A deadly spring storm has killed at least seven people and triggered tornadoes and heavy thunderstorms across a wide stretch of the U.S. from Texas to Ohio. The powerful weather system, which stalled over the country’s midsection, continues to pose a risk of flooding and more tornadoes, particularly in areas already saturated with rain.
The National Weather Service (NWS) issued a risk level four out of five for severe storms, a rare occurrence, indicating the intense nature of the weather. Forecasters are particularly concerned about strong tornadoes in Northeast Texas and Western Arkansas, with the risk of further damage and fatalities.
The storm system has claimed the lives of seven individuals since Wednesday, including a father and his 16-year-old daughter who perished in Tennessee when a tornado struck their mobile home. Five of the fatalities occurred in Tennessee, with one each in Indiana and Missouri. Additionally, at least 13 people were injured across the affected states.
The NWS confirmed approximately 34 tornadoes across the region on Wednesday, with reports of twisters touching down in six states: Arkansas, Illinois, Kentucky, Mississippi, Missouri, and Tennessee. As of Thursday, flash-flood warnings have been issued in the Ohio River Valley, with areas from western Arkansas to southwestern Ohio facing a 40% or higher chance of flash floods. These floods could be catastrophic and life-threatening.
The increasing severity of rainfall, exacerbated by climate change, has led to higher flood risks in the U.S., particularly in the upper Midwest and Ohio River Valley. Recent historical floods, such as those in western Kentucky and southern Illinois in July 2023, serve as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by extreme weather events.
Despite concerns over recent cuts to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) workforce, there were no apparent delays in the weather service’s forecasts or operations, which have been crucial in alerting residents to the storm’s impacts.
Source: Swifteradio.com
