Severe Storms Wreak Havoc in Southeast, Delays Masters Golf Tournament

A powerful storm system brought destructive weather to the U.S. Southeast, causing havoc in several states. Early Thursday, the storms triggered tornado warnings, flash flooding, and significant power outages in the region. The severe weather also disrupted the start of the Masters golf tournament in Georgia and caused widespread damage across multiple states.

Impact Across Multiple States

The storm system, responsible for at least one death in Mississippi, unleashed its fury across the region. In New Orleans, buildings were demolished, and streets were submerged due to flooding. Flash flood and tornado warnings were issued in Florida, Georgia, and South Carolina, affecting numerous communities. More than 100,000 customers were left without power, with over 30,000 of them in Georgia alone.

Continued Threat

The impact of the storm system is expected to spread further, with Ohio, Kentucky, and West Virginia identified as potential areas for severe weather on Thursday. Forecasters have warned of the possibility of tornadoes, damaging winds, and large hail in these regions, as the storm system continues its path of destruction.

Disruption to Major Event

In Augusta, Georgia, the start of the prestigious Masters golf tournament was delayed by at least one hour due to the severe weather conditions. Forecasts indicate the likelihood of wind gusts reaching 45 mph (72 kph), posing a risk of uprooting trees and causing structural damage.

Widespread Devastation

The impact of the storms has been felt across multiple states, with reports of flooding in Valdosta, Georgia, and significant street damage in Tallahassee, Florida. The damage extended from Texas to the Florida Panhandle, with a tornado striking Slidell, Louisiana, resulting in extensive property damage and prompting first responders to carry out rescue operations.

Local Accounts

Residents in the affected areas described the harrowing experiences they endured. In Slidell, Louisiana, individuals recounted the terrifying moments as the storm tore through their community, causing destruction, but fortunately, no deaths or critical injuries were reported. Initial assessments indicated that the area was struck by an EF-1 tornado, with wind speeds ranging from 86 mph (138 kph) to 110 mph (177 kph).

Challenges Faced

The city of New Orleans faced additional difficulties during the storm as its drainage system grappled with power issues, resulting in the inundation of streets. A tragic incident in central Mississippi saw the loss of life due to a power outage, highlighting the severe consequences of the storm's impact.

Rescue Efforts and Property Damage

Emergency response teams conducted numerous rescues in areas affected by flooding, including Jasper County, Texas, where multiple individuals were saved from homes and vehicles. The extent of the damage was evident in the Houston suburb of Katy, where severe thunderstorms caused the collapse of a roof, damaged businesses, and led to the displacement of large objects, underscoring the destructive force of the weather system.