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Deadly tornadoes batter southern US states Deadly tornadoes batter southern US states
(about 8 hours later)
At least 13 people have died after storms triggered tornadoes and flooding across several southern US states. At least 26 people have died after storms triggered tornadoes and flooding across several southern US states.
Tornadoes ripped through Louisiana, Texas and Mississippi on Sunday, while severe storms also hit parts of Alabama and Georgia on Monday. As many as 60 tornadoes ripped through Louisiana, Texas and Mississippi on Sunday, while severe storms also hit parts of Alabama, Georgia and the Carolinas.
More than 900,000 households were without power on Monday morning local time. Hundreds of thousands of households were without power on Monday morning.
The Mississippi Emergency Management Agency (MSEMA) confirmed deaths across three counties on Sunday. The Mississippi Emergency Management Agency (MSEMA) confirmed 11 deaths across six counties on Monday.
US media reported a man in Georgia was killed on Monday morning when a tree fell on a house. Among them were Lawrence County Sheriff's Office Deputy Robert Ainsworth and his wife, Paula.
"Robert left this world a hero, as he shielded Mrs. Paula during the tornado," said the sheriff's office on Facebook.
An additional eight were killed in South Carolina, six in Georgia and one in Arkansas.
In Louisiana, a number of homes were destroyed in the city of Monroe. The city's official social media account initially reported only minor injuries.In Louisiana, a number of homes were destroyed in the city of Monroe. The city's official social media account initially reported only minor injuries.
CNN reports that the storms are moving north, and are threatening to hit states on the East Coast.
Sheltering during lockdownSheltering during lockdown
In Mississippi, three deaths were confirmed in Jefferson Davis County, two in Lawrence and one in Walthall.
Last week, the American Meteorological Society (AMS) issued guidelines for taking shelter during the coronavirus pandemic.Last week, the American Meteorological Society (AMS) issued guidelines for taking shelter during the coronavirus pandemic.
The vast majority of residents in the US are under stay-at-home orders.The vast majority of residents in the US are under stay-at-home orders.
"Do not let the virus prevent you from seeking refuge from a tornado," the AMS said."Do not let the virus prevent you from seeking refuge from a tornado," the AMS said.
It advised making shelter plans in advance in homes or with neighbours, friends or families.It advised making shelter plans in advance in homes or with neighbours, friends or families.
Public shelters in many communities are closed because of lockdown measures.Public shelters in many communities are closed because of lockdown measures.
MSEMA urged people to continue to follow social distancing guidelines, even if they need to seek safety in a public shelter.MSEMA urged people to continue to follow social distancing guidelines, even if they need to seek safety in a public shelter.
Alabama Governor Kay Ivey declared a state of emergency on Sunday that suspended Covid-19 mitigation measures that may have prevented people from gathering in public shelters in the state.Alabama Governor Kay Ivey declared a state of emergency on Sunday that suspended Covid-19 mitigation measures that may have prevented people from gathering in public shelters in the state.