Deadly Tornadoes Strike Easter Sunday

Severe storms led to at least 46 tornado reports on Sunday into early Monday, according to the Storm Prediction Center (SPC). Unfortunately, multiple fatalities were reported from several states, including 11 in Mississippi, nine in South Carolina, eight in Georgia, and one each in North Carolina and Arkansas.

At least 46 tornadoes had been confirmed, as of Tuesday afternoon. That included at least 15 strong tornadoes, or those of an EF rating of EF-2 or above.

We are now up to a total of 46 confirmed #tornadoes across the Southeast, including 8 EF-0s, 23 EF-1s, 8 EF-2s, 6 EF-3s, and 1 EF-4. More strong-to-violent tornadoes than EF-0s. This map will continue to be updated as more surveys come in. @DrShepherd2013 @SERCC @capitalweather pic.twitter.com/26EfJhYduF

— Jordan McLeod (@McWeather1989) April 14, 2020

The Associated Press reported that at least 30 people had died in Sunday’s storms, including several fatalities in an EF-4 tornado near Bassfield, Mississippi.

❗PRELIMINARY RATINGS❗

The Lawrence/Jeff Davis/Marion county tornado was rated an EF2.

The long-track tornado that went roughly southwest of Bassfield has a prelim rating of EF4 with peak winds of 170mph.

Again these are PRELIMINARY ratings and could change. So stay tuned!

— NWS Jackson MS (@NWSJacksonMS) April 14, 2020

Here's the INITIAL damage report from yesterday's severe weather. These numbers will change throughout the day. https://t.co/zQ16qUEKrU

— msema (@MSEMA) April 13, 2020

An EF-3 tornado near Livingston, SC was rated as an EF-3, with maximum winds of 140 mph. This took place early on Monday morning.

One of those tornadoes was a preliminary EF-3 tornado near Chattanooga, Tennessee that led to two fatalities. The National Weather Service estimated winds up to 145 mph with the nighttime tornado.

Areas hit have multiple collapses, injuries, trees down, gas leaks, and power lines down. Crews are working as quickly and as efficiently as possible to help those in need while mitigating hazards. This will be a prolonged operation.

— Chattanooga FireDept (@ChattFireDept) April 13, 2020

And early in the day on Sunday, an EF-3 in Monroe, Louisiana led to considerable damage in city, particularly at the city’s regional airport.

A deadly tornado in southern Mississippi received a preliminary rating of EF-2, as well.

Survey team in Walthall County so far has a preliminary rating of EF2 on the first tornado. This is the same storm that moved through Bassfield and Soso. We will have more updates later. #MSwx

— NWS New Orleans (@NWSNewOrleans) April 13, 2020

The National Weather Service office in Birmingham, Alabama confirmed an EF-1 tornado took place on Sunday in Walker County, Alabama as well.

NWS Storm Survey update from Carbon Hill in Walker County: So far, we've found EF-1 tornado damage, with max winds of 100mph. The survey is still ongoing. #alwx pic.twitter.com/2uAhdx62Ck

— NWS Birmingham (@NWSBirmingham) April 13, 2020

More tornado ratings from the National Weather Service are likely to come in during the day on Monday and through the rest of the week.

Easter Sunday brought a long lasting, intense severe threat across the southeast. An abundant supply of moisture to funneled in from the Gulf of Mexico and fueled the rain showers and thunderstorms. The energy needed for the strong storms will continue to move across the southern US into Monday.

The severe threat persisted into Monday up the east coast. Early morning tornadoes did damage in the Carolinas. Including the town of Seneca, SC where extensive damage was done to homes.

Heavy rain will also be in the forecast so make sure to be on the lookout for flooded roadways. Stay safe, and remember to always “Turn around, don’t drown.”

Stay tuned to WeatherNation for the latest updates on the severe threat for the remainder of the week.