A massive storm system is wreaking havoc across the United States, bringing a mix of dangerous weather conditions from blizzards to tornadoes. The storm, which began earlier this week, has already claimed lives and left a trail of destruction in its wake.
The eastern half of the country is currently facing severe weather, with strong winds and blizzard conditions impacting millions. The storm reached the East Coast early Wednesday (March 5), causing severe thunderstorms and tornado warnings in the Carolinas and Virginia. At least two people have died in Mississippi due to the storm, one from electrocution and another from a fallen tree.
The storm has also caused widespread power outages, affecting over 400,000 homes and businesses across more than 20 states. Texas has been particularly hard hit, with more than 100,000 outages reported. In addition to power issues, wildfires have erupted in Texas and Tennessee, prompting evacuations in several areas.
Blizzard conditions have been reported in parts of the Midwest, including Iowa, Minnesota, and Michigan. The National Weather Service has issued warnings for these areas, with heavy snowfall and gusty winds creating whiteout conditions and making travel extremely dangerous.
As the storm moves northeast, it continues to pose a threat to millions. The FOX Forecast Center reports that strong winds and severe thunderstorms are expected to continue throughout Wednesday, with the potential for flash flooding in some areas. The storm is predicted to weaken by Thursday, but gusty winds may persist.