Severe weather wreaked havoc across the Midwest, Great Plains, and Appalachia, leaving one person dead and thousands without power. In northern Oklahoma, three suspected tornadoes were reported, while Wisconsin was bracing for over a foot of snow. West Virginia was hit hard, with about 140,000 customers – roughly 14% of the state – without electricity. The storms were also blamed for the death of a homeless woman in Tulsa who died inside a drainage pipe due to heavy rains.
In Ohio, firefighters rescued two people trapped under a bridge as flood waters began to rise. No injuries were reported. In southern Ohio, severe weather caused chaos as hail and high winds pummeled an RV park, overturning homes and leaving debris strewn about. Fortunately, no one was inside the overturned homes. Residents were urged to seek shelter as a tornado warning was issued for the area. Far southwestern Indiana also experienced severe storms, causing power outages and canceling school classes.
Residents in Wisconsin were preparing for a spring snowstorm that could dump over a foot of snow in eastern parts of the state. Election officials advised residents to vote earlier in the day to avoid travel issues. In West Virginia, a storm ripped off part of a building’s roof in downtown Charleston, while trees were uprooted and roads were littered with debris. Governor Jim Justice urged caution as his team assessed the damage across the state.
Kentucky declared a state of emergency after severe storms swept through the state, causing substantial damage to structures. Thankfully, no fatalities were reported. Governor Andy Beshear warned residents to stay weather aware as more severe weather was expected in the afternoon and evening. Tornado warnings were issued for parts of Mississippi, Alabama, Tennessee, and western Tennessee. Power outages were reported in Memphis, Tennessee, after an electric substation was struck by lightning.
The storm was expected to move into New England, bringing heavy snowfall and strong winds. New Hampshire and Maine were predicted to receive 12 to 18 inches of snow, with the possibility of power outages due to gusty winds. Schools and state office buildings closed due to the impending weather. Overall, the severe weather caused widespread damage, power outages, and disruptions across multiple states in the Midwest, Great Plains, and Appalachia. Authorities continue to monitor the situation and urge residents to stay safe.
