A powerful storm system is wreaking havoc across much of the United States, with severe weather conditions including thunderstorms, large hail, destructive wind gusts, and the threat of strong tornadoes impacting up to 73 million people from the Mississippi to the Ohio and Tennessee Valleys.
Storm Progression and Tornado Threats
By Sunday evening, Michigan, Missouri, and Mississippi reported preliminary tornado sightings, as the storm system slowly moved eastward, producing heavy rain, strong winds, and hail stretching from Ohio to Texas.
Parts of Tennessee, Arkansas, Kentucky, and Tennessee were placed under tornado watches and warnings, with some of these warnings being extended as the low-pressure system advanced east-northeast.
This storm is expected to continue producing strong tornadoes and wind gusts exceeding 65 mph, which are commonly associated with the storm’s clash of cold air meeting warm air, creating prime conditions for tornadoes.
As the storm system progresses, areas like Detroit, Indianapolis, Memphis, and Chicago are all in the risk zone for severe weather, including heavy rain, large hail, and tornadoes.
Damaging Winds and Power Outages
NBC affiliate WNDU in South Bend, Indiana, reported significant damage from high winds, including a flattened structure and a large uprooted tree in Elkhart County. In South Bend, multiple vehicles and structures were also affected, although no injuries have been reported.
Power outages have been widespread, with over 97,000 customers in Indiana left without power. Additionally, Kentucky had nearly 12,000 outages, Ohio had over 14,000, and Michigan had more than 376,000 power outages as of Sunday evening.
This storm has already caused over 150 reports of wind damage across the Plains on Saturday, including significant hail in Amber, Oklahoma, with hailstones up to 3 inches in diameter.
Miami’s Weather Impact
In Miami, fans attending the Ultra Music Festival had to endure flooded streets and a temporary pause in the event due to thunderstorms. Despite the adverse weather, the crowd continued their festivities, as reported by NBC Miami.
Severe Weather Extending into Monday
As of Sunday, the National Weather Service warned of an enhanced risk of severe weather, including tornadoes, large hail, and heavy rain for areas near Arkansas, Louisiana, and Texas. Detroit, Indianapolis, Memphis, Nashville, Chicago, Dallas, and Cleveland were all in the severe weather risk zone.
The storm system is expected to push east, reaching the East Coast by Monday, where 69 million people from Louisiana to New York will be impacted. Cities like Charlotte, North Carolina, Raleigh, North Carolina, Atlanta, Philadelphia, Washington, D.C., and New Orleans are included in the risk zone for damaging winds and potential tornadoes.
While the severe weather will gradually move offshore by Monday night, strong winds and the possibility of a few tornadoes may persist throughout the afternoon and evening.
Winter Weather Threats in the Upper Midwest and New England
Meanwhile, on the north side of this intense storm system, wintry precipitation continues to affect areas across the Upper Midwest, Great Lakes, and New England.
Winter weather alerts remain in effect for about 9 million people, including Green Bay, Wisconsin, Marquette, Michigan, Burlington, Vermont, and Portland, Maine. Snow totals as of Sunday morning include up to 10 inches in Fletcher, Vermont, and Morrisonville, New York.
Heavy snow and freezing rain continue to impact parts of eastern Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Michigan, with North Trowbridge Park, Michigan, recording nearly 14 inches of snow in a 24-hour period by Sunday evening. These conditions are likely to cause continued power outages and tree damage.
Fire Risk in the West
In the West, 5 million people from the coast to the Rocky Mountains are under wind alerts through Monday, as 25 to 60 mph wind gusts are expected to fuel fire concerns. Two million people, including those in El Paso, Texas, face high fire danger as the storm system moves forward into the start of the workweek.