50 million people at risk
50 million people are at risk of severe weather in the United States today, after deadly storms battered Texas and Florida.
In Perryton, Texas, three people were killed when a destructive tornado hit the city Thursday, the fire chief told CNN. If that were not enough, around 100 people were injured and taken to Ochiltree General Hospital, with injuries ranging from cuts to the head to abrasions, according to the interim chief executive.
In Florida, a person died after being trapped under a tree that fell on his home, Escambia County authorities said. Overnight, the county, which includes Pensacola, was hit by heavy flash flooding, leading to rescue operations in high water, according to the National Weather Service in Mobile, Alabama.
Flash flooding continues in West Pensacola, Warrington and Gulf Breeze, and numerous roads remain flooded and some structures have been affected, according to Escambia County Emergency Management. In Pensacola, about 150 residents of an apartment complex were evacuated due to rising water and moved to a community center for shelter.
Risk of severe storms
Warrington, located south of Pensacola, received nearly a foot of rain in just three hours. Radar estimates indicate that up to 16 inches of rain fell overnight, and rain is expected to continue through Friday. A flash flood watch was issued that will be in effect until 7 p.m.
In the areas affected on Thursday there is a possibility of storms recurring, as there is a slight risk of severe storms of level 2 of 5 in the south, mid-Atlantic and southern plains. In mild-risk areas, which include Montgomery and Mobile in Alabama, Little Rock in Arkansas, Jackson in Mississippi and Tallahassee in Florida, there is the potential for large hail, damaging winds and tornadoes.
A level 1 of 5 marginal risk has also been established from South Dakota to Florida and in parts of the Mid-Atlantic. This area includes Perryton. Other cities in the marginal risk area, where large hail and damaging winds could occur, are Philadelphia, Baltimore, Washington D.C., Denver and Jacksonville, Florida.
The storm that hit Perryton damaged homes and businesses in the city, which has about 8,000 residents. Even the local fire department and emergency medical services were affected, and several department trucks were damaged, according to Fire Chief Paul Dutcher.
Shocking testimonials
“A tornado formed and just hit us. It appeared out of thin air. There were no sirens, there was no time to seek shelter,” said Jamie Jamies, a Perryton resident, who had to brave the storm inside his truck.
“There was a moment when I thought I was going to die,” he added. “Everything became chaotic. Garbage bins were flying and hail was hitting the car.”
Although James’ house remained standing, the adjoining structure was destroyed. She mentioned that the tornado has been a devastating blow to the city where she has lived for 15 years, highlighting the solidarity among the inhabitants.
Due to safety concerns, the city’s electrical facilities were taken offline by Xcel Energy. Several power transmission lines and low-voltage distribution lines were damaged, knocking out power to more than 220,000 homes and businesses across Texas by 3 a.m. CT, according to Poweroutage.us. In Louisiana, more than 130,000 people were also left without power, and power outages were reported in Oklahoma, Florida and Alabama.
Power Outages and Emergency Response
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott has sent state emergency resources to address urgent security needs in Perryton, according to a news release from his office. “We are prepared to quickly provide any additional resources needed during this dire weather situation,” the governor said.
The surrounding areas have provided their help to the affected city. Beaver County, Oklahoma, has sent units of fire, police and emergency medical services to assist, according to county emergency manager Keith Shadden. The neighboring city of Stinnett, Texas, has also sent emergency medical services officers and teams. The Hutchinson County Sheriff’s Office, which includes Stinnett, has also conducted rescue and emergency operations after the “devastating tornado,” according to a Facebook post.
Staff at nearby hospitals have provided medical assistance to up to 100 people affected by the tornado, said Kelly Judice, interim executive director of Ochiltree General Hospital.
“Some of them took patients to their own hospitals, while others stayed here and worked,” he added.
The National Weather Service said two tornadoes were reported Thursday in Texas, four in Oklahoma and one in Michigan, with the Perryton tornado being the most significant.
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