Tropical Depression Claudette triggered tornadoes, flooding, and high winds as it swept through the southeast US
Tropical Depression Claudette caused tornadoes and flooding across the southeastern states.
The National Weather Service warned Claudette may restrengthen into a tropical storm Sunday.
Officials in Alabama, Georgia, and Florida reported heavy damage to homes, streets, and vehicles.
Tropical Depression Claudette barreled through the southeastern United States on Saturday, destroying homes, flooding city streets, and even spawning tornadoes.
As of Saturday evening, Claudette weakened from a tropical storm into a tropical depression, but continued to wreak havoc across parts of Alabama, Georgia, and the Florida panhandle.
Claudette's center shifted into western Alabama, bringing heavy rains and gusty winds, according to the National Hurricane Center. Earlier, it also caused flooding in Louisiana and Mississippi.
The NHC and the National Weather Service warned that Claudette could yield heavy rainfall and flash flooding through Saturday night and into Sunday across parts of the southeastern states, then restrengthen back into a tropical storm as it moves into the Carolinas.
-NWS Eastern Region (@NWSEastern) June 19, 2021
From there, the depression is set to move into the Atlantic Ocean on Monday.
Authorities in Slidell, Louisiana reported citywide flooding that engulfed some 50 cars stuck in roadways.
In northern Florida, high winds - reaching up to 81 miles per hour - even flipped over an 18-wheeler truck, according to local media reports.
In Alabama's Escambia County, a tornado triggered by Claudette ripped apart at least 50 mobile homes, according to Gov. Kay Ivey. The Alabama News Network reported that 15 to 20 people were injured.
The Alabama Emergency Management Agency warned the threat of flooding and tornadoes will continue throughout the night.
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