A major storm is impacting the U.S., causing fatalities, fires, severe winds, and blizzard conditions. The East Coast braces for potential tornadoes and damaging storms, while power outages affect over 400,000 people across multiple states. Areas in the Midwest and South are under severe storm warnings as this complex weather system advances.
A significant and complex storm is impacting vast areas of the United States, bringing heavy winds, fires, and blizzard threats as it continues to advance eastward. In Dallas, strong winds have stirred up red dust, leading to multiple fire incidents reported by the National Weather Service. This storm, characterized by near-record low pressure, has sadly resulted in at least two fatalities in Mississippi due to electrocution and tree-related accidents.
The storm’s trajectory indicates the East Coast is likely to experience severe weather on Wednesday, with risks extending from Florida to New York. Meteorologists anticipate damaging winds and possible tornadoes affecting regions from Charleston, South Carolina to southern Virginia. Those in the Deep South should remain alert for a continuation of damaging storms throughout Alabama, Georgia, and the Florida Panhandle.
In Texas, critical fire risks have led to numerous blazes, fueled by strong winds, particularly in Atascosa County, causing property damage. Simultaneously, blizzard conditions may develop in populated areas of the Midwest, including Kansas City and Omaha, with wind gusts predicted to reach 70 mph in certain regions.
Power outages have occurred across a significant portion of the central and southeastern United States, leaving over 400,000 customers without electricity. Wind gusts exceeding 70 mph have been recorded in Texas, Oklahoma, and Louisiana, aggravating the situation amid thunderstorms. Additionally, a dust storm, or haboob, has produced hazardous conditions, although winds are beginning to lessen.
Damage reports indicate significant impacts in both Texas and Oklahoma, with structural harm observed to buildings in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. An EF1 tornado struck Ada, Oklahoma, causing considerable destruction and resulting in school closures due to dangerous conditions. Furthermore, air travel disruptions have arisen, with hundreds of flights being canceled or delayed as a result of the severe weather.
As the storm continues to move, it poses ongoing hazards from Florida to New York, with heightened risks of tornado activity particularly from Florida to Virginia. Over 29 million individuals are under severe thunderstorm alerts, with expectations of more than 75 mph winds and potential tornadoes in the Carolinas and southern Virginia. Precipitation from the storm is likely to diminish on Thursday; however, strong winds are expected to linger afterward.
In summary, the multifaceted storm impacting the United States has caused severe winds, blizzard conditions, significant fires, and widespread power outages. With two fatalities reported and extensive damage in several states, it is crucial for residents in affected areas to remain vigilant. As the storm approaches the East Coast, the risk of tornadoes and severe thunderstorms continues to escalate, heightening the need for public awareness and preparedness.
Original Source: www.cnn.com
