3 dead as powerful storms barrel through the Deep South

A tornado watch is in effect for parts of Alabama, Florida and Georgia until 9 a.m. ET., the National Weather Service said.

In Mississippi, rains flooded neighborhoods as strong winds uprooted trees and left branches scattered across major roads. The storm left at least two people dead in a state still reeling from last weekend's tornadoes.

Kenderick Magee, 24, was killed when his car crashed during severe weather in Amite County on Thursday, CNN affiliate WLBT reported. A second unidentified driver was killed the same day when his car hit a tree in in Neshoba County, according to the affiliate. The sheriff told local media that a tree fell on the car.

In neighboring Alabama, one person died after a tree fell on a home, emergency management director Patrice Kurzejeski told CNN.

The path of the storms

The storm system is moving through the coastal Atlantic states, blowing through Alabama, into Georgia and Florida. The weather service said it is monitoring possible severe thunderstorms that may be organizing.

Parts of southeast Alabama -- including the cities of Auburn and Tuskegee -- are under severe thunderstorm watch and other parts of the state have been placed under flood warnings after heavy rains caused "significant" rises along the Tombigbee River.

Near Demopolis Lock and Dam, the river reached 69.1 feet -- while the flood stage (after which flooding is possible) is at 68 feet.

Ahead of the severe weather set to make its way across the Northeast, Delta and United airlines are waiving their flight change fees for travelers scheduled to fly Friday.

Massive damage

In Mississippi, first responders are working to remove storm debris from the highways.

The Alabama Emergency Management Agency reported more than 61,000 people without power late Thursday night.

The storm had previously pummeled through Louisiana, showering parts of the state before heading eastward. A weather station in Ethel, Louisiana, reported almost 3 inches of rain for a six-hour period Thursday.

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