Two Dead, Thousands Without Power as Rare Late-December Storm System Moves East
The final days of 2024 brought devastating tornadoes across the Southern United States, killing two people and leaving thousands without power. The storm system spawned at least 40 reported tornadoes from Texas to Alabama on December 28 and 29, with confirmed touchdowns destroying homes and infrastructure. In Texas, one person died south of Houston in the Liverpool area, while another death occurred in Adams County, Mississippi. The National Weather Service confirmed at least six tornadoes struck the Houston area alone, with more possible identifications pending damage surveys.
5 Key Points
- The severe weather system generated 40 tornado reports across multiple southern states.
- One death in Liverpool, Texas, and another in Adams County, Mississippi.
- Six confirmed tornadoes touched down in the Houston metropolitan area.
- Nearly 190,000 customers lost power across five southern states.
- National Weather Service crews conducted multiple damage surveys on December 29.
Widespread Storm Damage Across Houston Metropolitan Area
The storm system inflicted substantial damage across Houston’s northern and southern regions. National Weather Service meteorologist Josh Lichter confirmed that both tornadoes and straight-line winds caused destruction throughout the area. In Porter Heights, the powerful storms blew in the doors of a fire station, while Katy reported severe damage to multiple mobile homes. The National Weather Service dispatched crews on December 29 to survey damage from at least five confirmed tornadoes that struck the region.
Mississippi Communities Face Severe Impact
Two tornadoes touched down near the Mississippi communities of Bude and Brandon, causing extensive damage to buildings and infrastructure. The Mississippi Emergency Management Agency reported two injuries in Franklin County and a fatality in Adams County. The severe weather knocked out power to nearly 65,000 Mississippi residents by early Sunday morning, though crews had restored service to approximately 28,000 customers by 9 a.m.
Historic Downtown Athens Sustains Significant Damage
The northern Alabama town of Athens experienced unexpected devastation in its historic downtown district early Sunday morning. City spokeswoman Holly Hollman described extensive damage, including large HVAC units torn from buildings and a military helicopter display toppled from its mounting pole. “I think we are extremely lucky that we got hit late at night,” Hollman said. “If it had hit during the busy hours, I think we might have had some injuries and possibly some fatalities.”
Unusual Late-December Weather Event
National Weather Service meteorologist Frank Pereira emphasized the rarity of such severe weather this late in the year. “It’s not unheard of, but it is fairly uncommon to have a severe weather outbreak of this magnitude this late in the year,” he said. The system continued to threaten the Southeast with damaging winds, hail, and potential tornadoes as it moved eastward through Alabama, Georgia, and South Carolina.
FAQ
Q: How many tornadoes were reported during this weather event?
A: The National Weather Service received approximately 40 tornado reports from southeastern Texas to Alabama, though these reports remain unconfirmed pending damage surveys.
Q: Where did the fatalities occur?
A: One death occurred in the Liverpool area south of Houston, Texas, and another death was reported in Adams County, Mississippi.
Q: How many people lost power during the storms?
A: Nearly 190,000 customers lost power across five states: 65,000 in Mississippi, 54,000 in Georgia, 36,000 in Alabama, 20,000 in Louisiana, and 13,000 in Texas, as of 9 a.m. ET on December 29.
Q: Why is this storm system considered unusual?
A: According to National Weather Service meteorologist Frank Pereira, severe weather outbreaks of this magnitude are relatively uncommon this late in December.
Q: What types of damage did the storms cause?
A: The storms caused extensive damage, including destroyed mobile homes, damaged fire station doors, torn-off building roofs, downed HVAC units, and a toppled military helicopter display. At least 10 homes were damaged in the Liverpool, Texas area alone.
Q: How long will the severe weather threat continue?
A: The National Weather Service indicated the storms would continue moving east until they move offshore, with severe weather risks diminishing into Sunday evening, December 29.
Citations
Associated Press (December 29, 2024). Tornadoes in Texas and Mississippi kill 2 and injure 6 as severe weather system moves east. Palestine Herald. https://www.palestineherald.com/news/tornadoes-in-texas-and-mississippi-kill-2-and-injure-6-as-severe-weather-system-moves/article_54bac238-c62f-11ef-b729-ebceb688758d.html
