Tornadoes and severe storms have hit several regions of the southern and midwestern United States, knocking down power lines and trees, tearing off roofs, and sending debris flying dozens of meters into the air.
A tornado watch was briefly issued for northeastern Arkansas. The U.S. National Weather Service warned residents on social media: “This is a life-threatening situation. Seek shelter immediately.”
Tornado and severe thunderstorm warnings have been issued for parts of Arkansas, Illinois, Indiana, Missouri, and Mississippi. Meteorologists attributed the severe weather to the interaction of the day’s accumulated heat, atmospheric instability, strong winds, and moisture from the Gulf of Mexico.
Deadly flooding is also expected in the coming days as the severe storms moving east could intensify. The National Weather Service warned that the powerful storm system could cause “significant and life-threatening flooding” through Saturday.
