The severe storm system that hit the southern states of the United States has resulted in at least 7 deaths in Alabama and Georgia, with many more injured.
The massive storm system brought severe winds and tornadoes, causing significant damage to homes and leaving tens of thousands of customers without power in parts of Georgia, Mississippi, and Alabama.
Alabama Governor Kay Ivey expressed her condolences in a tweet, “I am sad to have learned that six Alabamians were lost to the storms that ravaged across our state. My prayers are with their loved ones and communities. We are far too familiar with devastating weather, but our people are resilient. We will get through it and be stronger for it.”
I am sad to have learned that six Alabamians were lost to the storms that ravaged across our state. My prayers are with their loved ones and communities. We are far too familiar with devastating weather, but our people are resilient. We will get through it and be stronger for it.
— Governor Kay Ivey (@GovernorKayIvey) January 13, 2023
Georgia Gov Brian Kemp said crews were actively responding to the damages caused by the storms.
“I have declared a State of Emergency and ordered all relevant agencies to respond with an all-hands-on-deck approach to the affected communities.”
Crews are actively responding to the damages caused by today’s storms. As we continue to address the needs of affected communities and citizens, Marty and I are asking everyone to keep their fellow Georgians and first responders in their thoughts and prayers. https://t.co/EaXfkaTB4N
— Governor Brian P. Kemp (@GovKemp) January 13, 2023
The authorities have said that a clearer picture of the extent of the damage and a search for additional victims would be possible on Friday, when the weather conditions are expected to clear up. The storm began easing on Thursday night, and tens of thousands of customers were left without power across the two states.
The National Weather Service reported 33 separate tornado reports nationwide, with Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, Tennessee, Kentucky, South Carolina, and North Carolina all seeing tornado warnings at some point. The severe weather conditions have caused widespread damage, and the search and rescue efforts are ongoing.