Hanging Rock, Ohio – Severe weather wreaked havoc in multiple states, leaving a trail of destruction and chaos in its wake. As storms battered through Ohio, Pennsylvania, Kentucky, Mississippi, Alabama, Tennessee, West Virginia, Virginia, and Georgia, thousands of homes and businesses were left powerless. The deadly weather system also resulted in the tragic death of a homeless woman in Tulsa, Oklahoma, who sought refuge in a drainage pipe as heavy rain poured down.
In the midst of the chaos, West Virginia faced widespread power outages affecting approximately 140,000 customers. The state endured destructive winds that tore off parts of buildings, uprooted trees, and caused road closures. Governor Jim Justice declared a state of emergency for several counties, urging residents to exercise extreme caution in the aftermath of the storm.
Ohio encountered its own share of challenges as firefighters rescued individuals trapped under a bridge due to rising river waters. Meanwhile, in Wisconsin, a spring snowstorm threatened to dump over a foot of snow in eastern parts of the state, prompting election officials to advise voters to cast their ballots early to avoid travel disruptions.
Kentucky was not spared from the wrath of the storm, prompting Governor Andy Beshear to declare a state of emergency as reports of substantial damage poured in. Tornado warnings in Kentucky, Tennessee, and Ohio sent residents scrambling for safety, with one person sustaining injuries after a tree fell on their house in Lexington.
As the storm system continued its path of destruction, Tennessee faced a confirmed tornado in the town of Sunbright, damaging structures and leaving power lines and trees strewn across the area. Utility companies scrambled to restore power to thousands of homes and businesses, while schools in Indiana canceled classes due to power outages and fallen trees.
Looking ahead, forecasts predict severe weather moving into New England with the possibility of heavy snowfall and powerful winds, raising concerns for potential power outages. The resilience of communities facing nature’s fury demonstrates the importance of preparedness and swift response in the face of disaster.