ATLANTA — Severe storms swept across parts of the southern United States, killing at least two people and causing widespread damage, officials said on Sunday.
The National Weather Service reported multiple rounds of thunderstorms, some producing tornadoes, large hail and damaging winds, affecting areas from Texas through the Southeast. The storms struck over the weekend, with the most significant impacts reported in several states.
One fatality was confirmed in north Texas, where local authorities linked the death to severe weather, according to media reports citing officials. A second death was reported in another southern state amid the storm system, though details on the exact circumstances remained limited.
Emergency management officials in affected regions described downed trees, power lines and structural damage from high winds and possible tornadoes. Tens of thousands of customers lost electricity, with restoration efforts underway, utility companies said.
The Storm Prediction Center had issued warnings for severe weather in the region. Meteorologists noted the potential for supercell thunderstorms capable of producing hazards including hail up to several inches in diameter and straight-line winds exceeding 60 mph.
In Texas, reports included wind damage and power outages in multiple counties. Similar conditions affected parts of Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama, where flash flooding compounded the impacts in some areas.
"Residents should continue to monitor local forecasts and heed warnings from emergency officials," a National Weather Service spokesperson said in a statement.
The storms followed a pattern of active severe weather across the central and southern U.S. earlier in the season. Spring 2026 saw a relatively lower number of tornado fatalities compared to prior years, according to Storm Prediction Center data, though individual events still posed significant risks.
Local authorities urged caution as additional storms were possible in the coming days. Search and rescue operations continued in impacted communities, and damage assessments were ongoing.
As of Monday, the death toll stood at least two, with officials warning that the number could rise pending further reports. Power outages persisted for thousands, and some roadways remained impassable due to debris. The National Weather Service and state emergency agencies continued to coordinate response efforts across the region. Details on the full extent of injuries and property damage were still being compiled.
