A sequence of intense storms brought significant destruction, resulting in the deaths of two individuals in Mississippi and causing extensive damage across several states. On Tuesday, these storms led to roof damage on buildings, including an apartment complex and a nursing home in a small Oklahoma town, and posed threats to multiple other areas across the nation.
The immense storm system also triggered intense dust storms in the Southwest, created blizzard conditions in the Midwest, and raised concerns over wildfires elsewhere. In Irving, Texas, a tornado with winds reaching 110 mph (177 kph) struck, and another tornado occurred in Ada, Oklahoma, a city with a population of 16,000, as reported by the National Weather Service. Northern Caddo Parish in Louisiana witnessed two tornadoes, while eastern Oklahoma experienced at least five.
Due to the high winds, New Orleans had to modify its Mardi Gras celebrations, moving up and shortening the two largest parades to avoid adverse weather. However, the festivities persisted, as people like Shalaska Jones and her 2-year-old daughter continued celebrating and hoping to catch one of the prized coconuts thrown from the floats, unperturbed by the looming weather conditions.
The alarming weather scenario may serve as an initial major trial for the National Weather Service following the dismissal of hundreds of meteorologists last week as part of a government downsizing initiative. Critics, including former staff, have expressed concerns that reducing meteorologist numbers could jeopardize public safety, but the impact on forecasting and warnings for the ongoing storm is yet to be fully assessed.
In Mississippi, two fatalities related to the severe weather were announced by Governor Tate Reeves on a social platform, although specifics were not provided. Local reports indicated that one individual succumbed to a falling power line in Madison County, while another tragedy involved a driver killed by a tree landing on their vehicle.
The violent storms that swept through Texas and Oklahoma resulted in high winds and rain, toppling tractor-trailers and inflicting roof damage. An estimated 178,000 customers faced power outages in Texas, with 23,000 in Louisiana, about 18,000 in Mississippi, 88,000 in Alabama, over 16,000 in Oklahoma, and more than 23,000 in Tennessee. Additional outages were anticipated as the storm system advanced across Mississippi and Louisiana towards Alabama, with wind gusts estimated at 70 mph (113 kph).
In San Antonio, the intense winds sparked at least two grass fires, damaging several properties and leading officials to mandate evacuations in two areas south of the city. One such fire required the evacuation of around 30 homes, as per San Antonio Fire Chief Valerie Frausto. By late Tuesday, the Texas A&M Forest Service was responding to 13 ongoing wildfires throughout the state.
North Texas endured strong thunderstorms with gusts exceeding 70 mph (113 kph), which damaged buildings including apartments and schools. Specifically, in Irving, Texas, powerful winds shattered windows and dislodged brick siding from a Las Haciendas Apartments building. Various schools in the vicinity suffered power outages, and in Plano, the high winds dismantled portions of a high school’s metal roof. Moreover, the force of the winds overturned RV trailers in Parker County, located west of Fort Worth.
The Central Plains and Midwest are braced for hazardous blizzard conditions, with predictions of travel challenges due to impending snow accumulations and powerful winds. Some school districts in southern Minnesota have already designated closures on Wednesday, anticipating snowfalls between 5 to 11 inches (roughly 13 to 28 centimeters). Compounding the travel risks are projected wind speeds that could surpass 50 mph (80 kph). The National Weather Service in the Twin Cities issued travel advisories due to deteriorating conditions across large sectors of southern Minnesota.
In South Dakota, snowfall is expected to reach up to 5 inches (12.7 centimeters) in certain locations, with reports of declining road conditions due to severe winds. High winds were similarly impacting the Sioux Falls region, as noted by Jay Jones from Love’s Truck Stop, where winds approached 50 mph (80.5 kph), sending debris like trash cans airborne and forcing major road closures on Interstate 29 towards North Dakota.
Des Moines, Iowa, faced rare wind gusts reaching up to 65 mph (105 kph) on Tuesday night, resulting in similar advisories against travel. Meanwhile, eastern Nebraska, including portions of Interstate 80, confronted travel dangers from heavy snowfall and significant winds, with weather agencies urging motorists to avoid roads if feasible.
Nationally, the severe weather has caused the cancellation of over 500 flights, predominantly affecting airports in Dallas, as reported by FlightAware.com, which monitors such disruptions.
In New Orleans, despite impending high winds and thunderstorms, the celebration of Mardi Gras largely continued uninhibited. Nevertheless, the Police Superintendent urged parade attendees to refrain from bringing objects that could interact dangerously in the wind, such as umbrellas and tents. The vibrant Bourbon Street remained lively, with individuals celebrating and collecting bead necklaces thrown from above. Parade participants like Ashley Luna continued to enjoy the festivities, expressing a relaxed attitude toward potential weather changes.