Severe storms and flash flooding continue to impact parts of the U.S., with a delay in the start of the Masters Tournament in Augusta, Georgia due to heavy rain and tornadoes. Flood watches are in effect for seven million people in the Florida Panhandle, southern Georgia, the Ohio Valley, and parts of New England, with 1 to 2 inches of rain possible. There is a threat of severe storms for 28 million people across South Carolina to central Florida and the Ohio Valley to the Appalachians, with damaging winds and a higher tornado threat in some areas.
The severe weather is a result of storms that rumbled through the South earlier in the week, causing over 150 damaging wind reports in the past 48 hours. An EF-2 tornado hit Lake Charles, Louisiana, with 115-mph winds causing damage to homes and power lines, while another EF-2 tornado touched down in Port Arthur, Texas. Mississippi Governor Tate Reeves announced one weather-related death in his state and damage to 72 homes in multiple counties. Flash flood emergencies were also reported in Kirbyville, Texas and New Orleans, with record rainfall in both cities.
As of Thursday morning, nearly 150,000 people were without power in the U.S., with Louisiana, Mississippi, Georgia, and South Carolina experiencing the most significant outages. More severe weather is expected to impact the Great Lakes, interior northeast, and the I-95 corridor from D.C. to Boston Thursday night into Friday. The National Weather Service issued a flash flood emergency in Tallahassee, warning of impassable roads and water entering homes. The intense storms have caused widespread damage and power outages across multiple states.
The storms have traveled over 650 miles, causing destruction along the way. Tornadoes, damaging winds, and heavy rainfall have impacted communities from Texas to Louisiana to Mississippi. In New Orleans, streets flooded due to the intense rain, and flash flood emergencies were declared in several areas. The storm-related death of a woman in Mississippi highlights the dangers posed by severe weather, with 72 homes damaged or destroyed in multiple counties. Emergency responders worked to reach those in need amid challenging conditions.
The impact of the storms extended to major events like the Masters Tournament, where play was delayed due to the severe weather. Millions of people across various states are at risk of further severe storms, with a focus on areas from South Carolina to Florida and the Ohio Valley. Damaging winds and tornado threats persist in these regions, with reports of tornadoes and widespread damage already emerging from states like Louisiana, Texas, and Mississippi. Residents are advised to stay indoors and avoid driving on flooded roads to ensure their safety and well-being.
Overall, the severe storms and flash flooding that have swept through multiple states have caused significant damage, power outages, and loss of life. The widespread impact of the storms underscores the need for preparedness and caution in the face of extreme weather events. As communities work to recover from the devastation, continued monitoring and response efforts are essential to ensure the safety and well-being of residents in the affected areas.
