Severe storms are ripping through the South, bringing the threat of long-track tornadoes that could leave widespread devastation in their wake. Mississippi, Louisiana, and Alabama are on high alert, with a level 4 out of 5 severe weather warning from the Storm Prediction Center.
Already, a powerful tornado has touched down in coastal Texas, and baseball-sized hail smashed car windows in southeast Arkansas. The region is still recovering from several tornadoes that struck just one day earlier, downing trees and tossing debris.
As this volatile system marches eastward, power outages and more damage are expected.
Here’s the latest news as we track the storm system:
(1:40 p.m. ET) Texas Tornado Sighted
A powerful storm system tore through residential areas outside of Houston, intensifying as it moved north from Katy through the cities of Waller, Porter Heights and Splendora. The destructive cell spawned at least one tornado, as reports of scattered debris mounted.
In Waller, TX, a mobile home park was upended, with flipped cars and damage reported. Eyewitnesses filmed some of the destruction in nearby Porter Heights, where roofs were ripped off of homes and the fire department sustained significant damage:
MORE ON WEATHER.COM
– 10 Tornado Myths Busted
– Here’s How Many Tornadoes Your State Sees In A Year
– Severe Weather Tips That Could Save Your Life