Tornadoes hit 3 southern states as storm heads to Carolinas

Heavy rains late Wednesday night and early this morning caused flooding in several areas of Greenwood, Miss., Thursday, March 31, 2016., including this field outside of Greenwood High School. Public and private schools in Leflore County were closed Thursday because of weather-related problems. (Nick Rogers/The Greenwood Commonwealth, via AP) (The Associated Press)

prev next

The Greenwood Fire Department blocks off Sgt. John A. Pittman Drive, Thursday, March 31, 2016, in Greenwood, Miss., to keep motorists from trying to navigate the flooded road from morning rains. (Tim Kalich/The Greenwood Commonwealth, via AP) (The Associated Press)

Lisa Ramsey, right, says in seven years at her West Jeff Davis Avenue home she's never seen the water so high as it got, Thursday, March 31, 2016, in Greenwood, Miss., as Justin Carpenter joins her in surveying the scene. The National Weather Service said Greenwood received 5 inches of rain between 1 a.m. and 5 a.m. Thursday. Greenwood and Leflore County schools and Pillow Academy were closed because of flooding-related problems on Thursday. (Tim Kalich/The Greenwood Commonwealth via AP) (The Associated Press)

ATLANTA – Tornadoes swirled through Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama as the severe storms head toward the Carolinas.

Emergency management officials Rita White and Harry Markham say one tornado touched down in Eldridge in central Alabama around 8 p.m. Thursday and another hit about hour before in Ardmore in the northern part of the state. There were no immediate reports of damage or any injuries.

The National Weather Service confirmed two tornadoes touched down in southeastern Louisiana, bringing down trees and power lines but causing no injuries.

An apparent tornado also damaged homes and downed trees near Columbus, Mississippi.

Lowndes County Emergency Management director Cindy Lawrence says reports indicated at least a dozen homes were damaged near New Hope, between Columbus and the Alabama state line.