A powerful spring storm has unleashed tornadoes in the Plains and the South, while also bringing blizzard conditions to the central and Midwest regions of the U.S. The storm, which started over the weekend, is anticipated to persist until Tuesday.
A tornado watch has been issued for certain areas of Texas, Louisiana, and Arkansas, and it will remain in effect until 8:00 p.m. CT on Monday. This watch includes the possibility of a few tornadoes, as well as the potential for large hail and wind gusts reaching speeds of up to 70 mph.
Severe weather alerts have been issued for nine million Americans residing in the Lower Mississippi Valley, encompassing a significant portion of Louisiana and Mississippi.
On Sunday, there were reports of five tornadoes, with three occurring in Kansas and two in Texas.
The National Weather Service reported that a tornado in Perryton, Texas caused damage to the roof of Ochiltree General Hospital.
Perryton is currently experiencing a winter weather advisory, with the National Weather Service predicting one to two inches of snow today. This snowfall may hinder the assessment of the tornado’s intensity and damage.
In June 2023, a devastating tornado struck the small town of Perrytown, claiming the lives of three individuals, including an 11-year-old boy. Now, over nine months later, another tornado has swept through the area on a Sunday.
Another tornado on Sunday caused damage in Garden City, Kansas. Reports indicate that a power line, roofs, and fences were affected by the storm.
The spring storm is forecasted to intensify and turn severe as it moves through East Texas, Louisiana, and Mississippi this afternoon and evening. Strong damaging winds and the potential for powerful tornadoes are anticipated, along with the risk of large hail and flash flooding in the area.
Mississippi is facing the potential danger of tornadoes, a mere day after the somber commemoration of the devastating tornado that struck Rolling Fork a year ago.
According to the Federal Emergency Management Agency, a powerful tornado tore through Mississippi on March 24, 2023, resulting in 25 confirmed deaths and 55 injuries. The devastating impact of the tornado also left around 2,000 homes damaged or destroyed.
Spring storms are expected to arrive at the Mississippi River, stretching from Louisiana to Missouri, later today at 6:00 p.m. ET.
By Tuesday morning at 7:00 a.m., the storms are expected to form a line stretching from Mobile, Alabama to Atlanta, Georgia. The most severe weather is anticipated in Alabama.
Over 12 million individuals in 13 states, spanning from New Mexico to Michigan, are currently under winter weather alerts. This includes a blizzard warning for a significant portion of Nebraska, as well as parts of Colorado, Kansas, South Dakota, and Minnesota.
The storm is forecasted to bring rain to the Northeast region on Wednesday and Thursday. However, it is not anticipated to cause any significant issues aside from wet roads. The storm is expected to weaken by Tuesday.
