A deadly tornado outbreak that began Friday devastated parts of the South and Midwest, killing at least 18 people and leaving tens of thousands without power. Mississippi and Louisiana were hit hardest, with multiple EF3 tornadoes and a Tornado Emergency declared in Taylorsville, Mississippi. In Tylertown, three deaths were confirmed, and Mississippi’s Walthall County saw two tornadoes strike within 45 minutes. The severe weather is expected to continue into Sunday, threatening up to 70 million people across the eastern U.S.
Amid recovery efforts, an earthquake also struck Mississippi, compounding the chaos. While the quake’s magnitude wasn’t disclosed, officials warned that soil and building conditions could increase the damage, and assessments are ongoing.