At least two fatalities and six injuries occurred as multiple tornadoes struck Texas and Mississippi on Saturday, resulting in significant property damage and vehicular upheaval.
In the Liverpool area, south of Houston, one individual was confirmed dead, and four others sustained non-critical injuries, according to Madison Polston, the spokesperson for the Brazoria County Sheriff’s Office. Polston reported numerous touchdown points within the county, spanning Liverpool, Hillcrest Village, and Alvin. Initial assessments indicated approximately ten homes were damaged, though the full extent of the destruction is still being evaluated.
In Mississippi, a fatality was reported in Adams County, with two additional injuries in Franklin County, as per a spokesperson for the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency. The National Weather Service confirmed two tornadoes in the areas of Bude and Brandon, resulting in extensive roof damage to several structures.
Meteorologist Josh Lichter of the National Weather Service warned that the severity of the storms is expected to escalate throughout the evening and overnight as they progress eastward. Preliminary reports suggest at least six tornadoes touched down in the Houston vicinity, although more may be identified upon further inspection of the affected areas. Damage in this region was attributed to both tornadoes and straight-line winds.
North of Houston, the tornadoes caused significant damage to mobile homes in Katy and Porter Heights, where the force of the winds also compromised the structural integrity of a fire station, as reported by the weather service.
The severe weather also led to significant travel disruptions, with departure delays exceeding one hour at Houston’s main airports, Bush Intercontinental and Hobby, according to FlightAware.
In Mississippi, approximately 71,000 utility customers were without power, a number anticipated to rise, stated Malary White, chief communications officer for the state’s Emergency Management Agency. While official damage reports were pending, the agency emphasized that initial efforts were concentrated on ensuring public safety and accounting for all individuals.
White indicated that comprehensive damage assessments are expected to commence in the early morning hours.
Frances Ibiefo
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