Tornadoes struck multiple locations across Mississippi and Tennessee on Wednesday, causing extensive damage to homes and infrastructure. Severe storms swept through the region, leaving millions of people under tornado watches and prompting urgent warnings from meteorologists.
Devastation Across Multiple States
The powerful storms hit Slayden in Mississippi, as well as Grand Junction and Selmer in Tennessee, with witnesses sharing alarming footage on social media. A post on X (formerly Twitter) described the tornado in Grand Junction as a “nightmarish wedge tornado” with debris being thrown over 20,000 feet into the air. Another video showed the tornado in Selmer, with the caption urging people in its path to “TAKE COVER NOW.”
Beyond Tennessee and Mississippi, the storm system has wreaked havoc across other U.S. states, including Missouri, Arkansas, and Indiana. Reports indicate homes and farms were destroyed, and in Indiana, a radio tower was toppled by the high winds.
Tornado Watches and Severe Weather Warnings
According to the Storm Prediction Center, tornado watches will remain in effect for parts of northern Alabama, eastern Kentucky, northern Mississippi, and central Tennessee until 6 AM CT on Thursday, April 3. Nearly six million people, including those in major cities such as Nashville, Tennessee, and Tupelo, Mississippi, are under warning.
The Role of Climate Change in Extreme Weather
Experts warn that climate change is playing a role in making extreme weather events more frequent and intense. A Climate Central study found that climate change has increased hourly rainfall rates in nearly 90% of large U.S. cities since 1970. AccuWeather reports that parts of the Central U.S. could receive up to four months’ worth of rain in just five days, leading to a high risk of flash flooding.
Small streams and drainage systems in urban areas may struggle to handle the excessive rainfall, raising concerns about urban flooding. In extreme cases, rainfall rates could reach several inches per hour, overwhelming infrastructure and increasing the likelihood of life-threatening conditions.
Community Impact and Recovery Efforts
Authorities are assessing the full extent of the damage caused by the tornado outbreak. Some residents have reported that homes were completely destroyed, and emergency responders continue to monitor the situation closely. As severe weather threats persist, officials urge residents in affected areas to stay alert and take necessary precautions.
The recent tornadoes serve as a stark reminder of the growing impact of severe weather events, highlighting the urgent need for preparedness and climate resilience measures across vulnerable regions.
Sources By Agencies
