Natural disasters continue to wreak havoc across the United States, with the Midwest now bearing the brunt of torrential rains and tornadoes. Illinois, particularly Nashville and Chicago, has been severely affected, leading to widespread evacuations and significant damage.
The heavy rainfall has caused a local dam in Nashville to overflow, prompting the evacuation of around 300 residents. While no injuries have been reported in the evacuation zone, the flooding has impacted the mobility of the city's 3,000 residents. Roads have been submerged, and emergency services are on high alert.
In Chicago, the National Weather Service recorded between five and seven inches of rain in a single day, resulting in extensive power outages affecting over 230,000 customers. The severe weather also led to the highest number of tornado warnings in the area since 2004, with 16 alerts issued. Winds exceeding 80 miles per hour were reported, causing significant damage to property and infrastructure.
The extreme weather has not been confined to Illinois alone. In Indiana, a 44-year-old woman tragically lost her life when a tree fell on her home. The storms have also impacted Ohio and Pennsylvania, leaving thousands without power and causing further disruptions.
The National Weather Service has warned that the storm system is moving towards the East Coast, with cities like Boston, New York, Philadelphia, and Washington expected to experience high winds, isolated tornadoes, and hail. The ongoing extreme heat has exacerbated the severity of these storms, putting 185 million people on alert for high temperatures.
Emergency services have set up shelters for displaced residents, and efforts are underway to restore power and clear blocked roads. The situation remains precarious, with more heavy rain and potential flash floods forecasted.
