Spring has sprung and April has proven to be a wonderful weather month. The Gulf Coast weather held true to it's hospitality reputation for Easter events, and Spring Break thru out Mississippi, Louisiana, Texas and Florida. However for most of the Gulf Coast April 23rd and 24th brought the famous April showers. Along with those showers came tornado,flash flood and or hail watches and warnings for nearly every county. A church goer in Yazoo City Mississippi is quoted as reporting, "the Church collapsed around me". Trees are down, roads are closed, and many structures are reporting some type of damage from trees, debris, or wind across 3 states along the Gulf. The severe storms swept across the Southeast, darkening skies and dumping rain on the region. Many areas were under tornado watches or warnings at some point during the day. The weather hampered crews trying to clean up an oil spill after an offshore rig exploded earlier this week off the coast of Louisiana. Several sporting events and festivals also were rescheduled. In Mississippi, the tornado struck Valley Park, Yazoo City and Durant, said Mark McAllister, a meteorologist for the National Weather Service in Jackson. "Everything is closed off. It's hard to get emergency personnel in there," he said. The storms also damaged a church in east-central Mississippi and caused minor damage at Olive Branch Middle School in DeSoto County, just south of Memphis, Tenn. A possible tornado was reported in Alabama, damaging homes and downing trees but causing no injuries. In Louisiana, storms damaged a tank at a chemical plant near Tallulah. Louisiana State Police Sgt. James Martin says plant officials don't know of any chemicals leaking from the plant itself. WLOX Channel 13 news out of Biloxi - Gulfport MS is reporting that Jackson MS has 2 fatalities from a tornado. With the memories of Hurricane Katrina fresh in many residents memories. Seeing loss for neighbors is a sharp reminder, how quickly mother nature can turn ugly. The RedCross is responding to many areas in need across the states. Remember some severe weather tips. Stay informed- local news or radio, or if possibly a weather radio. Follow instructions, if they advise to seek shelter. Please take shelter in an interior room with no windows. If your in a car and see a tornado approaching, leave your vehicle and get in the lowest lying area and cover your head. After the storm, stay clear of power lines, and avoid standing water.