The Midwest is on high alert as it prepares for another round of dangerous storms on Sunday. Over the past two days, the region has been battered by severe weather, resulting in the tragic loss of four lives in Oklahoma, widespread destruction of homes, and widespread power outages affecting tens of thousands of people.
According to AccuWeather, a storm system posed a threat to several states including Texas, Nebraska, Oklahoma, Kansas, Missouri, and Iowa until Sunday night. Tragically, two deaths, including a 4-month-old baby, were reported in Holdenville, Hughes County, Oklahoma as a result of the storms and tornadoes that ravaged the area over the weekend, as multiple media outlets have reported.
A death in Sulphur, which is located about 80 miles southeast of Oklahoma City, has been confirmed. This area saw over 100 tornado-related injuries, with approximately 30 of them being registered in Sulphur. Additionally, a fourth fatality was reported in the town of Marietta in Love County.
Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt has taken action by declaring a state of emergency, which will provide much-needed recovery funds. A sports bar in Sulphur, which was severely impacted by a tornado, resulted in multiple injuries. Governor Stitt addressed the situation during a Sunday afternoon update, acknowledging that this is the most extensive damage he has witnessed since assuming office in 2019.
As of 6:30 p.m. CDT on Sunday, approximately 45,000 homes and businesses in Texas and Oklahoma were still without power.
According to AccuWeather, severe weather hazards like hail, gusty winds, and flash flooding could occur as thunderstorms develop across the Mississippi Valley to the Gulf Coast on Sunday and Monday. There is a possibility of localized wind gusts reaching up to 65 mph, with peak winds potentially reaching 75 mph.
According to Accuweather senior meteorologist Bill Deger, the Mississippi Valley will experience flooding downpours, strong winds, and hail, making it the main area of concern while the Plains region takes a breather. Although the possibility of a tornado or two cannot be completely ruled out.
According to him, the primary concern from the approaching system in the lower Mississippi Valley and southern states is the heavy rainfall. This could potentially impact heavily populated areas like Jackson, Mississippi, New Orleans, and Mobile, Alabama.
The National Weather Service office in Omaha, Nebraska, has stated that additional storms could potentially form by Sunday morning, with the most severe weather anticipated for Sunday afternoon. A hazardous weather statement has been issued for parts of Nebraska and Iowa, cautioning that there is a possibility of strong to severe thunderstorms. These storms may bring wind gusts of up to 60 mph, hail the size of quarters, and potentially even a few tornadoes.
The weather service in Omaha took to social media to alert the public about the potential for severe weather today. They emphasized the importance of staying vigilant and keeping an eye on the weather, particularly for those who plan to be outdoors.
According to preliminary damage information from the National Weather Service in Des Moines, at least 10 tornadoes were reported to have struck central Iowa during the storm front on Friday. It is possible that more damage may occur on Sunday.
The agency stated on social media that there is a possibility of severe storms developing after 3 p.m. However, there is some uncertainty surrounding this prediction. If the storms do occur, the main threat will be large hail, with damaging winds and a few tornadoes being secondary threats.
Residents in Douglas County, Nebraska, including Omaha, were seen clearing debris using chainsaws. Sheriff Aaron Hanson commended the local community for their proactive efforts in cleaning up, but also emphasized the importance of avoiding affected areas to facilitate the clearing of roads and ongoing cleanup operations.
In a post on social media, he reflected on the aftermath of a devastating tornado that struck a major urban area. Despite causing widespread damage, there were no confirmed deaths or serious injuries. The remarkable response from the community was heartening, with thousands of people coming together to offer their assistance. He pondered whether this natural disaster was a reminder from a higher power to be more compassionate and kind towards one another.
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