Strong storms with damaging winds and hail swept across North Texas on Tuesday, leaving hundreds of thousands of customers without power and adding to the misery of an oppressive heat wave. The storms were part of a severe weather system that has killed at least 23 people across the US during the Memorial Day holiday weekend, including seven in Texas.
A devastating tornado tore through Greenfield, Iowa, leaving four people dead and nearly three dozen injured, according to officials. A fifth person was killed in a car accident caused by the tornado in Adams County. The National Weather Service has rated the tornado as an EF-3, but additional damage assessment could result in a higher ranking. The tornado caused extensive damage to homes, businesses, and power lines, and it also destroyed several wind turbines. Iowa has recorded the most tornadoes this year, with 81 confirmed twisters, 27% more than the average. The White House has offered prayers and support to those affected by the tornado, and FEMA will be sending a representative to Iowa to assist in recovery efforts.
A deadly tornado ripped through Greenfield, Iowa, leaving a trail of destruction and claiming multiple lives. The storm ravaged the town, obliterating homes, uprooting trees, and crumpling cars. Rescuers searched for survivors amidst the wreckage, while the town’s hospital was among the buildings heavily damaged. The storm’s impact was felt across the region, with power outages affecting over 130,000 customers in Illinois and Wisconsin. Authorities have imposed a curfew and restricted media access to the town. The tornado is part of a larger weather system that has brought severe storms and tornadoes to multiple states, including Oklahoma, Kansas, Colorado, and Nebraska. The National Weather Service warns that more severe weather is possible in Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, and Missouri.
On Thursday, severe weather conditions, including heavy rain, hail, and the threat of tornadoes, persisted in the southern United States, affecting millions across the region. This marked the fourth consecutive day of destructive storms, which have resulted in at least four fatalities and widespread damage across ten states. Tornado watches were issued for millions in Central Texas to Georgia, while severe thunderstorm watches were in effect for Alabama, Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Oklahoma, and Texas. As of Thursday evening, approximately 120,000 customers were without power across several states.
A devastating tornado struck Guangzhou, southern China, over the weekend, resulting in at least five fatalities and injuries to 33 people. Emergency management teams and local residents swiftly mobilized for search and rescue operations. Damage reports indicate approximately 140 factories were impacted, highlighting the economic significance of the region as a manufacturing hub. The incident is part of a series of extreme weather events impacting Guangdong province, including torrential rains and flooding earlier in the week. China has experienced an increase in the frequency and intensity of tornadoes in recent years, with significant humanitarian and economic consequences. Mitigation strategies, such as reinforcing infrastructure and enhancing early warning systems, are becoming increasingly crucial to address climate change impacts and ensure long-term resilience.
A tornado tore through the Baiyun district of Guangzhou, China, on Saturday afternoon, killing five people and injuring 33. The twister caused significant damage to 141 factory buildings, but no residential houses collapsed. Rescuers from various city departments and local residents responded quickly to the scene, and search and rescue operations have been completed.
A powerful tornado tore through suburban Omaha, Nebraska, on Friday afternoon, damaging hundreds of homes and other structures. The twister touched down in rural areas and moved into subdivisions, causing widespread destruction. While injuries were reported, there were no immediate reports of fatalities. Emergency responders are currently conducting search and rescue operations, assisting residents trapped in debris-filled basements. The tornado also impacted Eppley Airfield, Omaha’s airport, which was closed due to damage assessment. Power outages and flight delays are being reported in the aftermath of the storm.
Filmmaker Lee Isaac Chung’s upcoming sequel ‘Twisters’ captures the essence of the 1996 disaster film ‘Twister’ while exploring the evolving nature of storms and the technology surrounding them. Filmed in Oklahoma, the movie showcases the state’s unpredictable tornado season and the passion of a new generation of storm chasers.
Denver residents can enjoy mostly sunny skies on Wednesday, but the pleasant weather will be short-lived as severe storms are expected to hit parts of northeast Colorado on Thursday afternoon and evening. Forecasters predict a 20% chance of rain showers in Denver after 4 p.m. Wednesday, with a high of 78 degrees and a low of 48 degrees. Thursday will bring another warm day, but the chance of showers and thunderstorms increases to 40% in the afternoon, bringing wind gusts as high as 22 mph.
