Severe Storms Unleash Tornadoes, Hail, and Floods Across Central and Eastern US
A powerful storm system moved through Texas, Oklahoma, Missouri, and Illinois on Monday, placing over 9 million people under severe thunderstorm watch. The National Weather Service warned of potentially damaging hail, fierce wind gusts up to 80 mph, and a widespread risk of tornadoes in some areas. The severe weather threat is expected to continue into Tuesday night, extending from northern parts of Indiana and Ohio to the Chesapeake Bay region.
Tornadoes and Severe Thunderstorms Across Oklahoma and Texas
According to AccuWeather, at least three tornadoes were reported in Oklahoma on Monday evening, with several tornado warnings issued as a line of storms moved across the state. Cities such as Oklahoma City, Tulsa, and Wichita Falls faced the largest threat of tornadoes, with portions of Oklahoma and Texas placed under a “moderate” risk at level 4 on the weather service’s 1 to 5 scale of severe storm severity.
In Texas, hail as large as grapefruits or baseballs fell in central parts of the state, while wind gusts near 90 mph were reported. The weather service urged motorists to use caution when driving in west Texas due to high winds and blowing dust that could reduce visibility to “as low as 1/2 mile.”
Multiple accidents involving 30 cars and causing multiple injuries occurred at an intersection south of Odessa and Midland, Texas, due to low visibility. The Upton County Sheriff’s Department and the Texas Department of Public Safety responded to the incidents, highlighting the dangers posed by the severe weather conditions.
Mid-Atlantic Region Faces Heavy Rain and Flash Flooding
The mid-Atlantic region, mainly Maryland, Virginia, and West Virginia, also experienced showers and thunderstorms on Monday. The weather service noted that several inches of rain could batter localized areas, with urban spots, roadways, and small streams most vulnerable to flash flooding.
The large storm system is expected to bring an “all-out winter storm” to the Midwest and Northeast later this week, with snow expected across parts of Wisconsin and Illinois, and several inches of snow predicted for parts of Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine. This sudden shift from severe thunderstorms to winter weather conditions demonstrates the storm system’s wide-reaching impact.
Powerful wind gusts may also snarl traffic and disrupt travel across the Atlantic Coast through Friday. The combination of snow and wind is expected to create hazardous driving conditions and potential power outages in the affected areas.
Severe Weather Threat Continues into Tuesday Night
AccuWeather predicts that the severe weather threat will continue into Tuesday night, extending from northern parts of Indiana and Ohio to the Chesapeake Bay region. The Ohio and Tennessee valleys, as well as the central Gulf Coast states including Louisiana, Alabama, and northern Florida – a vast area encompassing more than 50 million people – will be at risk of severe weather, according to the weather service.
The weather service warns that “wind damage and isolated large hail will be possible across a broad area,” and “the tornado threat is expected to be greatest from middle Tennessee north-northeastward into central and northern Kentucky.” Residents in these regions are advised to stay alert and prepared for potential severe weather outbreaks.
As the storm system continues its path across the central and eastern United States, it is crucial for individuals to stay informed about local weather updates and follow the guidance provided by authorities to ensure their safety and well-being.
Residents Urged to Stay Vigilant and Prepared
