Tornadoes and Severe Storms Slam Multiple States, Causing Chaos Across the South

Tornadoes Strike Mississippi and Tennessee

Damage Reported in Huntsville and Athens

60 Million at Risk from Severe Weather

On Tuesday afternoon, multiple tornadoes swept across the Mississippi, Tennessee, and Ohio Valleys, while waves of severe thunderstorms pounded the region.

It marked the eighth consecutive day of destructive severe weather across several parts of the United States.

By Tuesday evening, confirmed tornadoes had been reported in Alabama, Tennessee, and Illinois.

Widespread thunderstorms triggered dozens of tornado warnings, prompting authorities to issue alerts for high-risk areas.

Tornado Emergency Declared in Alabama

A strong tornado triggered a rare Tornado Emergency for the Huntsville area Tuesday night as severe weather slammed several states in the Ohio and Tennessee valleys.
https://t.co/evox5elacy pic.twitter.com/ctztnmv2vc
– Fox Weather (@foxweather) May 21, 2025

At 6:24 p.m. CT, the National Weather Service issued a Tornado Emergency—the most serious type of tornado warning—for Huntsville and Madison, Alabama.

The emergency was prompted by a large, destructive tornado confirmed to be on the ground.

The storm weakened before reaching downtown Huntsville.

However, the tornado remained active on the ground west of the city, near Madison and Athens, before the warning expired.

Tennessee Hit Hard

Tornado coming down the Tennessee River in Waterloo, AL.
pic.twitter.com/q8iitlqyzb
— Shutdown Man (@ShutdownMan) May 21, 2025

In Athens, strong winds knocked down multiple power poles, causing infrastructure damage throughout the city.

In Jackson, Tennessee, another severe storm was reported in the afternoon, damaging buildings and warehouses near the airport. Fortunately, no injuries were reported.

Soldiers patrolled the area shortly after the storm to assess the damage and ensure residents’ safety.

Storms Threaten Illinois and the South

Tornadoes Strike Mississippi and Tennessee – PHOTO: Shutterstock

A third tornado was confirmed near Springfield, Illinois, prompting a severe weather warning for the area.

Local authorities activated emergency protocols as residents took shelter, according to Fox Weather.

Severe weather currently affects nearly 60 million people across the central and southern United States.

Kentucky remains especially vulnerable, having just endured a wave of tornadoes last Friday that left at least 19 people dead.

This week’s destructive weather underscores the ongoing threat of tornadoes and thunderstorms across much of the country, keeping millions on high alert.

Authorities continue to monitor the evolving conditions and advise residents to remain prepared for sudden weather emergencies.

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