Severe Weather Threatens 33 Million Americans
Severe weather will threaten 33 million Americans between Sunday afternoon and Monday evening. Meteorologists confirmed the storms, which will impact numerous states, could produce damaging hail, soaking rain, and tornadoes.
As reported by CNN, several different systems are contributing to the storms.
Tropical storm Ana, which was downgraded to a tropical depression, made landfall in South Carolina at 6 a.m. Sunday. Representatives with the National Hurricane Center confirmed sustained winds between 45 and 50 mph.
Ana is expected to continue northward along the east coast through Monday. Although the tropical storm was downgraded, residents along the North Carolina and Virginia coast could experience heavy rain, strong winds, and flooding. Authorities also cautioned against swimming, as strong rip currents are likely.
Residents in Colorado, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Wyoming are currently experiencing a strong winter storm. As reported by Weather Channel, Winter Storm Venus sparked warnings throughout the Northeast, which are expected to continue through Monday.
“Heavy snow will likely be accompanied by strong winds, producing whiteout conditions, at times, particularly near the Black Hills of South Dakota… Blizzard conditions are possible in western South Dakota… Dangerous travel conditions are likely… in far western South Dakota and northeast Wyoming… “
MT @Jeremy_J_KCSR: 8 miles West of Chadron on Hwy 20! #NEwx pic.twitter.com/jDYWMAgeZx
— NWS Cheyenne (@NWSCheyenne) May 10, 2015
Severe thunderstorms are forecast throughout the South Central and Midwestern states. Portions of Iowa, Missouri, Nebraska, Oklahoma, South Dakota, and Texas are currently under severe thunderstorm and tornado watches.
Across the United States, 33 million people face the risk of severe weather Sunday. http://t.co/5AvFyRZpCW pic.twitter.com/aRu58WbEbH
— WFMZ-TV 69News (@69News) May 10, 2015
As reported by the National Weather Service, residents in the Midwest and Plains can expect severe storms and heavy rain through Tuesday.
“Severe thunderstorms and heavy rainfall are expected to make weather headlines through the beginning of the work week from Texas to the southern Great Lakes. Multiple thunderstorm complexes are forecast to develop in the vicinity of a cold front and strong surface low that will be tracking across the central Plains to Michigan.”
Throughout the next two days, severe weather will threaten a total of 33 million people across the nation.
On Saturday alone, the National Weather Service received reports of 40 tornadoes in five states. Although a majority of the suspected tornadoes did not touch down, three injuries and one death were reported in Cisco, Texas.
Storm damage and injuries are common during the spring months. However, residents can reduce the risk by heeding all watches and warnings.
As severe weather is expected to affect 33 million people this week, officials recommend taking safety precautions to minimize the impact.
[Image via Shutterstock/Klagyivik Viktor]
