Severe Storm Causes Tragedy: 2 Lives Lost Amidst Fierce Winds, Blizzards, and Wildfires – Millions at Risk

CNN —

A massive and complex storm swept across the country overnight. It brought strong winds, fire hazards, and even the threat of blizzards as it moved east.

On Tuesday afternoon, Dallas looked like a scene from Mars. Winds whipped up red dust, leading to fires throughout dry Texas. The National Weather Service reported at least 15 fire incidents in the San Antonio and Austin areas.

This fire outbreak was fueled by record-low pressure in the Midwest, resulting in strong winds from the Plains to the Southeast. Unfortunately, two fatalities were reported in Madison County, Mississippi, due to the storm. One person was electrocuted, while another lost their life when a tree fell on a vehicle.

The storm is expected to hit the East Coast by Wednesday, affecting states from Florida to New York. The strongest winds and possible tornadoes are anticipated from Charleston, South Carolina, to southern Virginia.

Here are some key updates:

• Deep South Impact: Damaging storms moved through Alabama, Georgia, and the Florida Panhandle overnight. They will continue toward the east, posing risks of strong winds and tornadoes, affecting areas from northern Florida to Pennsylvania.
• Brace for the East Coast: The storm’s intensity will reach the Carolinas and the Mid-Atlantic by Wednesday afternoon, bringing gusty winds and thunderstorms from Charleston to Norfolk, Virginia. Storm warnings extend from Florida to southern New York.
• Fires in Texas: Fires have erupted across Texas due to critical fire risks. High winds in Atascosa County led to several house fires, as reported by local officials.
• Blizzard Warning: The Midwest will see strong winds through Wednesday afternoon, potentially causing blizzard conditions in cities like Kansas City, Omaha, and Des Moines.
• Power Outages: Severe thunderstorms produced winds over 70 mph across several states, leaving over 400,000 homes and businesses without power.
• Dust Storm Alert: A dust storm, referred to as a “haboob,” passed through Texas. Winds have calmed from 45 mph to below 10 mph in many areas.

Severe thunderstorms have wreaked havoc in Texas and Oklahoma, causing significant damage to buildings and dangerous conditions. In Lewisville, a paint storage facility suffered damage before workers arrived, but no injuries were reported. Irving also saw severe storm damage, with downed power lines reported.

In Williamson County, just north of Austin, at least eight fires broke out, but most have been brought under control. Meanwhile, a grass fire in San Antonio led to the evacuation of about 30 homes, as officials set up temporary shelters.

The Texas A&M Forest Service is currently managing active fires across the state, particularly in Blanco and Duval counties, while over 190 storm reports have come in, including four EF1 tornadoes causing damage from Texas to Mississippi.

In Ada, Oklahoma, a tornado caused substantial destruction. The local school canceled classes due to road damage and power outages caused by the storm.

Air travel disruptions have also been significant, with approximately 800 flights canceled and over 4,000 delayed by late Tuesday. Winds at Dallas Fort Worth International Airport reached up to 56 mph, prompting a ground stop for departures.

The storm is expected to bring thunder and strong winds across the East Coast on Wednesday, with the highest risk of tornadoes from Florida to Virginia.

A tornado watch remains active for southwestern Alabama, the Florida Panhandle, and southeastern Georgia until Wednesday morning. It’s important to note that nighttime tornadoes are often more dangerous than those that occur during daylight hours.

More than 29 million people are currently at risk of severe thunderstorms, with damaging winds and possible tornadoes affecting areas from Florida to Pennsylvania. Additionally, about 8 million residents in the Carolinas and southern Virginia are under significant threat from severe thunderstorms, with winds over 75 mph expected.

While much of the precipitation is likely to end by Thursday, gusty winds will continue afterward.