hundreds of thousands of residents have lost power. Some 10 million people remain affected by a tornado watch. According to NBC News, "...'Particularly Dangerous Situation' watches issued for regions from Louisiana to Tennessee, including cities like Jackson, Birmingham and Nashville."

The National Weather Service warns that another threat, this one from flash flooding, exists as well.

ABC News chief meteorologist Ginger Zee wrote on

Photos Show Scenes Of Stunning Destruction; Governors Of Arkansas And Georgia Speak Out On Impacts There

Photos depict trees toppled over in Missouri, damage to homes, and debris strewn everywhere, indicating the massive power of these storms.

Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders told reporters today that recovery from the storms could take "weeks and months" per ABC News. That state seems to have felt the terrible full fury of these storms. "Tornado damage consistent with winds of 165 mph have been recorded in Cave City, Arkansas, according to the National Weather Service's tornado survey team."

Huckabee Sanders spoke by phone with President Donald Trump about the situation in Arkansas. "He said to tell the people of Arkansas he loves them and he and his administration are here to help with whatever we need following last night's tornadoes,"

Brian Kemp, governor of Georgia, already declared a state of emergency at noon today in readiness for severe weather expected in that state.

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