US Hit By Tornadoes, Blizzards And Flooding In Unprecedented Storm

A major storm drenched the Northeast and slammed it with fierce winds, knocking out power to hundreds of thousands following a bout of violent weather that struck most of the U.S.

Outlook International Desk

Updated on: 10 January 2024 10:10 pm

Omaha police and a tow truck respond to an accident.

A powerful storm unleashed havoc across the Northeast in US, bringing heavy rain and fierce winds that left hundreds of thousands without power. The storm, which began on Tuesday night and persisted into Wednesday, led to flooded roads, fallen trees, and disrupted train lines.

In the Northeast, the storm brought relentless rain and fierce winds, with gusts reaching 45 mph to 55 mph (72 kph to 88 kph). The aftermath included flooded roads, fallen trees, and downed power lines, resulting in power outages for hundreds of thousands of residents. New Jersey, in particular, declared a state of emergency as streets and roads turned into waterways, and rivers swelled due to up to 3 inches (7.6 centimeters) of rain.

New York City was not spared either, as train lines experienced disruptions, and a highway in the Bronx was submerged under floodwaters. The impact on commuters was significant, exacerbating the challenges faced by residents already dealing with the aftermath of a recent nor’easter that dumped over a foot of snow in some areas over the weekend.

Further north in Maine, the storm forced Governor Janet Mills to delay the opening of state offices. The state experienced a mix of snow and rain, causing concerns about flooding. Coastal areas on Long Island were already feeling the effects of the storm, with major flooding reported in Shinnecock Bay near the Hamptons.

The wild weather extended beyond the Northeast, with the South grappling with tornadoes and deadly accidents, while blizzards struck the Midwest and Northwest. The storm system also impacted the nation's capital, leading to the diversion of Vice President Kamala Harris’ aircraft.

Tragically, several deaths have been attributed to the storm, including an 81-year-old woman in Alabama killed by a suspected tornado, and another person in North Carolina who died when a tornado struck a mobile home park. In the Midwest, slushy highways led to fatal collisions in Wisconsin and Michigan.

The National Weather Service initiated tornado survey teams to assess the damage in Florida, Alabama, and Georgia. Roofs were torn off homes, and debris littered the landscape in the South. Florida, in particular, remained under flood watch, with Governor Ron DeSantis declaring a state of emergency for 49 counties in North Florida.

Simultaneously, a separate storm that began on Monday buried cities across the Midwest in snow, stranding people on highways. Temperatures in the affected regions were expected to plummet dangerously low, with wind chill making it feel as cold as minus 20 (29 Celsius).

In the Pacific Northwest, a blizzard battered the Washington and Oregon mountains, causing power outages and the closure of highways and ski resorts. At its peak, 150,000 customers were without electricity in these states.

The combined impact of these storms left nearly half a million customers without power in Maine, Vermont, New York, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, North Carolina, and Virginia. The extent of the destruction and the ongoing weather challenges underscore the need for affected communities to brace themselves for continued disruptions and challenges in the days ahead.