Devastating tornadoes struck several regions in the central and eastern United States this Wednesday, leaving homes and farms destroyed, structures collapsed, and a preliminary toll of one person dead in Missouri.
The storms began in the morning, but it was in the afternoon that they gained strength. Around 3:00 p.m. Central Time, a "potentially dangerous situation" tornado warning was issued for parts of seven states.
At night, over 15 million people were under tornado alert, especially in areas of Tennessee, Mississippi, and Alabama. By Thursday morning, nearly five million were still under warnings.
In Arkansas, a powerful tornado struck the town of Lake City and surrounding areas. According to experts, it may have reached an EF-3 category or higher.
In Indiana, straight-line winds of up to 128 km/h caused the collapse of a radio tower and partial failure of a warehouse. In Kentucky, a church was destroyed. In Missouri, authorities discovered the lifeless body of a person, although they have not confirmed if the death is directly related to the storms.
Extreme rains and nighttime tornadoes increase the risk of disaster
The National Weather Service (NWS) warned of a high risk of flash flooding in the region where Arkansas, Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky, and Tennessee converge.
In some areas, more than 38 centimeters of rain could fall before Saturday, causing "rare and sometimes catastrophic" flooding. Authorities warn that areas that have never been affected before could be inundated.
Oklahoma and Missouri were the first states to report tornadoes, causing damage in the areas of Owasso, Potosí, and Nevada. Later, Arkansas was struck by what is considered the most violent tornado of the day. The weather system continues to move eastward, and thunderstorms are expected to bring more intense rainfall to the valleys of the Mississippi and Ohio rivers.
An additional concern is that many of the storms are occurring at night. A 2022 study concluded that nighttime tornadoes are nearly twice as likely to be deadly as those that occur during the day.
Climate change also exacerbates this type of phenomenon. A recent analysis revealed that since 1970, nearly 90% of major cities in the United States have seen an increase in the intensity of hourly precipitation, raising the risk of extreme events such as the one currently affecting the country.
Frequently Asked Questions about Tornadoes in the United States and Hurricane Milton
How have the recent tornadoes impacted the central United States?
The recent tornadoes in the central and eastern United States have caused destruction of homes and farms, structural collapses, and at least one death in Missouri. The storms affected over 15 million people under tornado alerts, primarily in Tennessee, Mississippi, and Alabama.
What are the additional risks associated with the storm system in the United States?
Additional risks include flash flooding, especially in the region where Arkansas, Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky, and Tennessee converge. Rainfall of more than 15 inches is expected, which could lead to catastrophic flooding in areas that typically do not flood.
How has Hurricane Milton affected Florida?
The hurricane Milton has left at least 12 people dead in Florida and has caused destruction with strong winds and 19 confirmed tornadoes. Many areas have suffered severe property damage and power outages, especially in St. Lucie and Pinellas counties.
What preventive measures are recommended in the face of a hurricane like Milton?
It is recommended to evacuate risk areas, follow the instructions of local authorities, and be prepared for prolonged power outages. Additionally, it is crucial to secure properties and have a family emergency plan in place in case of storm surges and destructive winds.
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