U.S. weather forecasters have issued a warning for the threat of tornados in multiple states this weekend, following at least five twisters that hit the state of Missouri on Friday. The severe weather has already left some 100,000 buildings without power and is expected to continue into the night.
The tornado risk is expected to persist into the weekend in several states, including Mississippi, Louisiana, and Alabama. According to Accuweather, the storm risk is expected to peak from Saturday afternoon to Saturday night.
The National Weather Service has also issued a warning for heavy thunderstorms from the Midwest to the Mississippi Valley, which could bring with them the potential for flash flooding, power outages, downed trees, and travel disruptions.
In response to the severe weather, Alabama Governor Kay Ivey has declared a state of emergency, extending until Sunday. In her proclamation, she stated that “this severe weather could cause significant damage to public and private property and poses a danger to the health and safety of the people of Alabama, including potential disruption of essential utility systems, personal injury, and loss of life.” This declaration means that the state National Guard will be on alert and could be activated if necessary.
Missouri has also declared a state of emergency in response to the severe weather.
Forecasters are predicting that the thunderstorms will continue to affect the South and move towards the East Coast on Saturday night into Sunday. While the tornado threat is expected to decrease, the East Coast may still face hail and potentially damaging wind gusts.
The storm system is expected to move off into the Atlantic Ocean by Sunday night into Monday. However, the threat of severe weather should not be taken lightly, and residents in the affected areas are urged to take necessary precautions and stay informed about the changing weather conditions.
Despite the potential dangers, it is important to remain positive and motivated during this time. The resilience and strength of the affected communities will surely shine through as they come together to weather the storm. The bravery and dedication of the first responders and emergency personnel who are working tirelessly to keep everyone safe is also commendable.
Let us all keep those impacted by the severe weather in our thoughts and prayers, and let us hope for a speedy recovery for the affected areas. Together, we can overcome any challenge that comes our way. Stay safe and stay informed.
