Columbia, Tennessee – The threat of severe weather, including tornadoes, continues to loom over the South, part of an outbreak that has been wreaking havoc across multiple states since Monday. As the death toll continues to rise from the severe weather and tornadoes that started in the Plains and moved into the Midwest and South, the devastation left in its wake is becoming clearer.
At least four deaths have been reported from this multi-day outbreak so far. Two individuals lost their lives in Tennessee, one person died in North Carolina, and a fourth victim was tragically confirmed following an EF4 tornado that struck Barnsdall, Oklahoma. The National Weather Service has issued flash flood emergencies as the severe weather continues to ravage the region.
Supercells have been responsible for spawning dangerous conditions, including tornadoes, massive hail, and strong winds in the Plains, Midwest, and South since Monday. These unique storms are distinguished by their spinning updraft, known as a “mesocyclone,” which allows them to persist for extended periods during severe weather outbreaks.
As showers and thunderstorms move into South Carolina, flood advisories and flash flood warnings have been issued by the National Weather Service, with specific areas being identified as most likely to experience flash flooding. The ongoing storms are expected to produce damaging wind gusts, heavy rainfall, and even isolated tornado threats in various states across the South. Additionally, over 200,000 homes and businesses were reported without power as a result of the severe weather system.
The outbreak of severe weather has triggered over 900 reports of severe weather since it first began in the Plains on Monday. Multiple states have been impacted by tornadoes, hail, and damaging winds, with the situation expected to continue evolving as new thunderstorm or tornado advisories may be issued throughout the day. The devastation left by the severe weather outbreak serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictable and destructive power of nature.