Storms cause damage across Ohio, Kentucky, Tennessee; millions still face severe weather warnings
A violent weather system ripped through massive sections of the U.S. causing damage as millions were placed under tornado watches in the Ohio and Tennessee Valleys.
Where did the storms hit hardest?
Large sections of Ohio and Kentucky, along with a stretch of far-eastern Indiana, were contending with the most serious risks during the recent storms. The Storm Prediction Center's severe weather outlook ranked threats in parts of those states at Level 4, which corresponds to "moderate" on the scale. Major cities like Cincinnati, Columbus, Dayton, Lexington, and Louisville in Kentucky, and Nashville in Tennessee were also under tornado watches and severe weather warnings [1].
How are tornado watches and tornado warnings different?
Tornado watches and tornado warnings serve different purposes. A tornado watch is issued when atmospheric conditions and severe weather events suggest the formation of a tornado is possible in the area. However, it does not necessarily mean that a tornado will occur. On the other hand, a tornado warning is issued when a tornado has been sighted or indicated by weather radar, and there is imminent danger to life and property. When a tornado warning is issued, it is recommended to move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a sturdy building for safety [1].
Are the severe storms over?
Looking ahead to the rest of the week, meteorologists have stated that there is a "slight risk" that regions along a huge stretch of the East Coast and somewhat inland could be hit with strong and severe storms on Wednesday. These storms could potentially bring hail, damaging winds, and one or two tornadoes to places within the risk area, from the Chesapeake Bay down to Florida. Additionally, rain, sleet, and possible snow accumulation are expected in eastern Massachusetts on Wednesday. Pittsburgh remains under a flood watch through Wednesday morning, and Maryland might see severe thunderstorms capable of producing intense lightning, heavy downpours, and hail through Wednesday [2].
Images of storm damage from the tornadoes
Powerful storms caused significant damage in various areas. In Kentucky, large branches, trunks, and other debris were strewn across an intersection in a residential part of Lexington. In Nicholasville, authorities reported a significant weather event that impacted an industrial area, with images showing at least one structure partially torn apart. In West Virginia, more than a dozen homes were damaged, and over 100,000 customers were without power. However, there were no reported injuries in these incidents [3].