Over 100 million remain at risk of strong winds, flash flooding and wildfires in Midwest and South
Around 108 million people remain under widespread wind, flash flooding and wildfire alerts today from the Great Lakes all the way to the Gulf Coast.
Widespread wind alerts continue today for 79 million throughout the Plains, Great Lakes, mid-South and Gulf Coast. Chicago, Detroit, Indianapolis, Nashville, New Orleans and Mobile are included in these alerts through this evening. Sustained winds will stay between 25 and 35 mph with gusts up to 60 mph possible.
Wind gusts yesterday reached over 80 mph across parts of Oklahoma and Texas, resulting in more than 100 wildfires throughout the two states. Today, 17 million remain under those fire alerts from Nebraska to Texas including San Antonio, Houston and Austin. Wind gusts will technically be lower than yesterday, reaching up to 50 mph. Relative humidity values remain as low as 10%, creating prime conditions for any new or existing fires to rapidly spread.
Flood alerts continue for 12 million, with heavy rain targeting parts of the Ohio, Tennessee and Mississippi valleys. Rainfall totals through tonight will range from 3 to 6 inches, with higher local amounts possible. Rainfall rates of 2 inches and more per hour will also increase the risk for localized flash flooding.
Tornado emergency in Jackson, Mississippi
Residents are being urged to seek shelter in Jackson, Mississippi, as a potential tornado emergency is developing.
Photos of a Missouri neighborhood after a likely tornado hit overnight
Tornado moving through Mississippi
A tornado is currently moving through Mississippi's Pike County, according to the National Weather Service field office in New Orleans.
"This confirmed tornado continues moving northeast at 50 mph through rural southeastern Pike County and on its current track will move into Walthall County soon," the weather service said on X. "If you’re in the path of this storm (including Tylertown), take shelter NOW!!!"
At least 440 storms reported across Midwest and South, including 24 tornadoes
At least 440 storms were reported across the Midwest and the South yesterday, including 24 tornadoes in Missouri, Arkansas, Mississippi and Illinois, according to preliminary reports.
Tornadoes tore through buildings in the region, leaving significant damage in their wake.
Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp declares state of emergency in preparation for severe weather
Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp declared a state of emergency today "in preparation for the severe and potentially damaging weather front" moving toward the state this evening.
The executive order authorized the Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency to mobilize resources, and will expire on Tuesday.
"This storm will hit at the worst possible time, as people are heading to or already in bed," Kemp said in a statement. "Before they retire for the evening, I’m urging everyone to be prepared ahead of time and to remain weather aware as long as this system is in the state."
Debris covers Missouri road during severe storm
Tornadoes and damaging winds forecast for parts of the South
Severe weather in the form of tornadoes and damaging winds are forecast for parts of Tennessee, Mississippi, Arkansas and Alabama today, according to the National Weather Service.
"There will likely be multiple waves, with thunderstorms ongoing now through the morning and another round expected by mid-morning into the afternoon," the weather service said on X. "Damaging winds (75+ mph), large hail (2”+), and strong tornadoes (EF-2+) all appear likely."
Cities in the risk zone include Memphis and Nashville in Tennessee; Little Rock, Arkansas; Oxford, Mississippi; and Athens, Alabama.
The storms are expected to move southwest to northeast, and the threat will persist until 8 p.m. tonight, per the weather service.
At least 4 killed in Texas car crashes due to high winds
At least four people were killed in three Texas car crashes due to high winds and low visibility caused by severe weather.
Two crashes involving multiple vehicles on Highway 60 in Parmer County killed two people, according to the Texas Department of Safety. Another fatal crash in Gray County involving multiple vehicles also killed two.
"Smoke from the wildfire was also a factor, as was the blowing dirt in that crash," Texas DPS Sgt. Cindy Barkley said about the Gray County crash.
1 person killed in Oklahoma wildfires, Gov. Stitt says
One person was killed when they drove into smoke from wildfires burning in Oklahoma, Gov. Kevin Stitt said today.
The fires have burned around 170,000 acres and destroyed over 290 homes and structures, according to Stitt.
"It was just a perfect storm," Stitt said. "It was the humidity levels went down to kind of record lows below 10%, and then with the winds where they were, it just dried everything out."
Stitt said he lost his farmhouse, located north of Luther in central Oklahoma, to the fire.
"So really, this kind of stuff hits close to home when those fires come through. There’s just not a lot that you can do," he said.
Residents living in the line of the fires were evacuated, Stitt said, adding that there were no reports of fatalities from homes.