At least 2 dead as the U.S. contends with rain, snow and tornadoes

At least two fatalities and widespread power outages have struck the United States as the country grapples with heavy snowfall, rain, and even tornadoes. As severe storms sweep across the Gulf Coast, winter alerts have been issued for an estimated 52 million people from northern Texas to Michigan and parts of New England.

Power Outages and Tornadoes

According to PowerOutage.us, more than 417,000 customers are currently without power, with Louisiana, Georgia, and Florida being the most affected. Florida experienced several tornadoes early Tuesday, placing 180 million people from Texas to the East Coast under wind alerts. A tornado watch has been declared for coastal areas in Florida until 9 p.m., and in southwestern Alabama until 7 a.m. Wednesday.

A woman tragically lost her life in southern Houston County, Alabama when a tornado struck, while another person was killed in Clayton County, suburban Atlanta, after a tree fell on their car. Flooding reports are pouring in from various locations, with the National Weather Service in Atlanta issuing alerts.

Snow, Rain, and Wind Continue

As the thunderstorms move eastward, the Midwest and Great Lakes regions are experiencing heavy snowfall and strong winds, while the Northeast is bracing for heavy rain and high winds. The impact of the weather system will be felt in different cities at distinct times. Chicago will face peak winter conditions until 3 a.m. Wednesday, while Atlanta will deal with storms, gusty winds, and a flood risk until afternoon.

Peak flood and wind impacts will affect Washington, D.C. until 11 p.m. Tuesday, New York City from 3 p.m. to 3 a.m. Wednesday, and Boston from 10 p.m. to 7 a.m. Wednesday. School closures are widespread, and certain interstate highways have been shut down due to heavy snowfall.

Severe Weather Warnings

The National Weather Service has warned of the potential for flooding from the Florida Panhandle to southern Maine due to heavy rainfall. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis declared a state of emergency for 49 counties in response to the severe weather, as tornadoes tore through Calhoun County and Panama City, causing damage to buildings and power lines.

A rare blizzard warning was issued by the weather service in Seattle for western Washington, where whiteout conditions prevailed. The state Transportation Department has mandated the use of tire chains on mountain roads, emphasizing the need to prepare for blizzard conditions.

Continued Extreme Weather

The eastern U.S. is bracing for a major storm system that is expected to bring heavy rain, strong winds, and severe thunderstorms on Tuesday into early Wednesday, according to the National Weather Service. New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy has declared a state of emergency across the state, anticipating heavy rain, high winds, and flash flooding.

As the extreme weather persists, it is crucial for residents to prioritize safety protocols and avoid unnecessary travel.

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