Latest Updates
- More than 275,000 power outages reported in Ohio Valley due to storms bringing damaging winds, hail, and tornadoes.
- States affected include West Virginia, Kentucky, Wisconsin, Ohio, Indiana, and Michigan.
- West Virginia Governor declared a state of emergency for multiple counties due to flooding, downed trees, and power outages.
- At least 13 homes damaged in West Virginia, with non-life-threatening injuries reported.
- Fourteen tornadoes confirmed across several states, with additional damaging wind and hail reports.
- Tornado watch in effect for parts of Georgia and South Carolina.
- Significant damage reported in Kentucky, leading to a statewide state of emergency declaration.
- Tennessee and Oklahoma also experienced storm-related damages, including tornadoes.
- Heavy hail reported in Texas, including hailstones as large as 4.5 inches.
- Winter storm expected to impact the Great Lakes and Northeast, with significant snowfall and gusty winds.
- Heavy rain and severe thunderstorms forecasted for the East Coast, with damaging winds and hail as main threats.
- Blizzard warning issued for parts of Wisconsin and Upper Michigan, expecting up to two feet of snow.
- Northern New York, Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine expecting significant snowfall and sleet, leading to travel disruptions and power outages.
- Moderate coastal flooding anticipated in Northeast, causing roadway flooding and potential damage to structures.
- Strong winds, heavy rain, and coastal flooding expected to continue through Thursday.
Severe Storms Ravage Ohio Valley Power Outages Leave Over 275,000 Homes and Businesses in the Dark
Fourteen tornadoes have been confirmed Tuesday across Illinois, Kentucky, Ohio, Alabama and Tennessee, the Storm Prediction Center indicates, along with 103 damaging wind reports and 22 hail reports
A powerful system of thunderstorms swept through the #ohio Valley, wreaking havoc across multiple states including West Virginia, Kentucky, Wisconsin, Ohio, Indiana, and Michigan. The aftermath left more than 275,000 homes and businesses without power.
Governor Declares State of Emergency
Governor Jim Justice declared a state of emergency for Fayette, Kanawha, Lincoln, and Nicholas counties in West Virginia in response to the extensive damage caused by the storms.
Damage and Disruption
The storms brought flooding, downed trees, power outages, and road blockages, leading to significant disruption and danger across the affected areas. At least 13 homes were damaged in Fayette County, West Virginia, with reports of non-life-threatening injuries.
Tornadoes and Severe Weather Warnings
A total of 14 tornadoes were confirmed across Illinois, Kentucky, Ohio, Alabama, and Tennessee. The Storm Prediction Center issued severe weather warnings for over 35 million people along the East Coast, with tornado watches in effect for parts of Georgia and South Carolina.
Escalating Threat and Wind Gusts
As the night progressed, the tornado threat increased, accompanied by wind gusts of up to 65 mph and hail as large as 1.5 inches in diameter. Reports of damaging winds reaching speeds of 40 to 60 mph and a staggering gust of 92 mph in Huntington, West Virginia, underscored the intensity of the storms.
Statewide State of Emergency Declared
Governor Andy Beshear of Kentucky declared a statewide state of emergency as significant damage was reported in the Lexington area.
Additional Impact Across States
The severe weather also caused damage in Tennessee and Oklahoma, with tornadoes wreaking havoc in both states. Reports of structural damage and flipped vehicles were received from Missouri and Indiana.
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Continued Threat and Winter Storm Alerts
The threat of severe weather is expected to continue as storms shift eastward, impacting southern New England to Florida. Meanwhile, a long-duration winter storm is forecasted to bring heavy snow and gusty winds to the Great Lakes and Northeast, prompting winter weather alerts for nearly 12 million people.
Travel Disruptions and Coastal Flooding
The combination of heavy snow and strong winds poses risks of travel disruptions and power outages, while coastal flooding threatens portions of the Northeast coast.
Bracing for Further Impacts
Overall, the region braces for further impacts through Thursday as authorities and communities work to mitigate the aftermath of the severe storms.