At least 5 killed in severe storms in southern U.S.

WASHINGTON, Jan. 3 (UPI) -- At least one person died in Florida and four died in Alabama in a series of violent storms that rolled through the southern United States.

The National Weather Service issued flood warnings for southwest Alabama, southeast Mississippi, the west of the Florida panhandle and some parts of Louisiana that remain in effect on Tuesday. The storms on Monday caused power outages, flooding and downed power lines. Several tornadoes occurred, including at least two in Mississippi.

In Florida, the Walton County Sheriff's Office said a man drowned near his car that was submerged in floodwaters in Mossy Head. Officials said they believe the man was attempting to evacuate.

"William Patrick Corley, 70, was found outside his home ... after Walton County Sheriff's Deputies arrived to his travel trailer just after noon Monday. Deputies discovered Corley's car partially submerged and his body floating face down nearby," the Walton County Sheriff's Office said in a statement.

In Rehobeth, Ala., four people died when a tree crashed through a mobile home, Houston County Emergency Management Agency Chris Judah said. A tornado touched down around Rehobeth near Highway 109 Monday night.