Orlando, Florida – More severe storms and flash flooding wreaked havoc across parts of the United States on Thursday as a powerful line of storms swept through multiple states, leaving behind extensive damage and claiming at least one life. The destructive weather pattern unleashed heavy rain, tornadoes, and strong winds, posing threats to millions of people in Central Florida and the Ohio Valley. In the aftermath, cities like Orlando, Cincinnati, Cleveland, and Charleston braced for potential devastation while around 17 million individuals faced flood watches in regions spanning from Indiana to Western Pennsylvania and northern Maine.
The turbulent weather disrupted the start of the Masters Tournament in Augusta, Georgia, with the first round delayed until 10:30 a.m. on Thursday. The severe storms came on the heels of a series of damaging weather events earlier in the week, with over 150 reports of destructive winds recorded within 48 hours, spanning a whopping 650-mile distance from Houston to Tallahassee. In Louisiana, an EF-2 tornado wreaked havoc in Lake Charles, tearing down structures and disrupting power lines. Additionally, Mississippi reported one weather-related fatality in Scott County, with numerous homes damaged or destroyed across several counties.
New Orleans and Texas experienced significant rainfall, leading to flash flood emergencies in affected areas. In Kirbyville, Texas, staggering rainfall levels caused Pin Oak Creek to surge dramatically, prompting a disaster declaration for Jasper County. Meanwhile, New Orleans and Tallahassee witnessed record-breaking rainfall totals within hours, surpassing monthly averages. The National Weather Service issued a flash flood emergency in Tallahassee early Thursday, cautioning residents about impassable roads and inundated homes.
As the storm system continued to wreak havoc, thousands of individuals found themselves without power across several states. Beyond disruptions caused by heavy rain and flooding, the downpours also brought strong winds to regions spanning from Atlanta to Boston, posing additional risks to residents in the affected areas. The ongoing severe weather events underscore the need for communities to remain vigilant and prepared for unpredictable conditions as meteorologists monitor the evolving situation closely.