The aftermath of Wednesday’s severe weather created significant issues throughout states along the Gulf Coast, including Texas.
Driving through East Texas, New Orleans, and Mississippi, the storm system caused property damage, flooding, and two deaths.
Texas’ Jasper County was hit hard, resulting in shutdowns of schools and roads, rescues from homes and vehicles, and the displacement of approximately 50 people, reported The Dallas Morning News.
“The City of Kirbyville remains under water and is still the major concern at this time,” the Jasper County Sheriff’s Office posted on social media, per the DMN.
Katy, a suburb of Houston, also felt the disruption from the storm that resulted in a collapsed roof at a Firestone repair shop and damaged businesses and cars.
National Weather Service meteorologist Bradley Brokamp told the DMN that estimated winds in Katy peaked around 90 mph, resulting in the preliminary determination of an EF-1 tornado. Only minor injuries were reported.
Two people in Mississippi were killed due to the severe storm that came through Scott and LeFlore County, as reported by WAPT.
Shirley Wilson, 64, died after the power went out due to the storm, causing her oxygen to be cut off. Numerous attempts at different routes were made to transport Wilson to a hospital, but roads were blocked with storm debris.
Shanika Newton, 43, hydroplaned after coming up on ponding water before ending up in a flooded ditch where she drowned.
Multiple people were injured down in Slidell, Louisiana after an EF-1 tornado hit the area with winds as high as 140 mph, reported WDSU News.