A strong storm system is forecasted to bring heavy rain to western states later this week before moving into the central United States. This system has the potential to generate tornadoes in the South and bring heavy snow to parts of the Great Plains and Upper Midwest, creating blizzard conditions. This comes after a period of active weather across the nation, with temperatures nearing record highs in parts of the central U.S.
In recent days, a possible tornado hit central Florida, passing by a local television news station with no reported injuries. In Texas, thunderstorms caused semitrailers to overturn on Interstate 35 and flipped a recreational vehicle at the Texas Motorplex drag racing strip south of Dallas, resulting in a fatality.
High temperatures well above average were experienced in the Midwest at the start of the work week, with potential record-breaking temperatures in many areas. Southern California is expected to receive heavy rain from an atmospheric river on Thursday before the system moves eastward, bringing snow and wind to the Intermountain West and Rockies.
As the storm progresses, a regional outbreak of severe thunderstorms is anticipated in several southern states, potentially leading to tornadoes. Parts of Missouri, Arkansas, Mississippi, and Tennessee are forecasted to be affected on Friday, with Alabama possibly impacted on Saturday.
The threat of wildfires in the Southwest is already high, with critical conditions expected in parts of Arizona, New Mexico, and west Texas. Strong winds accompanying the storm system may further elevate wildfire concerns, particularly in the southern Plains.
In Florida, a powerful thunderstorm caused damage along Interstate 4 in Seminole County, downing fences and blowing shingles off roofs. The storm also passed over a local television station’s studios as meteorologists were on air, prompting safety warnings.
Fox 35 meteorologist Brooks Garner reported, “If you’re not in a designated area, debris is currently being caught on the roof. There is debris on the roof at this time.” Residents in Arizona and Texas are cleaning up after recent storms. In Texas, strong winds reaching up to 90 mph caused significant damage, including ripping off the roof of a Days Inn along Interstate 45 and damaging multiple homes in Ellis County. Tragically, a 42-year-old man named T.J. Bailey from Midlothian, Texas, lost his life when the RV he was in rolled over at a racetrack. Bailey’s wife and two sons were also in the RV but survived with non-life-threatening injuries. In northern Arizona, snowstorms last week caused a more than 15-mile backup on Interstate 40, leaving some motorists stranded for hours. This information was contributed by Associated Press Writer Michael Schneider in Orlando, Florida.
