Strong storms sweeping through the Southern US dropped trees and power lines and may have spawned tornadoes — with more severe weather possible as the system rolls to the east.
The highest risk — a level 3 of 5 — covers about 10 million people in Atlanta; Birmingham and Tuscaloosa in Alabama; and Chattanooga, Tennessee. Anywhere from Florida to New England will see rain, so Wednesday and Thursday could bring a few travel delays at some major airports as this system moves through.
At least five possible tornadoes were reported in Mississippi, downing trees in Jefferson Davis and Covington counties northwest of Hattiesburg, as well as in Newton and Scott counties east of Jackson.

By Wednesday, a separate system will form, bringing another round of storms to the South and extending the severe threat for another day.

You should monitor the progress of approaching storms on the US National Hurricane Center website and follow instructions issued by the local authorities, including any evacuation orders.
Contact your travel company or airline before you travel. To monitor airport conditions in the USA, visit the Federal Aviation Administration website.

Tornadoes can cause disruptions to critical infrastructure, such as power cuts, or delays and cancellations throughout the major transport hubs in the USA. If you are outdoors, in a mobile home, or in a vehicle, move to the closest substantial shelter. Get to an interior room on the lowest floor of a sturdy building and avoid windows. Tornadoes are extremely difficult to see and confirm at night. Do no wait to see or hear the tornado.