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More than 40 million people in the southern United States were facing severe weather on Tuesday that is highly likely to spawn tornadoes in places.
Parts of Mississippi, Alabama, Arkansas, Louisiana, Texas and Tennessee were at risk from tornadoes that could track for miles on the ground, forecasters warned, as well as severe flooding and tennis ball-sized hailstones.
A “particularly dangerous situation” tornado watch was issued for Louisiana, Arkansas and Mississippi.
Affected cities could include New Orleans, Memphis, Nashville, and Birmingham.
“Multiple rounds of severe thunderstorms — some capable of long-tracked tornadoes with EF3+ damage potential — will be possible this afternoon into tonight over parts of the lower Mississippi Valley region and Mid-South,” the Norman, Oklahoma-based Storm Prediction Center said.
Tornadoes with an EF3 rating on the Enhanced Fujita tornado scale can lead to winds of up to 165 mph (266 kph).
What is a derecho?
A derecho is a wind storm that is long-lived, severe and takes place across a wide area.
Derecho-producing storm systems can also contain tornadoes, but they consist mostly of (and are defined by) damaging non-tornadic wind, according to the National Weather Service.
“Sometimes, an intense derecho can result in hundreds of severe wind and damage reports spread along a swath covering multiple states, with deaths, injuries, and many millions of dollars in losses,” the federal agency says.
In August 2020, a powerful derecho struck the Midwest and caused more than $11billion in damages across eastern Nebraska, Iowa, Illinois, Wisconsin, and Indiana.
Winds reached 126mph (203 km/h) in Iowa and sustained winds held at around 70mph through the affected area.
There were blackouts across the region including in Cedar Rapids, Iowa which was left without power for weeks in some parts. There was also severe damage to crop staples like corn and soybeans in the agricultural stronghold.
Louise Boyle30 November 2022 01:00
What is a ‘particularly dangerous situation’ in relation to a tornado watch?
The wording may also accompany Severe Thunderstorm Watches for widespread significant severe events, usually produced by exceptionally intense derechos.
PDS watches are issued, when in the opinion of the forecaster, the likelihood of significant events is boosted by very volatile atmospheric conditions.
Louise Boyle30 November 2022 00:14
What is the difference between a tornado watch and a tornado warning?
The National Weather Service differentiates between a tornado watch and tornado warning.
A Tornado Watch tells residents to be prepared that tornadoes are possible, in and near the watch area. People should go over their emergency plans, check supplies and safe rooms. The aim is to be ready to act quickly. Watches are issued by the Storm Prediction Center for counties where tornadoes may occur. The watch area is typically large, covering numerous counties or even states.
A Tornado Warning means take action because a twister has been sighted or indicated by weather radar. There is imminent danger to life and property. People should move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a well-constructed house or building, avoiding windows. If in a mobile home, a vehicle, or outdoors, move to the closest substantial shelter and protect yourself from flying debris. Warnings typically encompass a much smaller area (around the size of a city or small county) that may be impacted by a tornado.
Louise Boyle29 November 2022 23:30
What role the climate crisis is playing in the severity and frequency of tornadoes is still being heavily debated in the scientific community.
However recent research has suggested that the rising global temperature may be shifting the paths of tornadoes in the United States.
You can read more at the link below.
Louise Boyle29 November 2022 22:45
Texas towns under tornado warning
A tornado warning remains in place for the Texas towns of Milam and Bronson until 3.45pm (central time) on Tuesday.
Around 1,500 people live in the towns close to the border with Louisiana.
Louise Boyle29 November 2022 22:00
More towns in Mississippi fall under tornado warnings
Tornado warnings continue for the towns of Winona, Vaiden, Kilmichael, McComb, Summit and Thompson in Mississippi until 3.45pm (central time).
In the area of Winona, Vaiden and Kilmichael, a tornado has been observed and hail was the size of tennis balls. More than 10,000 people live in the area where two hospitals and six schools are located.
McComb, Summit and Thompson have more than 24,000 residents, seven schools and one hospital. Radar was showing a tornado at this time and hailstones the size of quarters expected.
Louise Boyle29 November 2022 21:37
Video shows scale of dangerous storm from above
Weather Channel meteorologist Stu Ostro shared a clip of the storm from above which showed the size of the cells.
Louise Boyle29 November 2022 21:15
What do you do if caught in your vehicle during a tornado?
Being in a vehicle during a tornado is not safe, the National Weather Service warns.
The best move is to drive to the closest, well-constructed shelter. If this isn’t possible, then either get down in your car and cover your head, or abandon your car and seek shelter in a low lying area such as a ditch or ravine, the NWS advises.
Louise Boyle29 November 2022 20:59
What makes a good tornado shelter?
The National Weather Service shared tips on Tuesday of how to take cover during tornadoes.
The best options are an above or below-ground tornado storm shelter that is compliant with the standards of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). A specifically-designed FEMA safe room is also among the best options.
Good options are an interior room of a well-constructed house or building, or a basement.
Bad options are large, open rooms like gymansiums or manufactured housing.
The worst options are mobile homes, vehicles or underneath a highway overpass.
Tornado shelter guidelines
(NOAA)
Louise Boyle29 November 2022 20:46
‘Pea-sized’ hail and tornado warning in Alabama
A tornado warning was put in place until 2.30pm (central time) in the small towns of Fruitdale and Yellow Pine, Alabama.
More than 1,350 people live in the area and two schools are located there, the National Weather Service reported.
Louise Boyle29 November 2022 20:09
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