Severe Weather Brings Destruction and Disruption Across the United States
Southern States Battered by Tornadoes and Storms
Severe weather systems tore through the southern United States, leaving a trail of destruction and claiming lives. Mississippi bore the brunt of the storms, with three fatalities reported due to falling power lines and trees. In Union County, North Carolina, an EF1 tornado caused structural damage and power outages, with winds reaching speeds of up to 90 mph. Tornado warnings were issued in the Carolinas, Florida, and Virginia, signaling the storm system’s eastward movement. Texas and Louisiana also experienced tornado touchdowns, with at least seven confirmed, according to preliminary reports from the National Weather Service. The severe weather forced changes to Mardi Gras celebrations in New Orleans, where parades were rescheduled and shortened.
Midwest and Iowa Grapple with Snow and Blizzard Conditions
While the South dealt with tornadoes, the Midwest faced a different kind of weather-related challenge. A powerful winter storm brought heavy snow and blizzard conditions to eastern Nebraska, dumping around 4 inches of snow and winds up to 65 mph. The hazardous conditions led to road closures and low visibility, disrupting daily life. In Minneapolis, the heaviest snowfall of the season was recorded, with 7.4 inches at the airport and other areas receiving over a foot of snow. The slippery roads resulted in numerous crashes, with at least 70 reported in Minnesota alone. Iowa was also hard-hit, with whiteout conditions causing 68 crashes, including a pileup on Interstate 35. The treacherous conditions prompted Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz to deploy the National Guard to assist stranded drivers. Firefighters near Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, faced additional challenges as high winds hindered their efforts to combat ongoing wildfires, which had been burning since the weekend.
Texas Wildfires and Pacific Storm Threaten Next Round of Weather-Related Woes
In Texas, high winds and dry vegetation fueled wildfires, burning at least 20 homes and structures in San Patricio County near Corpus Christi. Firefighters battled the blazes, but no injuries were reported. The National Weather Service warned of critical fire weather conditions persisting in south-central Texas. Meanwhile, on the West Coast, a Pacific storm was expected to bring widespread rain and mountain snow across California and other parts of the West through Friday. California Gov. Gavin Newsom warned that the storm could trigger debris flows in areas left barren by recent wildfires. The threat of severe weather extended from Florida to New York, with forecasters cautioning that this was not the last storm the country would see
