The southern United States is on high alert as severe weather conditions threaten millions of residents.
In the past few days, multiple tornadoes have been reported in Texas, Louisiana, Alabama, and Mississippi. Among them, an EF1 tornado, with winds reaching up to 110 mph, struck near Fullerton, Louisiana, causing considerable concern for the safety of residents. The National Weather Service has confirmed the occurrence of five tornadoes in Texas as of Thursday, highlighting the increasing severity of the weather events. A particularly serious incident involved an EF1 tornado in the Houston area, which inflicted structural damage on several homes. Tragically, a life was lost in Brazoria County, although details about the victim remain undisclosed.
In East Montgomery County, Texas, another tornado left significant damage, especially to a local fire station. Deputy Chief of Staff Jason Smith reported minor injuries but no further fatalities. The East Montgomery County Fire Department assured that despite the damage, their operations continue unhindered, powered by a generator to maintain critical services for the community.
As the weekend progresses, approximately 24 million people from Texas to west Georgia are at risk of experiencing further storms. This region includes major cities such as Baton Rouge, New Orleans, Houston, and Dallas. The predicted weather patterns carry the threat of strong tornadoes, with wind gusts exceeding 70 mph and hailstones as large as 2 inches in diameter. The potential for flash flooding also poses a significant danger, with expectations that stronger tornadoes could emerge during nighttime hours, a time when they are notoriously deadlier.
The National Weather Service’s Storm Prediction Center, through its updates on social media platforms, has indicated that the most severe storms and the highest likelihood of EF2+ tornadoes will occur in the late afternoon or early evening. As a precaution, a tornado watch is in place for parts of East Texas, southern and central Louisiana, Arkansas, and Mississippi until late evening. By Sunday, the storm line is expected to push eastward, affecting additional populations from eastern Alabama to Virginia, which includes cities like Atlanta, Charlotte, and Raleigh. These areas might also encounter tornadoes, destructive winds, and large hailstones.
Meanwhile, the severe weather impact has disrupted air travel significantly. As of Saturday evening, nearly 7,600 flights within the U.S. have been delayed, with another 239 flights canceled. Dallas Fort Worth International Airport has experienced a substantial number of these disruptions, accounting for over 970 delays and nearly 100 cancellations.
Residents across the southern states are urged to remain vigilant and prepared as severe weather conditions persist. Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely, providing updates and warnings to ensure public safety. As the storms advance eastward, attention to local advisories and preparedness measures is crucial to navigating these potentially dangerous weather events safely.
