Severe Weather Devastation Continues in South and Midwest as Torrential Rains Loom
Violent storms have claimed at least seven lives, with forecasts warning of continuing severe weather and catastrophic flooding risks across the Midwest and South.
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The region's risk of severe weather is even higher Friday than it was on Thursday, when tornadoes flattened homes, downed powerlines and tore off roofs from Arkansas to Illinois.
Tornadoes expected Friday across South from parts of Texas to Arkansas: See where
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From Arkansas to Kentucky, historic rainfall could bring once-in-a-generation flooding.
Extreme rainfall brings potentially deadly flooding to parts of central US already slammed by storms
CNN·16d·ReliableThis source consistently reports facts with minimal bias, demonstrating high-quality journalism and accuracy.Leans LeftThis outlet slightly leans left.With flattened homes behind him, Dakota Woods described seeing the twister come through Selmer.
South and Midwest face potentially catastrophic rains and floods while reeling from tornadoes
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Studies show extreme precipitation events are becoming more common and severe due to climate change.
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The damage in many of these areas is expected to continue in the coming days.
Severe weather leaves at least four dead in US South
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The severe weather has also displaced swathes of people, causing numerous power outages and widespread flooding.
Mother dog reunites with her puppy after "monster" Arkansas tornado
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With more than a foot of rain possible over the next four days, the prolonged deluge "is an event that happens once in a generation to once in a lifetime."
Severe storms in South and Midwest turn deadly
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While the US south and midwest have long faced the prospect of such storms, the severity of such events is being amplified by the climate crisis, scientists have said.
Severe storms and tornadoes rip across US south and midwest, killing at least one person
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Potentially deadly flash flooding was also forecast for the South and Midwest as severe thunderstorms blowing eastward become supercharged.
Violent storms cut through the South and Midwest, spawning tornadoes and killing 4
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Summary
At least seven fatalities have been reported across Tennessee, Missouri, and Indiana due to violent storms and tornadoes. Rescue operations and cleanup are underway as devastating tornadoes destroyed neighborhoods, particularly in Selmer, Tennessee, where entire communities were wiped out. Heavy rainfall is expected to exacerbate conditions, with warnings of sustained flooding risks affecting over 90 million people from Texas to Minnesota. Officials emphasize the need for vigilance, and preparations for significant water rescues and emergency aid are in motion as additional severe weather threatens the region.
Perspectives
Violent storms have caused significant destruction across the South and Midwest, resulting in numerous tornadoes, fatalities, and widespread damage to infrastructure.
Scientists warn that the severity of these storms is amplified by the climate crisis, as a warmer climate holds more moisture, leading to more intense weather events.
The National Weather Service has issued warnings for life-threatening flash floods and severe weather, impacting over 90 million people across the region.
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