Tornado sirens echoed through Texas, Oklahoma, and Arkansas early Wednesday as storms rolled in, lighting up the night with lightning. A dangerous wave of severe storms is spreading from the South to the East Coast, bringing with it high winds, hail, and potential tornadoes. Damage reports are coming in, especially from the Dallas-Fort Worth area, where many are without power. Here’s what’s happening.
Mardi Gras Cancellations
Today marks Fat Tuesday, a big day for Mardi Gras celebrations in Louisiana, but the weather has forced cancellations. Parades are officially called off in Jefferson Parish, near New Orleans. As of last night, police were monitoring the situation and confirming that some parade times might change, but ultimately, cancellations were likely.
Current Weather Situation
Severe storms are moving through the Oklahoma-Arkansas border and northeast Texas. Strong winds are causing destruction, knocking down trees, and affecting power lines. Although the severe threat in Dallas-Fort Worth and Oklahoma City has eased, gusty winds remain. Over 200 flights have been cancelled at Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport due to the storms, and over 200,000 people in North Texas are without power.
Today’s storms demonstrate why it’s essential to treat severe thunderstorm warnings with the same urgency as tornado alerts. Strong wind gusts can cause significant damage, and tornadoes can form quickly within these storms. If you’re under any storm warning today, seek shelter immediately.
Storm Damage Reports
Significant damage is reported in Irving, Texas, where police are urging residents to avoid certain areas due to storm destruction. Photos shared by authorities show a collapsed wall from an apartment building. In Oklahoma, a home was destroyed, and trailers were overturned due to the storms, with reports of downed power lines and structural damage as well.
Snow is also on the way. In parts of eastern Colorado and northwestern Kansas, rain has transitioned to wet snow, bringing high winds and the possibility of whiteout conditions on major highways.
Warehouse Collapse
In Lewisville, Texas, a suspected tornado caused a warehouse to collapse. The structure was torn open, and debris scattered across the area. First responders are on the scene, with no immediate reports of injuries.
Understanding Weather Alerts
It’s vital to know the difference between tornado watches and warnings. A tornado watch means conditions are right for tornadoes to occur. On the other hand, a tornado warning means a tornado has been spotted or indicated by radar, and immediate action is necessary.
In Ada, Oklahoma, residents are sharing images of extensive damage. City officials are advising people to stay indoors due to downed power lines and gas leaks.
Severe Weather Overview
So far, there have been over 90 reports of severe thunderstorms across the region. The National Weather Service plans to conduct surveys to assess damage and verify if tornadoes touched down. This storm system is making history as Oklahoma and Texas might have seen their first tornadoes of 2025 early this morning.
Stay safe and informed during these severe weather conditions. It’s crucial to remain updated as the situation develops.
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