18 killed in storms

Death toll rises as Texas prepares for 'historic blizzard'

Emergency officials transport James Simmons by boat because water over Byler Road prevented them from reaching him in Moulton, Ala., Friday. Unseasonably warm weather helped spawn severe storms throughout the South over the Christmas holidays. - photo by Associated Press

W APTOPIX Severe Weathe Ledb — Emergency officials transport James Simmons by boat because water over Byler Road prevented them from reaching him in Moulton, Ala., Friday. Unseasonably warm weather helped spawn severe storms throughout the South over the Christmas holidays. - photo by Associated Press

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — The death toll in the Southeast climbed to 18 on Saturday after days of tumultuous weather — unusual warmth, tornadoes and torrential downpours — wreaked havoc during the Christmas holiday. Two deaths attributable to weather were reported Saturday in Mississippi: two people who have been missing since Wednesday, bringing that state's death toll to 10. Late Saturday, one death was reported in Alabama.

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