As severe weather continues to wreak havoc across the South, the death toll rises from a devastating outbreak of tornadoes that began in the Plains and swept through the Midwest and South. At least four fatalities have been reported so far, with two deaths in Tennessee, one in North Carolina, and one in Oklahoma following an EF4 tornado in Barnsdall.
Supercells in the Plains, Midwest, and South have been spawning dangerous weather conditions, including tornadoes, large hail, and strong winds since Monday. Supercells are unique storms characterized by their spinning updrafts called mesocyclones, which allow them to persist for hours during severe weather outbreaks.
In South Carolina, flood advisories and flash flood warnings have been issued as showers and thunderstorms move through the region. The National Weather Service warns of potential flash flooding south of U.S. Highway 74 and west of Interstate 77, while cautioning that flooding may occur elsewhere. Residents are urged to heed local advisories and avoid driving through flood waters.
A complex of strong to severe storms is expected to move through parts of northern Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, and the Carolinas, potentially producing damaging wind gusts, heavy rainfall, and even isolated tornadoes. Later in the day, damaging hail is a concern as storms develop in central and eastern Texas. Additionally, a long-lived damaging wind event is anticipated in the South, stretching into early Friday.
Fatalities and damage have been reported in Tennessee and northern Alabama, with over 200,000 homes and businesses left without power in North Carolina. Water rescues were necessary in Tennessee as a flash flood emergency was declared, and additional severe storms are expected to trigger new advisories throughout the day.
This ongoing severe weather outbreak, which began on Monday in the Plains, has already resulted in over 900 reports of severe weather, including tornadoes, hail, and damaging wind. The situation remains dynamic as the South braces for further impacts from the relentless storms sweeping through the region.