From the Weather category

by Albert Inestein in Weather

At least 21 people have died in a series of deadly storms across the southern and midwest US. Severe rains, flooding rivers, and tornadoes have led to several evacuations. Some cities ordered residents to evacuate as floodwaters rose, with rescue crews using inflatable boats to check on residents in Kentucky and Tennessee. The Tennessee health department confirmed 10 deaths related to the severe weather, including tornadoes and flooding. While severe weather diminished in some areas, floodwater and debris hazards remain. Alabama and Mississippi faced new tornado warnings on Sunday, while flash flood warnings were in effect for several counties across Kentucky, Mississippi, and Tennessee. Power and gas outages stretched from Texas to Ohio. The National Weather Service warned of continued river flooding in middle Tennessee. Over 90 tornadoes were reported across at least 10 states. Victims include a nine-year-old boy caught in floodwaters while walking to his school bus, a five-year-old killed when a tree fell on his home, and a 16-year-old volunteer firefighter who died in a crash during a rescue attempt. A 74-year-old was found dead in a submerged car. Authorities urged people not to drive through floodwaters. Some areas may remain underwater for days due to more rain. The storms are linked to the global climate crisis, with Climate Central predicting heavier rainfall and flood risks for the US.


by Amanda Ireland in Weather

Another round of torrential rain and flash flooding hit parts of the South and Midwest on Saturday, April 5, 2025, following days of severe storms and deadly tornadoes. Forecasters warned of rising rivers for days to come. Floodwaters inundated homes and vehicles, causing widespread damage and at least 16 weather-related deaths (10 in Tennessee alone). Two deaths occurred in Kentucky—a 9-year-old boy and a 74-year-old whose body was found in a submerged vehicle—and a 5-year-old died in a weather-related incident in Little Rock, Arkansas. Tornadoes earlier in the week destroyed neighborhoods and caused at least seven deaths. The flooding impacted interstate commerce, potentially causing shipping and supply chain delays in Louisville and Memphis. Louisville's Ohio River rose 5 feet in 24 hours. Flash flood emergencies and tornado warnings continued across Arkansas, Mississippi, Tennessee, and Kentucky. Hundreds of Kentucky roads were impassable. A mandatory evacuation was ordered for Falmouth, Kentucky. In Arkansas, a railroad bridge washed out, causing a derailment. Over a foot of rain fell in parts of Kentucky, and over 8 inches in parts of Arkansas and Missouri. The severe weather was attributed to warm temperatures, an unstable atmosphere, strong wind shear, and abundant moisture from the Gulf. Dozens of people sought shelter in Dyersburg, Tennessee, a city recently hit by a tornado.


by Alfred Ignacio in Weather

Dangerous storms are moving across the central US, placing nearly 5 million people under tornado watches in parts of Arkansas, Illinois, and Missouri. A level 5 of 5 risk for long-lived, EF3-plus tornadoes is in effect, marking a rare and significant threat. The storms are also expected to trigger multiple days of heavy rain, leading to "generational" flooding in Arkansas, Missouri, Tennessee, and Mississippi. Climate change is exacerbating the risk of extreme rainfall. Damage reports include overturned trains, downed power lines, and numerous structures destroyed in Missouri towns such as Nevada, Moundville, and Pilot Grove. While no fatalities have been reported in Vernon County, Missouri, significant damage is evident. A radar-confirmed tornado hit Pilot Grove, causing structural damage to homes and vehicles. Another tornado in Owasso, Oklahoma, downed trees and damaged homes. The National Weather Service issued dire warnings for Arkansas, emphasizing the potential for damaging winds, large hail, and long-lived EF3 or stronger tornadoes. Kentucky's governor declared a state of emergency, anticipating four days of severe weather, including widespread flooding. The Mississippi Valley faces a high risk of historic rain and floods, with a level 4 of 4 high risk of flooding rainfall in effect for parts of Missouri, Arkansas, Tennessee, Kentucky, and Illinois. Forecasters predict 2 to 6 inches of rain daily in some areas, with potential totals exceeding 15 inches by Saturday. The Storm Prediction Center and Nadocast (a machine learning model) both highlight the high risk, but Nadocast's predictions should be viewed cautiously. The speed of the storms is also a concern, giving residents minimal time to seek shelter.


by Alfred Ignacio in Weather

A devastating ice storm slammed Michigan and Wisconsin, leaving over 400,000 people without power on Sunday. High winds brought down trees and power lines, turning churches, schools, and fire halls into makeshift warming centers. The damage is expected to take until Monday to fully repair, especially in rural areas. One county reported nearly all 13,200 residents without power, with trees continuing to fall. Meanwhile, Tennessee braced for severe weather, with potential 70mph winds, tornadoes, and hail up to 2 inches in diameter. Despite the arrival of spring, the situation remains dire in the affected areas, with residents resorting to creative solutions to stay warm and safe. In other news, firefighters in South Carolina reported progress in controlling wildfires in the Blue Ridge Mountains, with rain offering some relief.


by Amanda Ireland in Weather

Powerful storms caused significant damage and loss of life across the United States. Three people died in Mississippi due to severe weather, with one fatality caused by a falling power line, another by a tree falling on a car, and a third by a falling tree limb. In Oklahoma, storms ripped roofs from buildings. Tornado warnings were issued in several states, including the Carolinas, Florida, and Virginia, with an EF1 tornado confirmed in North Carolina causing structural damage and power outages. Texas experienced high winds and dry vegetation fueling wildfires, resulting in at least 20 homes and structures burning in San Patricio County. Blizzard conditions hit eastern Nebraska, with heavy snow and high winds causing road closures and numerous crashes. Parts of Minnesota and Iowa also experienced a powerful winter storm, leading to significant snowfall and numerous accidents. In South Carolina, high winds hampered wildfire fighting efforts. Thousands were left without power across several states, and hundreds of flights were canceled. The storm system, which initially hit Oklahoma, is moving eastward, bringing the threat of tornadoes to the Carolinas and other areas. Forecasters warned of a Pacific storm expected to bring widespread rain and mountain snow to the West Coast.