Millions on Alert: Extreme Weather Unleashes Chaos Across the United States

UNITED STATES — A powerful series of storms tore across the U.S. over the weekend, unleashing tornadoes, flash floods, hailstorms, and damaging winds from the Midwest to the East Coast. Millions of Americans were under severe weather alerts as emergency crews scrambled to respond to widespread damage.

Tornadoes were reported in several states, including Oklahoma, Kansas, Missouri, and Nebraska. In Nebraska alone, at least three confirmed tornadoes caused widespread property damage, knocking out power to thousands of homes and businesses. Emergency officials reported at least two fatalities and multiple injuries tied to the storms.

Meanwhile, in Texas and Louisiana, torrential rain triggered flash flooding that stranded motorists and inundated neighbourhoods. Some areas saw over eight inches of rain in just a few hours, overwhelming local drainage systems and prompting water rescues.

The Midwest wasn’t spared either. Severe hail, some as large as baseballs, pounded communities in Iowa and Illinois, damaging roofs, smashing car windows, and leaving cities with costly cleanup efforts. Winds gusting over 70 mph were recorded, downing trees and power lines across several states.

The East Coast braced for its own round of severe weather on Sunday night, with damaging winds and isolated tornado threats extending from the Carolinas to New Jersey. Airlines reported widespread flight delays and cancellations as the storms moved into major metro areas.

Meteorologists from the National Weather Service described the system as one of the most intense severe weather outbreaks of the year so far. Forecasters warn that additional rounds of storms could impact parts of the Southeast and Mid-Atlantic through early next week.

Officials urged residents to remain vigilant, heed local warnings, and have emergency plans ready. “This is a dangerous situation evolving over several days,” the NWS said in a statement. “Stay weather-aware and be prepared to act quickly if warnings are issued.”

As emergency crews work around the clock to assess damage and restore power, the full extent of the devastation is still being calculated.