Devastating and Deadly Tornadoes Hit the Plains and South This Weekend
Tornadoes struck in parts of the South this weekend, producing widespread damage and casualties. Five tornadoes hit areas east of Dallas, Texas on Saturday. Canton Mayor Lou Ann Everett said four people were killed and 52 injured due to the storms in her city. Texas Governor Greg Abbott declared three counties disaster areas: Henderson, Rains, and Van Zandt.
Significant tornado occurred in Canton yesterday. Survey team still in the area. More updates to come! #Canton #txwx pic.twitter.com/Y5m7vcS3g7
— NWS Fort Worth (@NWSFortWorth) April 30, 2017
The largest tornado was on the ground for 51 miles for almost 2 hours. It was given a rating of EF3 during an initial storm survey Sunday, but upgraded to EF4 Monday evening after further investigation. Another EF3 rated tornado was on the ground for more than a half hour near Eustace and Canton. The National Weather Service is still surveying damage at this time.
Based on today's storm survey, Tornado #3 (Eustace to West Canton) has been upgraded to EF-4 with estimated 175-185 mph winds. #dfwwx #etxwx pic.twitter.com/FHBJ3pWykS
— NWS Fort Worth (@NWSFortWorth) May 1, 2017
On Sunday, at least four tornadoes touched down in Mississippi. Damage has been rated at EF1 so far.
So far, 4 EF-1 tornadoes have been confirmed with Sunday morning's storms. Here is a path map for those tornadoes (all in Hinds Co). pic.twitter.com/pTpgJqBwPm
— NWS Jackson MS (@NWSJacksonMS) May 1, 2017
Here is a map of storms reports received yesterday. If you haven't already, please share reports from your location of damage/hail/flooding. pic.twitter.com/6gIsVLuYJw
— NWS Jackson MS (@NWSJacksonMS) May 1, 2017
The National Weather Service is still in the area conducting storm surveys and evaluating damage. There were numerous reports of wind damage throughout the South and Tennessee Valley.
Several additional storm surveys are planned. This map shows areas of interest that will likely be surveyed over the next few days. pic.twitter.com/Ulb1JQFxgu
— NWS Jackson MS (@NWSJacksonMS) May 1, 2017
Surveying tornado damage in Port Gibson, MS in Claiborne County. pic.twitter.com/KENqq5VFmB
— NWS Jackson MS (@NWSJacksonMS) May 1, 2017
For WeatherNation: Meteorologist Mace Michaels