March 25, 2023: Deadly tornado and severe storms sweep South

By Tori B. Powell and Matt Meyer, CNN
Updated 7:06 PM EDT, Sat March 25, 2023
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Drone footage shows 'pure destruction' in Mississippi
02:25 - Source: CNN

What we covered here

  • At least 26 people are dead and dozens more are hurt after powerful storms and at least one tornado pummeled the southern United States Friday night.
  • The confirmed tornado touched down in Mississippi, where the damage and death toll have been most severe. State agencies led the search for victims, and FEMA has arrived to help with the recovery.
  • More than 32,000 homes and businesses in Mississippi, Alabama and Tennessee were still without power Saturday afternoon, according to PowerOutage.us. Thousands more lost service before crews started making repairs.
  • More severe weather, including hail, could be on tap for the region Sunday.

Want to help? Need assistance? Here’s how to give or receive help after the storms.

24 Posts

We’ve wrapped up our live coverage for the day. You can read more about the severe weather that swept through the South here.

Photos: Severe storms carve path of destruction through Southern communities

From CNN Digital’s Photo Team

Powerful storms and at least one tornado pummeled the Southeast on Friday night, ripping roofs off homes, nearly leveling some neighborhoods and knocking out power for thousands, officials said. At least 26 people were killed and dozens were injured.

The heavily damaged Sharkey County Courthouse in Rolling Fork, Mississippi, stands framed by debris-filled trees on Saturday, March 25, after a tornado devastated the Delta town Friday night.
The heavily damaged Sharkey County Courthouse in Rolling Fork, Mississippi, stands framed by debris-filled trees on Saturday, March 25, after a tornado devastated the Delta town Friday night.
(Barbara Gauntt/The Clarion-Ledger/USA Today/Imagn)