Severe Storms Bring Heavy Rain, Hail, and Tornado Threats to the South
A relentless wave of stormy weather is set to continue on Thursday, bringing heavy rain, hail, and the possibility of tornadoes to parts of the South. This marks the fourth consecutive day of severe weather across the United States, with at least four people already reported dead and numerous communities damaged and flooded.
The nearly 180,000-square-mile region in the South will face a variety of weather threats, including large hail, damaging winds exceeding 75 miles per hour, and the potential for tornadoes. More than 8.5 million people in parts of Alabama, Georgia, and Florida are under a tornado watch, while Central and North Central Texas are also on high alert.
As of late Thursday afternoon, about 147,000 customers across Georgia, Alabama, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee were without power. The storms have already caused significant damage and disruption, with multiple cities facing heavy rain and flooding.
The Midwest and South were hit hard by storms on Wednesday, resulting in at least three deaths. Tornadoes tore through Michigan, damaging nearly 200 mobile homes and causing chaos for FedEx workers. In North Carolina, Tennessee, and other states, the severe weather has taken a deadly toll, with reports of trees falling on vehicles and large tornadoes touching down.
The atmospheric conditions this week have been conducive to tornado formation, with warm, moist air near the ground and cool, dry air higher up. Scientists have noted that tornado outbreaks like these have become more common in recent years, but they are cautious about attributing this trend to human-caused climate change.
As the severe weather continues to wreak havoc across the country, residents are urged to stay informed and take necessary precautions to ensure their safety.
