The United States is bracing for severe weather as meteorologists predict a significant tornado outbreak to occur tomorrow. According to Evan Bentley, a meteorologist at the Storm Prediction Center, the outbreak is expected to impact several regions, including eastern Louisiana, western Georgia, central Tennessee, and the western Florida Panhandle. This prediction comes as a sprawling storm system crossed the U.S. on Friday, causing chaos by overturning semitrucks on highways and fueling wildfires in Texas and Oklahoma.
The storm system has brought severe conditions, with the Oklahoma state patrol reporting that dusty winds have toppled several tractor-trailers. The Storm Prediction Center has warned of potentially hurricane-force straight-line winds, with some gusts possibly reaching 100 mph. As a result, around 47 million people are facing an enhanced to moderate severe storm threat stretching from Madison, Wisconsin, to Birmingham, Alabama.
Snow accumulations are also anticipated, with predictions of 3 to 6 inches, and up to a foot in some areas. Parts of Mississippi, including Jackson and Hattiesburg, along with areas of Alabama such as Birmingham and Tuscaloosa, are at high risk for damaging winds and tornadoes. A tornado watch remains in effect until 11 p.m. for central and eastern Missouri, including St. Louis, as well as parts of Illinois and Arkansas.
Bentley emphasized the seriousness of the situation.
“We have a lot of confidence that we most likely will have a tornado outbreak tomorrow,” – Evan Bentley
Forecasters are increasingly concerned that intense thunderstorms farther south could bring an even greater tornado threat on Saturday. The National Weather Service has predicted extreme weather for over 100 million Americans across a vast swath of the country. Powerful wind gusts up to 80 mph are expected from the Canadian border down to Texas.
Bill Bunting from the Storm Prediction Center highlighted the unusual nature of the storm.
“What’s unique about this one is its large size and intensity,” – Bill Bunting
The impact of the storm is already being felt across various states. In Texas, a blaze in Roberts County northeast of Amarillo rapidly expanded from less than a square mile to an estimated 12.5 square miles. Heavy rain is also forecasted to bring flash flooding to some parts of the east coast by Sunday.
Additionally, areas at risk include parts of Iowa, Kentucky, Tennessee, and Mississippi. As the severe weather looms, the authorities urge residents in these regions to stay vigilant and prepared for potential emergencies.
Truck drivers navigating through these conditions are taking extra precautions. Charles Daniel expressed his concerns while driving through the windy conditions.
“There’s a lot of sand and dirt in the air. I’m not pushing it over 55mph. I’m scared it will blow over if I do.” – Charles Daniel