Severe Winter Storm Batters Eastern US: Tornadoes, Power Outages, and Fatalities
A massive winter storm has wreaked havoc across the eastern half of the United States, leading to widespread power outages, school closures, government office shutdowns, and significant transportation disruptions. The storm's impact has been felt from Florida to the Northeast, with various extreme weather conditions including tornadoes, heavy rains, and snowfall.
Key Developments:
Tornado Threat in Southeast: The storm spawned 14 tornadoes across Florida, Alabama, Georgia, and South Carolina. This led to substantial damage and rescue operations, particularly in Florida’s panhandle. Over 7 million people in Florida, North Carolina, and Virginia were under tornado watches as of Tuesday night.
Fatalities and Injuries: The storm has claimed lives in North Carolina, Georgia, and Alabama. In North Carolina, one person died, and two were critically injured in Catawba County, potentially due to a tornado. Georgia reported a weather-related vehicular fatality, and Alabama saw two deaths: one from a mobile home flipping and another from a fallen tree.
East Coast Cities Experience Heavy Rain: Major cities like Washington, D.C., and New York City faced the threat of flooding due to expected rainfall of 2 to 4 inches. The National Weather Service warned of potential river flooding and urban flooding in poorly drained areas.
Widespread Power Outages: High winds caused power outages affecting over 500,000 homes and businesses across North Carolina, Virginia, Pennsylvania, New York, and Maryland.
Snowfall in Central US to Northeast: Winter storm alerts were issued from Missouri and Iowa to Michigan and the Northeast. Snowfall estimates ranged from 6 to 12 inches, with some areas expecting more. The snowfall was anticipated to lessen by Wednesday.
Travel Disruptions: Airlines canceled over 1,300 US flights and delayed more than 8,200 flights. Thunderstorms contributed to significant disruptions at airports in Atlanta, Dallas-Fort Worth, Florida, and North Carolina.
Florida's State of Emergency:
In response to the severe weather, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis declared a state of emergency for 49 counties. The state experienced over 20 tornado warnings with four confirmed tornadoes touching down. Despite some injuries, no fatalities were reported during these events.
Response in the Northeast:
Governors in the Northeast, including New Jersey's Phil Murphy and New York's Kathy Hochul, took proactive measures by declaring states of emergency. They prepared for potential flash-flooding, especially in areas like the Hudson Valley, which could see severe impacts due to the combination of rainfall and existing snow.
Schools and government offices in various states, including North Carolina and Florida, were closed on Tuesday in anticipation of the storm. Another storm is forecasted to follow this weekend, possibly impacting the same regions.
The winter storm underscores the need for preparedness and caution during extreme weather events, as it continues to affect millions of Americans with its diverse and dangerous conditions.