Prepare for Impact: Tornadoes and Wind Damage Threats from Severe Weather | Weather.com

A powerful storm is moving through the South and East, bringing severe thunderstorms, potential tornadoes, and damaging winds. This system will continue through Wednesday, impacting a wide area.

Right now, thunderstorms are sweeping across the Southeastern U.S. Multiple weather watches and warnings are active, highlighting the need to stay alert. So far, the National Weather Service has received over 140 reports of severe weather, including high winds and tornadoes.

Recently, storms caused considerable damage, particularly in eastern and southern Oklahoma and northern Texas. An EF1 tornado struck Ada, Oklahoma, while another caused damage in Pontotoc County, affecting a fire station.

In the Dallas-Fort Worth area, severe storms damaged a large paint plant in Lewisville, and reports of damaged buildings came from McKinney. A brief tornado in Irving caused significant damage to city blocks. Wind gusts reached impressive speeds: 83 mph in Denton County and 87 mph near Fittstown, Oklahoma.

Widespread power outages are also a concern, with over 400,000 homes and businesses losing electricity across several states, from Oklahoma to Mississippi.

Looking ahead to Wednesday, the Storm Prediction Center has warned that severe storms may continue to affect areas from the lower Mississippi Valley to Alabama and western Georgia. The main threats will be damaging winds and possible tornadoes, but heavy rain and isolated flash flooding could occur as well.

As the day unfolds, the severe weather risk will spread to the eastern U.S., including places like Charleston, South Carolina, and Richmond, Virginia. Again, damaging winds and tornadoes may be possible, along with strong winds in the Northeast. It’s crucial to have a weather safety plan in place, including knowing where to find shelter and how to receive alerts about hazards.

Stay informed about the storm by checking reliable weather sources. Remember to prioritize safety as these conditions develop.

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