New Orleans, September 23, 2025

News Summary

A severe tornado outbreak is expected to impact New Orleans and a dozen other states, threatening strong tornadoes, high winds, and significant hail. The National Weather Service has issued warnings indicating an extreme risk for the storm systems with up to 100 million people affected. As tornado watches are already in effect across several states, Alabama and Georgia have declared states of emergency in anticipation of the impending severe weather. Reports of fatalities have already emerged in relation to recent storms, highlighting the seriousness of the situation.

New Orleans

A severe tornado outbreak is forecasted for Saturday, threatening over a dozen states including areas across the central Gulf Coast, Deep South, and Tennessee Valley. The National Weather Service has issued warnings for potentially strong tornadoes over the lower to middle Mississippi and Tennessee valleys, with the highest threats anticipated in eastern Louisiana and Mississippi by Saturday afternoon.

This intense storm threat is expected to extend later into Alabama, the western Florida Panhandle, and Georgia. AccuWeather has issued an “extreme risk” warning for the first time since May 26, 2024, indicating the seriousness of the situation. Approximately 100 million people currently reside in areas that face threats from straight-line winds, hail, and tornadoes throughout the weekend.

The storm system is capable of producing strong tornadoes, severe wind gusts exceeding 74 mph, and hail measuring two inches or more. The Storm Prediction Center has identified a High Risk for tornadoes from central Mississippi to central Alabama, with key cities under the highest threat including New Orleans, Atlanta, Mobile, Birmingham, Huntsville, Montgomery, Tupelo, and Jackson.

Tornado watches have been issued for parts of Illinois, Missouri, Arkansas, Mississippi, and Louisiana as the situation develops. Reports have already emerged of storm-related fatalities, with at least 26 reported deaths attributed to recent severe weather. The Southeast has been particularly vulnerable to tornado outbreaks during March in recent years, with climate change contributing to these extreme weather patterns.

The National Weather Service cautioned that the storms could be fast-moving and extremely dangerous, with the potential for multiple strong tornadoes classified as “long-track” and “potentially violent.” In response to the severe forecast, states such as Alabama and Georgia have declared states of emergency to prepare for possible impacts.

Significant damage has already been reported in areas affected by previous storms, with investigations ongoing. Flash flood warnings are currently in place from southern Mississippi to middle Tennessee due to the heavy rain accompanying the storms.

For safety during tornado events, it is advised to avoid mobile homes, vehicles, and under highway overpasses as they are deemed the worst places to seek shelter. Nighttime tornadoes pose an increased risk, being nearly twice as likely to be deadly compared to those occurring during the day. Storm spotters play a crucial role during tornado events by reporting conditions to weather services, and emergency alerts on phones should be enabled for timely updates and warnings.

A confirmed tornado was reported near Collins, Mississippi, among other locations as the severe weather system moves eastward.

Key Details

• Severe tornado outbreak anticipated: Over a dozen states affected.
• Highest threats: Eastern Louisiana and Mississippi.
• Extreme risk warning: First issued since May 26, 2024.
• 100 million people: Living in areas under threat.
• Potential for strong tornadoes: Wind gusts exceeding 74 mph.
• Fatalities reported: At least 26 storm-related deaths.
• States of emergency: Declared in Alabama and Georgia.

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Additional Resources

• Axios
• Forbes
• ABC News
• Weather.com
• CNN
• Wikipedia: Tornado
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Tornado
• Google Search: Tornado Outbreak

Author: STAFF HERE HUNTSVILLE WRITER

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