A significant, multi – hazard storm is wreaking havoc across the nation on Tuesday and is expected to deliver ice and snow to the Plains and Upper Midwest, as well as the potential of powerful tornadoes and flooding in the South.
Over the weekend, the storm caused devastating floods in California, has moved east, and is bringing moisture from the Gulf of Mexico to the South, where above – average temperatures have created the ideal conditions for powerful thunderstorms.
In the South, about 30 million people are at risk from severe weather, with the Gulf Coast at the greatest risk. The risk of severe weather in southeast Louisiana, southern Mississippi, and Alabama was rated as level 3 out of 5 “increased.” Intense storms may affect locations including Gulfport, Baton Rouge, and Montgomery. Nashville, New Orleans, and Atlanta were all subject to a level 2 out of 5 “slight” risk of severe weather.
The National Weather Service began issuing tornado watches for millions of people from Louisiana to Tennessee on Tuesday morning as the weather warmed up and temperatures increased. The Storm Prediction Center cautioned that “the risk is predicted to linger well into the night across much of the area” and that “several waves of severe weather are probable in this area throughout the day.”
In the most severe thunderstorms, strong tornadoes, massive hail, and wind gusts over 70 mph are conceivable.
According to the National Weather Service office in Mobile, tornadoes, hail, and destructive winds are all possible during severe convection.
The thunderstorms’ heavy rains might cause significant flash floods in the South. The risk of heavy rainfall is at level 3 out of 4 for South-eastern Alabama and Southwest Georgia. Parts of Southeast Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Tennessee, and Georgia are subject to a level 2 out of 4 “slight” risk of extreme rainfall.
Through Wednesday, the South could experience 2 to 4 inches of rain overall, with up to 6 inches possible in certain places.
There have already been several tornado reports since Monday night. Large trees were destroyed and knocked down during one of the reported tornadoes in Jonesboro, Louisiana. In Haywood, Tennessee, the other incident was reported.
According to Garland County officials, the damage was also reported during a probable tornado in Jessieville, Arkansas.
“Trees and electricity lines caused damage to certain portions of a school. Although the school was in session at the time, all of the pupils have been located, and there have been no reports of injuries, according to a release from the Garland County Sheriff’s Office.
Residents in Jackson Parish, Louisiana, were advised to keep off the highways as the heavy weather brought down trees and flooded the roads. According to the Jackson Parish Sheriff’s Department, people whose homes are damaged will be provided tarps.
The Sheriff’s Department stated, “We are working on going to damaged homes and clear roadways.”
You cannot see them approaching. According to Bryant, people are frequently sleeping and not paying attention to the weather. Storm notifications are less effective in many of the places around here without adequate cell phone coverage, especially once people are asleep.
Everyone in tornado-prone locations should take shelter right away, according to Bryant.
It’s too late if you wait for a warning to be given, Bryant remarked on Monday. In advance of major storms, “you need to have a secure shelter plan in place.”
Additionally, reports of damage were pouring from all throughout northern Louisiana, including the Haile neighborhood in Marion, where multiple transmission Highline towers had suffered damage. The Shreveport National Weather Service reports that one of the towers was knocked over and that numerous others have been damaged.
Adair, Oklahoma, experienced a gust of 81 mph, comparable to a Category 1 hurricane.
To the north, there will be a lot of snow and ice. As the South braces for floods and tornadoes, Tuesday’s storm will continue to generate heavy snow, sleet, and freezing rain over the Plains and Upper Midwest, severely affecting travel.
Winter weather warnings are in effect for more than 15 million people from the Plains to the Great Lakes.
One to three inches of snow are predicted to fall every hour in several parts of Nebraska, South Dakota, and Minnesota.
The meteorological agency said Tuesday’s blowing and drifting snow could cover roads with snow and make travel “difficult, if not impossible.”
According to the weather office in Omaha, the state of the roads had already gotten worse by Monday night in western Iowa, northern Nebraska, and eastern South Dakota. According to the weather service, portions of northern Nebraska might receive another 12 to 18 inches of snow on Tuesday on top of the almost foot that has already fallen there.
According to the Wyoming Department of Transportation, approximately 200 miles of Wyoming’s eastbound Interstate 80, from Evanston to Rawlins, are currently closed because of the storm’s continuing effects. According to the government, more than 120 miles of westbound I-80 from Rawlins to the Cheyenne interchange with Interstate 25 are still closed.
Snow and blowing snow will affect Wyoming roads through tonight, according to a post on the agency’s Facebook page. Then, “a heavy wind event will produce blowing (and) drifting snow, poor visibility, and maybe whiteout conditions for sections of I-80, I-25, South Pass, and numerous secondary highways Tuesday afternoon through Wednesday afternoon.”
If possible, stay at home. Travel will become difficult to impossible by Tuesday morning, the Sioux Falls weather service warned locals.
Snacks, water, a weather radio that runs on batteries, flashlights, a first aid kit, a shovel and ice scraper, a jumper cord, and other supplies are all included in a car winter emergency kit.
From north-eastern Nebraska through northern Iowa and into southern Minnesota, significant ice accumulations from freezing rain are anticipated, possibly exceeding a quarter inch.
Those who are walking face a severe risk due to the freezing rain. Sidewalks and roads can become slippery even with a thin glaze. According to the weather service, accumulations of more than 0.25 inches have the potential to break tree limbs and cause scattered power outages.
Stay current on the latest weather news by checking the Weather News Today website or your local news station.
