Severe storms with destructive high winds menaced multiple states in the Southeast early Friday, while other regions grappled with the aftermath of deadly severe weather that spawned tornadoes in Michigan, Tennessee, and beyond.


In Tallahassee, Florida, storms swept through, toppling numerous trees in the state's capital city, authorities reported Friday. A weather station near the State Capitol Complex recorded wind gusts reaching 71 mph, according to the National Weather Service. Due to the severe weather, Florida State University closed its campuses in Tallahassee on Friday, urging nonessential personnel, students, and visitors to avoid the area until further notice.


The city of Tallahassee indicated on social media that potential tornadic activity led to widespread damage, particularly to electric lines and numerous fallen trees. More than 66,000 customers were left without electric service, with 11 substations suffering damage from the storm. Restoration efforts were anticipated to extend possibly through the weekend.


In Alabama near the Florida panhandle, strong thunderstorms were expected, with gusty winds posing a risk of knocking down tree limbs, according to the weather service.


In Jackson, Mississippi, authorities urged residents to conserve water following a power outage at a major water treatment plant. Customers were advised of reduced water pressure as assessments were underway due to storms overnight. The weather service warned of severe weather in Hickory Hills and surrounding coastal areas, with the potential for hail damaging vehicles.


Across the South, over 320,000 homes and businesses, mainly in Florida, were without electricity on Friday morning. The region had been under multiple tornado warnings and watches issued by the National Weather Service, which were lifted by midday as the focus shifted to damaging high winds. Since Monday, severe weather threats have affected 39 states, resulting in at least four fatalities.


One storm-related fatality occurred in Claiborne County, north of Knoxville, where a 22-year-old man died in a car. Another fatality was reported in Columbia, Tennessee, where a tornado with winds of 140 mph damaged or destroyed over 100 homes. Tennessee Governor Bill Lee visited the storm-stricken area and expressed condolences to the affected communities.


Torrential rains led to a flash flood emergency northeast of Nashville, prompting water rescues, while a tornado emergency was declared for nearby areas. In Christiana, southeast of Nashville, a 10-year-old boy was seriously injured after being swept into a storm drain while playing with other children. Despite the substantial damage, the boy survived after receiving CPR.


Schools were closed in Rutherford and Maury counties in Tennessee, and some districts north of Atlanta, Georgia, altered schedules due to storm damage, including fallen trees on houses and vehicles. No injuries were reported in Clarkesville, Georgia.


The Plains and Midwest regions have also faced significant tornado activity this spring, adding to the widespread impact of severe weather across the United States.