Powerful Storm Threatens U.S. With Rain, Snow, and Tornadoes

Powerful Storm Threatens U.S. With Rain, Snow, and Tornadoes \ Newslooks \ Washington DC \ Mary Sidiqi \ Evening Edition \ A major storm system is set to bring heavy rain, tornadoes, and blizzard conditions across the U.S. this week. Southern California will be drenched by an atmospheric river, while the Plains and Midwest brace for heavy snow and high winds. The South faces a tornado outbreak, with Missouri, Arkansas, Mississippi, and Tennessee at high risk. Meanwhile, wildfire threats remain high in the Southwest, and residents in Florida, Texas, and Arizona continue cleanup efforts from recent storms.

Major U.S. Storm System Quick Looks

• Storm to Hit Multiple Regions: Heavy rain, snow, and severe storms expected across the West, Midwest, and South.
• Southern California Flood Threat: Atmospheric river to bring torrential rain starting Thursday.
• Tornado Outbreak in the South: Severe storms expected Friday into Saturday, impacting Missouri, Arkansas, Mississippi, and Tennessee.
• Blizzard Conditions in the Midwest: Heavy snowfall and strong winds could create whiteout conditions.
• Wildfire Risk Remains High: Southwest states, including Arizona and Texas, face increased fire danger.
• Florida Storm Damages TV Station: A possible tornado hit a Fox 35 news station live on air.
• Texas Storm Kills One, Causes Damage: High winds topple vehicles, destroy roofs, and injure several people.

Deep Look

Severe Weather Set to Impact Multiple Regions

A massive storm system is expected to wreak havoc across the U.S. this week, bringing torrential rain, powerful tornadoes, and dangerous blizzard conditions.

The storm will first slam into the West Coast, where Southern California faces the threat of flooding from an incoming atmospheric river on Thursday. From there, it will push eastward, dumping heavy snow in the Midwest and creating dangerous conditions for travelers.

By the weekend, the system will shift to the South, where meteorologists warn of a potential tornado outbreak.

This comes amid unseasonably warm temperatures across the central U.S., raising concerns that unstable conditions could fuel extreme storms.

Record High Temperatures Raise Storm and Wildfire Concerns

Ahead of the storm’s arrival, temperatures have been soaring across the Midwest and Plains, reaching record-breaking highs in some areas.

• Minnesota saw temperatures in the mid-70s on Monday, with Granite Falls reaching 76°F by mid-afternoon.
• South Dakota and other Midwest states also experienced spring-like conditions despite dealing with a blizzard just last week.

While warmer temperatures may be welcome, they also bring serious risks, including stronger thunderstorms and heightened wildfire danger.

The National Weather Service issued red flag warnings for parts of:

• Nebraska, South Dakota, Kansas, Missouri, Iowa, and Minnesota.
• Arizona, New Mexico, and West Texas, where high winds and dry conditions are increasing fire risk.

Southern California Braces for Heavy Rain and Flooding

The storm will first make landfall in California, bringing a major atmospheric river event that could dump several inches of rain across the region.

• The National Weather Service warns that flash flooding is likely, especially in Southern California’s burn scar areas.
• Snowfall is expected in the Intermountain West and Rockies by Thursday and Friday, leading to difficult travel conditions.
• The storm will then intensify as it moves east, developing into a major system over the Plains.

Tornado Outbreak Possible in the South

As the storm reaches the Southern U.S. by Friday, conditions will become ripe for severe weather, including tornadoes.

The Storm Prediction Center has issued warnings for:

• Missouri, Arkansas, Mississippi, and Tennessee on Friday.
• Alabama and surrounding areas on Saturday.

Forecasters warn that strong supercell thunderstorms could produce:

• Damaging winds exceeding 70 mph.
• Large hail.
• Violent tornadoes capable of significant destruction.

It is still too early to determine exact locations, but residents in high-risk areas should remain alert and prepared.

High Winds Will Increase Wildfire Threat in Southwest

With high winds accompanying the storm system, the Southwest is at risk for dangerous wildfire conditions.

Critical fire warnings have been issued for:

• Southeastern Arizona and southern New Mexico on Tuesday.
• West Texas later in the week as wind speeds increase.

The National Weather Service warns that dry vegetation, combined with strong winds, could create fast-moving wildfires.

Florida Tornado Strikes TV Station Live on Air

Severe weather has already caused damage ahead of the incoming storm.

On Monday morning, a possible tornado hit Seminole County, Florida, tearing through buildings along Interstate 4 near Orlando.

One of the hardest-hit locations was Fox 35’s television studio in Lake Mary, where meteorologists were broadcasting live when the storm struck.

“OK, take shelter. Everybody in the Fox 35 building, get to your safe space under your desk,” said Fox 35 meteorologist Brooks Garner.

“We’re catching debris right now on the roof. Debris is on the roof right now.”

No injuries were reported, but strong winds damaged fences, tore off shingles, and caused power outages.

Texas and Arizona Residents Still Cleaning Up From Earlier Storms

While new storms approach, residents in Texas and Arizona are still recovering from last weekend’s severe weather.

In Texas:

• Winds up to 90 mph ripped the roof off a Days Inn along Interstate 45.
• Storms overturned a recreational vehicle at a Dallas-area drag strip, killing 42-year-old T.J. Bailey of Midlothian, Texas.
• Bailey’s wife and two sons survived but were hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries.

In Arizona:

• A massive snowstorm in northern Arizona stranded motorists for hours on Interstate 40, causing a 15-mile backup.

What’s Next? Staying Prepared as the Storm Intensifies

As this dangerous storm system develops, meteorologists urge residents across California, the Midwest, and the South to:

• Monitor local weather alerts for updates on flooding, tornadoes, and snow conditions.
• Prepare emergency kits, including flashlights, batteries, food, and water.
• Have a safety plan in case of tornado warnings or evacuation orders.
• Stay off the roads in blizzard conditions and avoid flood-prone areas.

With multiple extreme weather threats unfolding, this week could bring destructive conditions across several regions.

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