Severe weather swept through several states on Tuesday, causing power outages, property damage, and at least one death. In West Virginia, about 140,000 customers were without electricity, while northeastern Oklahoma experienced heavy rains that led to three suspected tornadoes. A 46-year-old homeless woman in Tulsa died inside a drainage pipe during the storm. In Ohio, firefighters rescued two people trapped under a bridge as the Scioto River began rising. Meanwhile, residents in Wisconsin were facing a spring snowstorm that could dump more than a foot of snow in some areas.
In southern Ohio, a woman rushed into her mobile home as hail and strong winds hit the area. She and her fiance hunkered down as the mobile home rocked, fearing for their lives. When the storm passed, they found the RV Park littered with debris and overturned RVs, but thankfully, no one was inside them. In Wisconsin, the spring snowstorm caused power outages for more than 67,000 homes and businesses. Forecasters warned of heavy, wet snow and wind gusts that could create travel difficulties. Meagan Wolfe, the state’s top election official, urged residents to vote earlier in the day to avoid complications.
Severe storms also hit far southwestern Indiana, causing power outages, downed trees, and structural damage. Local school districts canceled classes, and Gov. Jim Justice declared a state of emergency in several counties. In Kentucky, Gov. Andy Beshear declared a state of emergency after reports of substantial damage to structures. Multiple tornado warnings were issued in Kentucky, Tennessee, and Ohio, leading to a county-wide state of emergency in Louisville. While there were no reported injuries or deaths in the affected areas, residents were urged to stay weather aware.
Various states, including Ohio, Pennsylvania, Kentucky, Mississippi, Alabama, Tennessee, West Virginia, and Virginia, were under tornado watches, with flash flood warnings issued in Pittsburgh and southern Ohio. The National Weather Service confirmed a tornado in northeast Tennessee, causing damage to a funeral home and a house. In Memphis, around 40,000 homes and businesses lost power temporarily after an electric substation was struck by lightning. The storm was expected to move into New England, bringing forecasts of significant snowfall and strong winds.
The severe weather patterns continued to wreak havoc as they moved through different states, leaving behind a trail of destruction, power outages, and travel difficulties. The response efforts from local governments and emergency services were crucial in ensuring the safety of residents and minimizing the impact of the storms. With forecasts predicting more severe weather ahead, residents in the affected areas were advised to stay vigilant and take necessary precautions to protect themselves and their properties. The resilience and preparedness of communities in facing such extreme weather events highlighted the importance of disaster readiness and response strategies.
