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At Least 19 Killed in Floods, Tornadoes in Southern States

  • Veronica Neffinger

    Veronica Neffinger wrote her first poem at age seven and went on to study English in college, focusing on 18th century literature. When she is not listening to baseball games, enjoying the…

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  • Updated Jan 23, 2017

Over the weekend, severe storms swept through the southeast U.S., resulting in at least 19 weather-related deaths.

The high winds, heavy rains, and even tornadoes were mainly reported in Georgia, but also affected Florida, North Carolina, South Carolina, Mississippi, and Louisiana.

According to Fox News, storm warnings are still in effect Monday as residents begin to clean up from the damaging storms. Georgia’s governor has declared a state of emergency that will last seven days.

North Georgia is under a heavy wind advisory and Charlotte, North Carolina and surrounding areas are under flood warnings.

Fifteen of the reported storm-related deaths were in Georgia where residents recalled the tornadoes that swept through.

"I was in the den and I heard that loud roar and I grabbed the baby and I said, `Let's go guys. This is it,’” said Bridget Simmons of southwest Georgia. “We laid down and that was it." The wind was so loud, she added, "you could hear it beating back and forth."

The Simmons were luckier than some. Their home made it through intact, although their carport collapsed on two vehicles.

Just 60 miles away from where the Simmons live, seven people were confirmed dead at a mobile home park as tornadoes swept through.

Although tornadoes are more common in spring, meteorologists say they can hit the South at any time of year.

 

Photo courtesy: Thinkstockphotos.com

Publication date: January 23, 2017