Severe Storms Leave Nearly 300,000 Without Power Across Seven States
In a wave of destruction, tornadoes and devastating thunderstorms have wreaked havoc across the central US, leaving nearly 300,000 residents without power in their wake. As of Monday night, at least 23 people have lost their lives due to the massive storms that have battered seven states.
Weather Risks Shift East
Forecasters have warned that the greatest weather risk has now shifted eastward, covering a broad swath from Alabama to New York. More thunderstorms, damaging wind gusts, hail, and flash flooding are expected to continue impacting these regions.
Severe Thunderstorms Forecasted
The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued alerts for heavy rain along the East Coast, with parts of New York, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Maryland expected to bear the brunt of the storm. Severe thunderstorms could develop over the northeast to the southeast of the US, with wind gusts reaching up to 120 km/h or more in Texas.
Record High Temperatures and Severe Weather Warnings
As more than 120 million Americans woke to severe weather warnings on Monday morning, the US south continued to face searing heat. Record or near-record high temperatures are anticipated in various regions. Sunday marked the busiest severe weather day of the year, with over 600 reports of storm damage across 20 states.
President Biden Offers Federal Assistance
In response to the widespread destruction, President Joe Biden reached out to the governors of affected states to offer federal assistance. Kentucky Governor Andy Bashear declared a state of emergency after devastating storms swept through the state, leaving many families and communities unsafe.
Tragic Losses and State of Emergency Declarations
Tragic losses have been reported in several states, with fatalities documented in Arkansas, Texas, Oklahoma, Kentucky, and Alabama. A state of emergency has been declared in Kentucky, while Texas Governor Greg Abbott issued a disaster declaration for over a third of the state’s counties.
Devastation and Loss of Lives
In Valley View, Texas, near the Oklahoma border, a tornado struck a rural area, claiming the lives of seven individuals. Among the deceased were two children, aged two and five, and three members of the same family. The aftermath showed a scene of destruction, with a filling station and rest stop reduced to rubble.
Looking Ahead to the Hurricane Season
As the nation grapples with the aftermath of these severe storms, government forecasters are already looking ahead to the 2024 Atlantic hurricane season, expected to begin next month. The possibility of an “extraordinary” season looms large, raising concerns about future weather-related disasters.
