A powerful storm system with multiple tornadoes has swept across the South, leaving four dead and widespread damage.

Fatalities were reported in Mississippi, Texas, and North Carolina, with victims killed by falling trees and storm impacts.

Over two dozen confirmed tornadoes touched down across Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and Georgia, including EF3-strength tornadoes in Porter Heights and Chambers County, Texas, with winds exceeding 136 mph.

An EF2 tornado caused severe damage in Brazoria County, including injuries and destruction of an elementary school.

Emergency crews are assessing damage, and additional storm surveys are ongoing, NBC News has reported.

The storm system is now moving east, with diminished severe weather risks but ongoing travel disruptions and unseasonably warm temperatures forecast for parts of the South.

Written by B.C. Begley