Large Storm Front Causes Deaths, Injuries, and Property Damage in the South

ATLANTA (Gray News) – A significant storm front swept through the South on Tuesday, resulting in tragic consequences. High winds and heavy rain led to deaths, injuries, and extensive property damage in several areas.

In Houston County, Alabama, an 81-year-old woman lost her life when a suspected tornado struck her mobile home in Cottonwood, according to authorities cited by WTVY. The deceased, identified as Charlotte Paschal, was the mother-in-law of a Houston County deputy.

Houston County Coroner Robert Byrd revealed that Paschal’s mobile home had rolled over three or four times when the twister struck. Byrd believes Paschal had sought safety in her bathroom. She lived in one of the worst-hit areas during Tuesday’s severe weather outbreak.

Meanwhile, in metro Atlanta, a man tragically lost his life after a tree fell onto his car on Tuesday morning, according to Clayton County police as reported by WANF.

The incident occurred on Highway 54/Fayetteville Road when the tree crashed through the man’s front windshield. Police were alerted to the accident at approximately 9:50 a.m., and upon arrival, the man was pronounced dead at the scene. No other individuals were present in the vehicle.

The storm and strong gusts that battered Atlanta also caused widespread destruction, including downed trees, power outages, floods, and car accidents. Torrential rain led to a temporary ground stop at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport.

In the Florida Panhandle, a tornado struck a Marianna RV Park, resulting in seven individuals being sent to the hospital with minor injuries, reported Jackson County Sheriff’s spokesperson Ramsey Romero as per WTVY.

Florida Caverns RV Park along U.S. 90 suffered severe destruction and extensive damage due to the devastating twister.

Efforts to search and recover were aided by crews from southern Alabama.

Furthermore, Bay County experienced multiple reports of tornadoes on the ground, according to a brief Facebook Live post by Sheriff Tommy Ford, as reported by the Associated Press.

Significant damage, including a home completely ripped off its foundation, was reported on the east end of Panama City Beach, Florida.

As a precautionary measure, several schools along the coast closed in anticipation of the severe weather.

In addition to the Southern states, a separate storm dumped over half a foot of snow, causing disruptions in several Midwestern cities, according to the Associated Press.