Severe storms swept across multiple parts of the US this week. NWS is issuing tornado warnings for States like Ohio, Indiana, and Illinois, which have been deeply affected. Power outages, road damage, and travel delays were caused by strong winds and heavy rain. This left thousands affected across the region.
Tornado Alerts Across US: Urgent Safety Warnings
In Hanford, California, the NWS issued a high wind warning starting Thursday at 5:00 PM until 2:00 AM on Sunday, especially affecting the Mojave Desert Slopes. “West winds 30 to 40 mph with gusts up to 60 mph expected,” the agency warned.
Highways such as US 395 and State Routes 14, 58, and 178 were identified as being at risk. “Damaging winds will blow down trees and power lines. Widespread power outages are expected.
Travel will be difficult, especially for high-profile vehicles,” the NWS added. They also advised residents to “remain in the lower levels of your home during the windstorm, and avoid windows. Watch for falling debris and tree limbs. Use caution if you must drive.”
Poeple shared about the tornado, storms online, talking about the severity of the situation.
Power Cuts, Tornado Watches Leave Residents on Edge
Rick Garuckas, a meteorologist with the NWS Cleveland, noted around 8:00 PM local time, “The whole area is under a severe thunderstorm watch for the remainder of the evening.” A line of violent thunderstorms moved through central Ohio toward the southeast, prompting more warnings.
A tornado alert in Lorain County lasted until 9:00 PM, with additional warnings issued for Akron, Cuyahoga Falls, and Stow until 9:45 PM EDT. “We have a line of severe thunderstorms that currently stretches from the Lake Erie islands all the way to west of Mansfield and Marion… sweeping east across Lorain County probably within the next 45 minutes to an hour,” said the NWS.
Late on June 18, thousands of American Electric Power (AEP) customers in cities like Columbus, Gahanna, and Newark lost power due to severe storms. Tornadoes—fast-spinning columns of air formed by clashing warm and cool winds—can reach 300 mph, causing major damage.