Deadly storm wreaks havoc in Texas with multiple disasters
A severe storm is sweeping across the nation, unleashing fires, severe thunderstorms, hurricane-force winds, and tornadoes that have resulted in casualties and widespread damage on Tuesday. At least two individuals have been reported dead in storm-related incidents.
Covering a vast area from border to border, the storm in central US is gaining strength and putting millions at risk of severe thunderstorms, tornadoes, and fire conditions on the warm side, while causing blizzard conditions in the Plains and Midwest.
Key points:
– Extreme fire risk: A critical level 3 out of 3 fire weather risk is in effect for a large part of Texas and southeastern New Mexico, including cities like Austin and San Antonio. The Storm Prediction Center warns of rapid wildfire spread due to powerful winds and dry soil. Multiple house fires have been reported in southern San Antonio, with evacuations underway.
– Deaths and power outages: Severe thunderstorms with damaging winds have claimed lives in Mississippi. Over 458,000 properties are without power in Texas, Oklahoma, Louisiana, and Mississippi due to the storm impact.
– Blizzard conditions: Blizzard warnings are active in parts of five states, including Nebraska, with whiteout conditions expected. Travel is advised against due to potentially life-threatening conditions.
– Mardi Gras affected: Officials in New Orleans are making adjustments to Mardi Gras events and parade routes to mitigate the impact of severe weather, with high wind warnings in effect.
– Dust storm: A massive dust storm swept through New Mexico, Texas, and Mexico on Monday, causing low visibility and prompting road closures. Similar conditions are anticipated, particularly in Texas.
Dallas experienced hazy skies on Tuesday afternoon following a dust storm, as strong winds persisted. Severe thunderstorms caused significant damage in Texas and Oklahoma, with reports of destruction to buildings and hazardous conditions in various cities. The Benjamin Moore paint plant in Lewisville, Texas, sustained damage early in the morning, with no injuries reported among employees. Strong winds downed trees and power lines, resulting in debris scattered across roads and neighborhoods. Local businesses shared images of damaged vehicles and debris near commercial properties, although no injuries have been reported in Lewisville. Police in Irving, Texas, confirmed significant storm damage, including downed power lines. The Atascosa County Sheriff’s Office in Jourdanton, Texas, advised people to avoid a specific area due to multiple house fires exacerbated by high winds. A fire near San Antonio consumed at least 37 structures, prompting a response from firefighters. In South Padre Island, an aerostat broke free from its tether during a severe wind event. Additionally, an EF1 tornado caused widespread destruction in Ada, Oklahoma, with reports of toppled structures and damage to mobile homes. A wildfire outside the National Weather Service office in Corpus Christi led to evacuations, while utility crews are working to restore power outages in the affected areas. Byng Public Schools near Ada canceled classes due to road damage and power outages.
Due to the extensive damage caused by the fast-moving storm system, disruptions in air travel have occurred, affecting over 500 flights within, into, or out of the US. According to Flight Aware, more than 2,000 flights were either canceled or delayed by the afternoon. Notably, around one-third of all delayed flights were either departing from or arriving at Dallas-area airports.
Strong winds reaching up to 56 mph at Dallas Fort Worth International Airport prompted the Federal Aviation Administration to issue a ground stop for departures on Tuesday afternoon. The hazardous weather conditions are expected to persist, with strong tornadoes, powerful winds, hail, and heavy rainfall all posing threats in the Lower Mississippi River Valley throughout the evening.
These severe storms are predicted to extend into the night as they move across the Southeastern region, with the possibility of tornadoes lingering even after dark. A study conducted in 2022 revealed that nighttime tornadoes are nearly twice as likely to be fatal compared to those occurring during the day. The most severe tornadoes are anticipated to impact the southeast, with ongoing updates from the National Weather Service regarding affected areas.
Louisiana, Mississippi, and parts of Arkansas, Alabama, and the Florida Panhandle are likely to bear the brunt of the severe weather on Tuesday, with the potential for strong tornadoes rated EF2 or higher, wind gusts exceeding 74 mph, and large hail. Other regions within the Mississippi Valley and Southeast, including Birmingham, Alabama, and Atlanta, face a slightly lower but still significant threat of severe storms, with the possibility of tornadoes, strong winds, and hail within any storm.
The expansive storm system is forecasted to reach the East Coast on Wednesday, affecting over 29 million individuals from Florida to Pennsylvania, encompassing Washington, DC, and Baltimore, under a level 2 out of 5 risk of severe thunderstorms as per the SPC. Damaging wind gusts and isolated tornadoes are potential outcomes within these storm cells.
Approximately 8 million residents in the Carolinas and southern Virginia are under a level 3 of 5 risk of severe thunderstorms, with the likelihood of severe winds exceeding 75 mph and possible tornadoes in this area. The Northeast is poised to experience heavy rainfall and strong winds, while parts of the Midwest may face blizzard conditions due to the storm’s impact.
Throughout the day, wind gusts of 40 mph or higher are expected across much of the eastern half of the US, even in areas unaffected by precipitation. These strong winds could significantly disrupt air travel, particularly in hubs such as Chicago and the New York City region. Moreover, power outages may affect more than a dozen states.
Although the storm’s precipitation is anticipated to taper off by Thursday, gusty winds are expected to persist in its aftermath. This report includes contributions from CNN’s Joe Sutton, Gene Norman, Sara Smart, Dawn Sawyer, and Jeremy Grisham. For more CNN news and newsletters, visit CNN
