Thunderstorms Pound Plains, South; Tornado Threat Lingers

Thunderstorms hurling hail, high winds and torrential rain rolled across the nation Sunday from the plains to the South, and the National Weather Service warned that more tornadoes were likely across the area, still recovering from two days of devastating twisters.

The weather service issued tornado warnings for parts of Texas, Kansas, Oklahoma, Mississippi, Louisiana and Arkansas.

Winds gusted to 78 m.p.h. at Meridian Naval Air Station in eastern Mississippi, damaging trees and power lines. Elsewhere in Mississippi, strong winds caused damage in Aberdeen, Collinsville, Smithville and Philadelphia.

Golf-ball-size hail pelted Aliceville, Ala., and hail up to an inch in diameter hit Noxapater, Miss. Small hail was reported at Philadelphia, Miss.

From five to 10 inches of rain overnight caused major flooding in northern Louisiana. Areas inundated included Oak Grove, Farmerville, Homer, Lake Darbonne and Claiborne, the weather service said.

Cleanup continued in the plains and South after dozens of tornadoes ripped through the area on Friday and Saturday.

Twisters roared early Friday evening through small towns in south-central Kansas and northern Oklahoma, killing at least 27 people and destroying homes and businesses. More tornadoes struck Texas, Louisiana and Alabama on Saturday.

Funeral services were held Sunday in the Kansas town of Andover, a community of 4,500 people outside Wichita that suffered 19 dead. At least 114 were injured, 1,500 were left homeless and damage was estimated at $50 million.