Severe weather is sweeping across multiple states in the US, prompting a series of urgent warnings and alerts from the National Weather Service (NWS). The Chicago area has been upgraded to a moderate risk of severe weather, which is level four out of five on the Storm Prediction Center’s scale. The NWS has issued a tornado watch for the entire Chicago area until 1 a.m. CT, warning of potential wind gusts over 80 mph and the possibility of isolated tornadoes.In New York state, several counties are under severe thunderstorm warnings, with reports of quarter-sized hail and wind gusts up to 70 mph. The NWS issued a tornado warning for the Binghamton area, urging residents to ‘take cover now’. In upstate New York, thousands of customers in Monroe and Livingston counties lost power due to the severe storms.Other states affected include Massachusetts, where Berkshire County is expecting thunderstorms with pea-sized hail and wind gusts up to 40 mph, and Alabama, where Lowndes and Montgomery counties are facing similar conditions.The NWS is emphasizing the danger of lightning, noting that the United States experiences approximately 25 million lightning strikes annually, resulting in about 20 fatalities. Residents in affected areas are advised to seek shelter immediately, avoid outdoor activities, and stay away from windows and doors during storms.As the severe weather continues to develop, authorities are urging people to stay informed about local weather conditions, follow safety guidelines, and be prepared for potential power outages and property damage. The situation remains dynamic, and further updates are expected as the weather systems move across the country.
Key points
- Chicago area upgraded to moderate risk of severe weather with tornado watch in effect.
- Multiple counties in New York under severe thunderstorm warnings, with reports of large hail and damaging winds.
- National Weather Service emphasizes lightning danger, with 25 million strikes annually in the US.
- Residents advised to seek immediate shelter and stay informed about rapidly changing weather conditions.
