Severe Storms Cause Destruction Across U.S., Two Dead in Mississippi

NUEVA ORLEANS, La. — Severe storms swept through parts of the United States on Tuesday, leading to extensive property damage, power outages, and tragically, two fatalities in Mississippi. The storms wreaked havoc with strong winds and heavy rainfall, primarily affecting Oklahoma and Texas, while producing dangerous conditions elsewhere in the Southeast.

According to the National Weather Service (NWS), tornadoes touched down in Ada, Oklahoma, and Irving, Texas, with wind speeds reaching up to 110 miles per hour. The storms uprooted trees, damaged roofs, and left hundreds of thousands without electricity. Approximately 178,000 customers were reported to be without power in Texas, with additional outages spanning Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Oklahoma, and Tennessee.

Mississippi Governor Tate Reeves confirmed the fatalities on social media, stating that one victim was struck by a falling power line in Madison County, while another died in a vehicle accident caused by a downed tree. WAPT-TV reported these details, underscoring the storm’s dangerous impacts.

Meanwhile, in New Orleans, strong winds forced the city to alter its Mardi Gras festivities, with officials shortening major parades to avoid the impending storm conditions. Despite the threat, celebrants remained in high spirits on Bourbon Street, as locals and visitors donned traditional purple, gold, and green attire, eager to catch beads from passing floats.

“We were coming regardless of the weather, rain or shine,” said Shalaska Jones, who attended the parades with her two-year-old daughter.

The storms also ignited brush fires in San Antonio, Texas, where at least two fires damaged structures and prompted mandatory evacuations in certain areas. San Antonio Fire Chief Valerie Frausto reported evacuations were necessary for approximately 30 homes as firefighters battled the blazes, which were fueled by dry conditions and strong winds.

As the storms progressed, they were forecast to bring hazardous conditions farther northeast, affecting regions as far as the Great Plains and Midwest. Winds were expected to reach up to 60 mph, with snowfall projected for parts of the Dakotas and Minnesota, where schools were forced to cancel classes. Reports indicated that areas could receive between 5 to 11 inches of snow by Wednesday.

In anticipation of the incoming weather system, authorities in parts of Iowa braced for gusts reaching 65 mph, while over 500 flights were canceled nationwide, with the largest number of cancellations reported at Dallas airports.

The severe weather incident marked one of the first major tests for the NWS following recent staffing reductions, which saw hundreds of meteorologists let go. Former employees expressed concerns that such cuts could compromise public safety, particularly in predicting and responding to severe weather events.

As weather conditions continue to unfold, residents across affected regions are urged to stay informed and prepared for further developments.