This latest round of severe weather spawned reports of possible tornadoes in several states, including Arkansas, Mississippi, Tennessee, Alabama, Indiana, Iowa, Wisconsin, Illinois, Michigan, Delaware and Maryland. (Credit: Arshad876/Shutterstock.com)
At least 33 people were killed, dozens injured and homes and businesses were destroyed when a tornado outbreak struck the Southern and Midwestern United States on March 31 and April 1, according to The Weather Channel. These storms follow right on the heels of another outbreak that swept across Mississippi and into Alabama a week prior on March 24, killing at least 25.
This latest round of severe weather spawned reports of possible tornadoes in several states, including Arkansas, Mississippi, Tennessee, Alabama, Indiana, Iowa, Wisconsin, Illinois, Michigan, Delaware and Maryland.
According to the National Weather Service, this is the first time Delaware has had a tornado-related fatality in 40 years. As of April 3, Tennessee reported 15 dead from the storm in the state – the most of anywhere this system struck – with nine of those fatalities occurring in McNairy County. As of Monday, April 3, 66 tornadoes have been confirmed from this storm system – including one EF4, nine EF3, 18 EF2, 16 EF1 and 12 EF0 twisters.
FEMA reported President Joe Biden signed a major disaster declaration for parts of Arkansas affected by these storms on April 2.
Unfortunately, it looks like recovery efforts may be challenged by more severe weather, with Accuweather reporting many of these affected areas are facing a similar threat of violent storms late Tuesday, April 4. These storms come with the threat of large hail and tornadoes.
As a reminder for those who may live in areas vulnerable to tornadoes, Ready.gov suggests preparing before storms strike by doing the following:
- Have ways to receive weather alerts, whether that be from the Emergency Alert System, NOAA, a local alert system, a weather app or from local tornado sirens.
- Pay attention to weather reports, as meteorologists can provide you with information on when conditions are favorable for tornadoes.
- Identify where you will shelter from tornadoes ahead of time, and practice getting there to ensure its easy to access and everyone in your home or business knows where to go. If you do not have an actual safe room or storm shelter built to ICC 500 standards, your best bet is to find a small, windowless interior room or basement in the lowest level of the building.
- Be sure to include your pets in your storm-sheltering plan.
- Gather emergency supplies, like cleaning items, non-perishable food, water and medical supplies, in case you need to shelter in place or are stuck at home for an extended period.
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