"Five Dead As Severe Weather Slams South"

"Five people died Monday when violent storms barreled through the South, causing power outages, flooding and downed power lines.

A Walton County, Fla., man, drowned near his submerged car in Mossy Head, according to a statement from the sheriff's office.  Officials said they believe the man, who was found face-down in the water, was trying to evacuate when he succumbed, The Weather Channel reported.

"We are encouraging everyone to adhere to flood warnings and make sure your loved ones in these areas are safe when leaving their homes," the sheriff's office statement read.

Four people were also killed Monday evening when a tree fell on their mobile home in Rehobeth, Ala., said Kris Ware, a spokeswoman for the Dothan Houston County Emergency Management Agency, according to the Associated Press."

Melanie Eversley reports for USA TODAY January 3, 2017.