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Severe storms and tornadoes have wreaked havoc across the southern and midwestern United States, with reports confirming at least seven fatalities and extensive damage as they swept through various states.
The catastrophic weather events have led to casualties in both Tennessee and Missouri, with expectations that more confirmations of death may arise. Among the deceased is Garry Moore, a 68-year-old fire chief from Cape Girardeau County, Missouri. In addition, numerous injuries have been documented amid the storm’s significant impacts.
The federal government has responded to the crisis by approving an emergency declaration for Tennessee, where rising floodwaters have posed a threat to Nashville.
Simultaneously, Indiana has declared its own state of emergency, mobilizing 50 National Guard members to assist in areas affected by violent weather across 41 counties. Indiana Governor Mike Braun expressed gratitude for the efforts of soldiers working to ensure the safety of residents during this difficult time.
The storms are shifting eastward, leaving over 213,000 homes without electricity as the system moves from Texas to Ohio. The National Weather Service has issued a “high-risk” excessive rainfall warning for parts of Arkansas, Tennessee, and Kentucky, predicting significant rainfall over the next 48 hours.
Throughout the evening, numerous tornado and severe thunderstorm warnings were issued for regions spanning Arkansas, Illinois, Indiana, Missouri, and Mississippi. The National Weather Service cautioned residents in Arkansas to take shelter immediately, describing the situation as life-threatening.
In Missouri, at least one fatality has been reported, with multiple areas experiencing extensive damage. In Lake City, Arkansas, homes have been destroyed and vehicles overturned, while debris has littered many roads across Tennessee, prompting authorities to advise against travel. Several school districts in Tennessee have opted for closures or remote learning in advance of further anticipated storms, according to the Weather Channel.
Tennessee Governor Bill Lee, after surveying the damage, remarked that it was premature to assess the final toll as rescue operations continued.
A rare tornado emergency was declared near Blytheville, Arkansas, on Wednesday evening following reports of debris propelled 25,000 feet into the atmosphere.
Meteorologist Chelly Amin from the National Weather Service warned of likely catastrophic consequences in affected areas. “It’s definitely going to be a really horrible situation here come sunrise in the morning in those areas, coming out of Arkansas,” Amin stated.
In Indiana, winds reached 81 mph (130 km/h), causing significant power outages and closing schools as debris from the storms cluttered roadways.
While the southern and midwestern United States have historically been susceptible to such severe storms, experts note that the intensity of these weather patterns is being exacerbated by climate change. Tornado activity appears to be shifting geographically, and a warmer atmosphere retains more moisture, amplifying the potential for extreme rainfall.
The upcoming days promise severe flash flooding across several states, with predictions of over a foot of rain in some areas. “Significant, life-threatening flash flooding” is anticipated until Saturday, according to the National Weather Service, which highlighted the possibility of historic rainfall totals and associated impacts.
In southeastern Oregon, severe flooding influenced by unprecedented snowmelt and rainfall has triggered evacuation orders and school closures, with public health concerns on the rise. Over 1,000 individuals are currently under the highest evacuation alerts. Authorities have assured residents that drinking water remains safe, but they have cautioned about possible contamination of floodwaters with bacteria, urging residents to steer clear where possible. Oregon Governor Tina Kotek has declared a state of emergency in response to these flooding conditions.
Further heavy rain is causing rivers around Memphis, Tennessee, to swell, as the National Weather Service warns of potential flooding as soil saturation increases.
“Flash flooding will emerge as a primary concern with this extremely active pattern,” the agency stated on Thursday.
As the threat of flooding looms, there are fears of additional destruction and rising fatalities. However, there are also miraculous stories emerging; one man in Selmer, Tennessee, survived a tornado that obliterated his home. Matt Vandevander took refuge in his bathtub during the storm, which ultimately lifted him into his neighbor’s yard. Remarkably, he emerged with only minor injuries.
“It’s a miracle,” he said in an interview. “I’m very happy – happier than I probably should be.”
Source
www.theguardian.com