Meanwhile, treacherous triple-digit heat is also scorching the South. — Twenty million Americans from Kansas to Florida were on Thursday on alert for severe weather, including tornadoes, high winds and large hail.
Tornado watches apply across most of Oklahoma and parts of northern Texas.
A destructive tornado was confirmed in Perryton, in north Texas, late Thursday. The north and east sides of the small town suffered significant damage, with trailer homes destroyed and communications towers collapsed, Perryton Fire Chief Paul Dutcher told ABC News. One death has been confirmed and more than 75 people are being treated at a local hospital, he said.
Ochiltree General Hospital, the county hospital, was running on generator amid a widespread power outage, hospital spokeswoman Amie Marrufo told ABC News.
Tornado watches are also in effect Thursday afternoon from Mobile, Alabama, to Albany, Georgia, to Tallahassee, Florida.
Severe storm watches have been issued in Brunswick, Georgia; Jacksonville, Florida; eastern Louisiana and southern Mississippi.
Georgia and Alabama were also hit by heavy rains and flooding. More than 7 inches of rain hit Albany, Georgia, over the last 24 hours.
This comes after a storm Wednesday brought large hail and high winds to Mississippi and at least 10 tornadoes were reported to Texas, Alabama and Georgia.
The tornado formed on June 14, 2023, in Blakely, Ga. Officials from Texas to Georgia are reporting damaging winds and possible tornadoes as the powerful storm system crosses the South.
Rand McDonald via AP
The plains are also bracing for severe weather, with severe thunderstorm warnings issued for parts of southeastern Colorado and southwest Kansas. Residents in the region will face dangerous winds of up to 80 mph, hail up to 4 inches in diameter and possible tornadoes.
More storms are expected Friday from Colorado down the Gulf Coast, with damaging winds and hail the main threats. Severe storms are also possible Friday afternoon and evening from Virginia to New Jersey.
Meanwhile, a dangerous triple-digit heat scorched the South. Record highs are possible over the next few days in Houston, San Antonio, Dallas and New Orleans.