"Severe Weather Alert: Tornadoes Wreak Havoc Across Multiple States, More Expected"
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"Severe Weather Alert: Tornadoes Wreak Havoc Across Multiple States, More Expected"
[!CDATA[Several suspected tornadoes wreaked havoc across multiple states on Thursday, with more expected on Friday. The severe weather impacted Minnesota, Wisconsin, Illinois, and Michigan, causing 80mph winds and widespread power outages. Millions of people are now under thunderstorm watches as they head into the weekend. The National Weather Service warned of intense supercells associated with tornadoes, large hail, and wind damage, with gusts exceeding 75 mph. Over 270,000 residents in Michigan were left without power due to the storms on Thursday night, with similar issues reported in Indiana, Illinois, Wisconsin, and Minnesota. Trees and power lines were uprooted, and attendees at a Beyoncé concert at Soldier Field in Chicago were caught in the rain, seeking shelter from the downpour. The NOAA had issued warnings of potential 80 mph winds in Tinley Park, a Chicago suburb, with videos of the storm circulating on social media. While no deaths have been reported following the storms, more severe weather is anticipated. A severe thunderstorm watch was issued for several states, with an enhanced risk of severe thunderstorms across central and eastern Kansas and far northern Oklahoma. The NOAA cautioned of large hail, damaging thunderstorm gusts, and the possibility of a tornado or two. The year 2025 has seen over 750 preliminary tornado reports, surpassing the mid-May count of any year since 2011. AccuWeather's chief on-air meteorologist Bernie Rayno expressed concern over the spike in tornado reports during March and early April, expecting the numbers to rise in the coming days. In 2024, the U.S. experienced the second-highest number of tornadoes on record, with 54 tornado-related deaths, primarily in mobile and manufactured homes. Deadly tornadoes have ravaged the eastern U.S. this year, with additional reports in the Los Angeles area in March. Mississippians were forced to seek refuge in their cars as tornadoes destroyed their homes, while tornadoes in the South and Midwest launched debris into the air, claiming lives. Tornadoes are most common from March through June but can occur at any time. In conclusion, the recent severe weather events have left a trail of destruction across multiple states, with residents bracing for more storms and potential tornadoes in the coming days. Stay informed and prepared for severe weather conditions to ensure safety and minimize risks.]]