Severe Storms in Southeastern US Bring Tornadoes, Gusty Winds, Hail

National Weather Service warns of possible flash flooding in some areas

This screenshot taken from a video shows a tornado in Blakely, Ga., on June 14, 2023. Rand McDonald via AP

Severe storms Wednesday afternoon in the U.S. Southeast have brought damaging winds, hail, as well as tornadoes to various parts of Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, and Florida, according to multiple reports.

The National Weather Service (NWS) throughout Wednesday issued numerous tornado warnings, mainly in southeast Alabama and southwest Georgia.

The federal weather agency also warned of possible gusts of hurricane-force winds exceeding 90 mph (145 kph) in parts of northeast Louisiana and central Mississippi.

“Really great reminders! Several rounds of severe storms capable of very large hail, intense winds, and tornadoes, some strong, will be possible across the Gulf Coast states and Southeast,” the NWS announced at 6:40 p.m. ET on Twitter.

“The greatest threat extends from the Arklamiss region into western Georgia.”

The agency had announced around 4:00 p.m. ET that severe weather, including heavy rain and possible flash flooding, “will continue over the next couple of days stretching from the Southeast and Plains into the Rockies.”

Rare Weather for This Time of Year: Meteorologist

Felecia Bowser, the meteorologist in charge of the National Weather Service in Tallahassee, Florida, said the storm system is unprecedented for this time of year.

“In June, we’re usually gearing up more for tropical weather,“ Bowser said. ”This type of widespread, aggressive precipitation that we’re seeing today usually occurs more so in the spring.”

In Georgia, an apparent tornado formed near the southwestern town of Blakely, according to video posted on social media. Officials in nearby communities reported downed trees and snapped power lines.

Connie Hobbs, the elected commission chairman for neighboring Baker County, said hail stones up to golf-ball size were found in her yard.

Homes were also damaged, with two people having escaped unharmed from one that was destroyed on Wednesday in Arlington, Georgia, Calhoun County Sheriff Josh Hilton told WALB.

Tornado damage was also reported in Alabama, near the Georgia state line, according to the Eufaula Police Department.

Eufaula Mayor Jack Tibbs told WSFA that the storm downed 30 or 40 trees and caused a wall of a building to collapse. He noted there were no immediate reports of injuries.

Local news outlets showed viewer-submitted video of a tornado rumbling through nearby Henry County, Alabama, and of roof damage in the area.

In Cass County in eastern Texas, the NWS confirmed a tornado passed through the Domino area around 6:30 p.m.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.