Storm System Sweeps Across Southeast, Triggering Tornado Warnings

Damaging winds and power outages reported in Louisiana, Georgia, and Florida

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

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A powerful storm system moved through the Southeast late Saturday and Sunday, bringing tornado warnings to Mississippi and Louisiana, and then impacting parts of Georgia and Florida. No deaths or serious injuries were reported, but the storm system caused damage to infrastructure like power poles and a Mardi Gras float. Meanwhile, the Northeast was finally getting a reprieve from weeks of bitterly cold temperatures.

Why it matters

Severe weather events like this can cause significant property damage and disrupt power and transportation, impacting local communities. The ability to track and respond to these storms is crucial for public safety.

The details

The storm system brought high winds that overturned a horse trailer and a Mardi Gras float, damaged an airport jet bridge, and flung a metal awning into power lines near Lake Charles, Louisiana. Power poles were also snapped and toppled in several Louisiana towns. While no deaths or serious injuries were reported, the storm continued moving into parts of Georgia and the Florida Panhandle, which were under tornado watches on Sunday.

  • The storm system swept across the Southeast late Saturday and into Sunday.
  • Tornado warnings were issued for parts of Mississippi and Louisiana on Saturday.
  • The storm system then impacted parts of Georgia and the Florida Panhandle on Sunday.

The players

National Weather Service

The federal agency responsible for weather forecasting and issuing warnings about severe weather events.

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What they’re saying

“So if they are traveling, packing winter safety kits . Anything to be prepared. This is a bigger system, and a major system.”

— Jacob Spender, Meteorologist, National Weather Service in Sacramento (wbal.com)

What’s next

Weather officials will continue to monitor the storm system as it moves through the Southeast, issuing any necessary additional warnings or advisories.

The takeaway

This severe weather event highlights the importance of being prepared for sudden changes in weather conditions, especially in regions prone to powerful storms. Residents should heed any warnings or advisories issued by local authorities and take appropriate safety precautions.