At least 8 people are dead and dozens more are injured after severe storms swept through parts of the southern U.S. over the weekend.
On Saturday, multiple tornadoes struck East Texas, including one that had at least an EF3 rating with wind speeds of 140 miles per hour. That storm reportedly flattened dozens of buildings in Franklin, Texas.
"It was just going like this and I was praying. A big board in the back yard like shielded me," Byron Verdell, who survived the tornado, said.
Severe weather was also reported in Mississippi, Louisiana, Alabama, and Georgia. On Sunday, Mississippi's governor declared a state of emergency after 17 counties reported damage from the storms.
Meteorologists say the storm system is on track to move up the East CoastMonday before heading out to sea. The National Weather Service predicts more severe storms could hit the area later this week.
Additional reporting from Newsy affiliate CNN.
