Vehicles travel on a rain-soaked highway in Dallas on Thursday.

LM Otero/Houston Chronicle

Hide caption

Toggle label

LM Otero/Houston Chronicle

Tornadoes and thunderstorms swept across much of the United States on Saturday, killing at least two people and injuring others, while the National Weather Service issued warnings for parts of Texas, Mississippi and Louisiana.

On Saturday afternoon, the National Weather Service confirmed that several tornadoes had touched down outside of Houston.

At least one person was killed and four injured in Texas, with homes and vehicles damaged, Brazoria County Sheriff’s Office spokeswoman Madison Polston told The Associated Press.

Another person died in Mississippi and two others were injured there, AP reported.

The NWS confirmed another tornado near Meadville, Miss. The agency also said severe storms that could produce tornadoes were spotted near Jigger, La., about 11 miles southwest of Winnsboro.

The NWS confirmed another tornado near Meadville, Miss. The agency also said severe storms that could produce tornadoes were spotted near Jigger, La., about 11 miles southwest of Winnsboro.

Another tornado was confirmed over Gibbstown, La., early this evening, as well as potential tornado-producing storms near Palmetto, La.

Severe storms were also reported in west-central and south-central Mississippi.

Neighbors remove debris from a woman’s home after strong thunderstorms moved across the Houston area in Porter Heights on Saturday.

Jason Fochtman/AP/Houston Chronicle

Hide caption

Toggle label

Jason Fochtman/AP/Houston Chronicle

NWS meteorologist Frank Pereira said tornadoes could hit communities from the Texas-Louisiana border, north and central Louisiana and parts of Mississippi.

“They could stay on the ground for quite a while and they could be very strong tornadoes, EF3, which is really significant,” he said. “Once they touch down, they stay on the ground and can cause damage over a long distance.”

The NWS also forecasts thunderstorms, heavy rain and wind for many regions. Flash flooding, tropical storm-force wind gusts and hail of up to five centimeters are possible in some locations.

With many people traveling over the holidays, there is a risk of dangerous storms and hurricanes. The AAA car club predicts a record 119 million people will travel on New Year’s Day. Almost 107 million people travel on the country’s highways. It is estimated that about 8 million people fly, many through the country’s busiest airline hubs.

According to FlightAware.com, more than 8,000 U.S. flights were delayed as of Saturday afternoon.

Heavy rain and strong winds are forecast for parts of western Oregon and Northern California this weekend, with conditions at their worst on Saturday. Pereira said the atmospheric river will likely return to the region, causing flash flooding and other headaches.

“As we get into Monday and Tuesday things should start to calm down. Later in the week, Tuesday, Wednesday, we could see a bounce, but right now that round doesn’t look as severe as what’s going on right now,” he said.

Meanwhile, it is unlikely to be a white New Year. Meteorologists do not expect snow outside of the higher elevations in the west. Instead, temperatures well above normal are expected in large parts of the country in the coming days.