A deadly severe weather outbreak is ongoing across the eastern U.S., with an elevated risk of tornadoes compared to the previous day. The storm has tragically claimed at least three lives in Missouri. Two individuals lost their lives in the Bakersfield area of Ozark County, while another fatality was reported in Butler County. Structural damage has been reported in Wright County as well.
In Gibson County, Indiana, significant damage has been observed following a likely tornado. Authorities are urging residents not to venture out to assess the damage to avoid hindering emergency response efforts. In Cave City, Arkansas, five people were injured but miraculously there were no fatalities.
Power outages have affected over 250,000 customers in Missouri, Indiana, and Illinois. The focus now shifts to the Deep South, particularly Alabama and Mississippi, where a Level 5 severe weather risk has been issued. This indicates a high probability of tornadoes and damaging winds. The Storm Prediction Center warns of the potential for significant and violent tornadoes in the affected areas.
The severe weather threat extends beyond these states, with New Orleans facing a Level 4 risk and cities like Nashville, Atlanta, and Tallahassee under a Level 3 threat. Tornado Watches are in effect with the storms progressing eastward throughout the day. Approximately 72 million people in the eastern U.S. are at risk of severe weather.
Meteorologists emphasize the seriousness of the situation, noting the strength of the atmospheric conditions. The storms are expected to intensify along the Mississippi River before moving eastward into neighboring states. Residents are urged to stay informed and prepared as the severe weather event unfolds.
“The situation is concerning,” said Bill Bunting, operations branch chief for NOAA and the National Weather Service Storm Prediction Center, in an interview with FOX Weather on Friday. “There is abundant moisture, and we are worried that the combination of wind shear, moisture, and lift could lead to the formation of a highly volatile and potentially dangerous storm, with impacts likely to continue into Saturday as the system moves towards the south and east.”
In addition to tornadoes, strong winds and large hail are expected with any severe storms that develop. The severe weather outbreak is expected to come to an end on Sunday, putting nearly 70 million people at risk of severe weather from the Northeast to Florida. The most severe storms are anticipated from Virginia to Florida.
For the latest updates on this severe weather situation, tune in to Fox Weather.
Original article source: South faces threat of ‘violent’ tornadoes, hurricane-force wind gusts amid deadly severe weather outbreak
