A strong storm system is bringing heavy rain and the threat of tornadoes, hail, and damaging winds to a large area of the US from Oklahoma to West Virginia, with flood watches in effect for over 20 million people across at least eight states. The storm has already caused flash flooding and brought 1 to 3 inches of rain to parts of Oklahoma and Missouri, with another 1 to 3 inches expected overnight. Large hail and damaging winds are also possible, and the storm’s worst impacts are expected to shift from northwestern Arkansas to western Ohio on Friday. The storm has also increased California’s snowpack, which serves as a natural reservoir that helps ease the state’s drought.
A rare tornado hit the city of Montebello, located southeast of Los Angeles on Wednesday, injuring at least one person and causing damage to several buildings. The National Weather Service confirmed that the tornado was an EF-1 with estimated peak winds of 110 mph, making it the strongest tornado to hit the Los Angeles area since 1983. The tornado damaged at least 17 buildings, with 11 of them being too dangerous to use. The storm also caused flying debris and collapsed the roof of a building, snapped a power pole, and uprooted a healthy pine tree with a 1-foot wide trunk. The injury reported is considered minor.
It’s important to note that while landspouts may not cause as much damage as traditional tornadoes, they can still be dangerous and should be taken seriously. It’s always important to stay up to date on weather alerts and take necessary precautions to stay safe during severe weather events.