The Nation : Strong Winds, Heavy Rains Rake South

Thunderstorms spawning fierce winds swept through the central Gulf Coast and a tornado was sighted in south-central Louisiana but it caused no injuries. The tornado near Scott, La., blew away signs and tree limbs. No serious property damage was reported. Winds gusted to 48 m.p.h. at Baton Rouge, La. Rain doused a wide area from coastal Texas across the lower Mississippi Valley to the southern Appalachians. Atlanta received 2 inches of rain in a three-hour period--three-quarters of it in 20 minutes. A flash flood watch continued for southern Alabama and the Florida Panhandle. Showers also extended across the central Appalachians, the upper Ohio Valley and portions of the Great Lakes.