What to Know About the Destructive Spring Storm System

Severe weather has been impacting the central and southeastern United States for more than five days, causing destruction and chaos across 19 states. Heavy rain and strong winds have battered these regions, leading to flooding and tornadoes from Texas to Ohio.

The storm system, fueled by warm air and moisture, has saturated the Midwest and is now heading towards the East Coast. It is expected to move out to sea by Monday and Tuesday, leaving behind significant rainfall that will keep rivers and streams swollen for days.

Here’s what you need to know about this destructive storm system.

Many states have experienced prolonged heavy rain.

The continuous heavy rainfall has led to flooding in many areas, with rivers and streams overwhelmed by the excess runoff.

The increase in extreme rainstorms can be attributed to global warming, as warmer air holds more moisture. While individual storms cannot be directly linked to climate change, the overall trend aligns with the impact of warmer temperatures.

Areas like Benton, Kentucky, and Memphis, Tennessee, have received record amounts of rainfall, with some areas experiencing over 15 inches in just a few days.

As the storm moves eastward, it is expected to bring more heavy rainfall to southern Alabama and northwestern Florida. The East Coast will also experience some precipitation, although not as significant.

The storm has caused dangerous flooding.

The widespread damage from the storm has been primarily due to flooding, which has affected riverbanks, streets, and buildings across the region.

Rivers are continuing to rise, posing a threat to bridges, levees, and infrastructure. Many areas are expected to experience prolonged flooding as rivers crest in the coming days.

Communities like Frankfort, Kentucky, and Nashville, Tennessee, have been severely impacted by flooding, with mandatory evacuations in some areas.

The storm has tragically claimed over a dozen lives.

At least 18 fatalities have been reported, with Tennessee being the hardest-hit state.

The storm system has generated multiple tornadoes, causing widespread destruction and prompting numerous tornado warnings.

Tornadoes and strong winds have resulted in power outages for hundreds of thousands of residents, with the potential for more tornadoes as the storm progresses eastward.

The storm system has unleashed powerful tornadoes and gusty winds, causing significant damage and disruptions.

While the pace of tornado formation has slowed, there remains a risk of more tornadoes in the days ahead, particularly in southeastern Georgia, northern Florida, and southern South Carolina.