Storms that killed at least two people in Texas crossed the Mississippi/Alabama state line early Sunday, moving the risk of life-threatening winds, strong tornadoes and large hail to a large section of the United States.
The severe weather threat Sunday places nearly 100 Million Americans at risk of dangerous storms, tornadoes, hail and severe wind gusts, CNN Meteorologist Derek Van Dam said.
“All accompany this system that is marching eastward. New York, Washington DC and Atlanta all within the zone. Greatest risk near Ohio River Valley and S. Appalachia,” he tweeted.
Sunday’s #severeweather threat places nearly 100 Million Americans at risk of dangerous storms. #tornadoes #hail & severe wind gusts all accompany this system that is marching eastward. #NYC #DC #ATL all within the zone. Greatest risk near Ohio River Valley & S. Appalachia @CNN pic.twitter.com/BHBxqzdHNa
— Derek Van Dam (@VanDamCNN) April 14, 2019
Tornadoes embedded in the storms pose a significant risk overnight since they are difficult to see and people are less likely to receive warnings while they’re asleep, Van Dam said.
One thunderstorm cell near Columbus Air Force Base in Mississippi has a potential “debris ball” signature on radar, which indicates the potential for significant tornado damage that can be detected by radar, he said.
Winds Will Be a Primary Threat
The Storm Prediction Center has issued an enhanced risk (level 3 out of 5) stretching from eastern Alabama through the southern Appalachians and into the Ohio Valley.
The main line of storms will begin to push into this area late Sunday morning and trek to the east in the afternoon. The center said it expects the threat of severe weather to increase throughout the day.
“Potential for widespread severe thunderstorms Sunday across much of the Eastern US. Damaging winds are expected to be the primary threat, but a few tornadoes are also possible. Some storms may also produce large hail or torrential downpours resulting in localized flash flooding,” the National Weather Service tweeted.
Tornado Kills Two Children in Texas
Texas experienced the beginning of the dangerous and severe storms Saturday.
Two children, ages 3 and 8, were killed when a tree fell on their car as storms hammered east Texas. They were in the back seat with their parents in the front, said Angelina County Sheriff’s Department Capt. Alton Lenderman. The children were pronounced dead at the scene.
A preliminary damage survey found that a tornado with peak intensity of EF-3 and winds up to 140 mph touched down in Robertson County, according to the National Weather Service in Fort Worth.
A preliminary damage survey in Robertson County has found a tornado with peak intensity of EF-3 and winds of 140 MPH. The survey will continue over the next few days, with additional areas still needing to be assessed. #txwx #ctxwx
— NWS Fort Worth (@NWSFortWorth) April 14, 2019
There were reports of multiple injuries in the Robertson County town of Franklin, the NWS said, and CNN affiliate KWTX reported widespread damage there. Trees were pulled up by the roots, roofs torn off buildings and the cinder block foundation was all that was left of a mobile home in the town, which is southeast of Waco.
The entire town of Franklin and neighboring Bremond lost electricity, with 3,088 customers cut-off across the county early Sunday.
To the north, dime-sized hail pounded the Dallas-Fort Worth area.
Risk of Nighttime Tornadoes
CNN meteorologist Chad Myers said the warm air present during Saturday afternoon enhanced the atmosphere’s instability, creating more energy for storms to tap into and aiding in their development.
He said the threat for severe weather is greatest at such times but that the risk remained even after warm temperatures dropped.
“The storm is so vigorous that tornadoes are still possible after dark,” Myers said.
The Mississippi Emergency Management Agency warned of a confirmed tornado around 10 p.m. local Saturday (11 p.m. ET).
“A confirmed large and extremely dangerous tornado was located near Longview, or near Starkville, moving northeast at 35 mph. This is a particularly dangerous situation. Take cover now!” it tweeted.
A CONFIRMED LARGE AND EXTREMELY DANGEROUS TORNADO WAS LOCATED NEAR LONGVIEW, OR NEAR STARKVILLE, MOVING NORTHEAST AT 35 MPH. THIS IS A PARTICULARLY DANGEROUS SITUATION. TAKE COVER NOW!
— MSEMA (@MSEMA) April 14, 2019
The National Weather Service issued a tweet warning Central Alabama to be alert overnight.
Central Alabama, don’t let your guard down as you head off to bed. Severe thunderstorms that have produced damaging tornadoes in central MS will begin moving into our state in the next couple hours. Get those weather radios and phone apps TURNED ON. #IndoorSirens #alwx
— NWS Birmingham (@NWSBirmingham) April 14, 2019
“Central Alabama, don’t let your guard down as you head off to bed. Severe thunderstorms that have produced damaging tornadoes in central MS will begin moving into our state in the next couple hours. Get those weather radios and phone apps TURNED ON,” its Birmingham office said.
Sunday Tee Times Moved Up at The Masters
Georgia’s Augusta National Golf Club is included in the slight risk area Sunday as the Masters’ golf tournament concludes. Tournament organizers have moved up tee times for Sunday because of the storm threat.
The storms are expected to move through the Augusta area during the afternoon and evening.
The tornado threat will be lower by then, but damaging winds could still present hazardous conditions.
4 tornado safety tips that could save your life
Track the storms with CNN’s storm tracker
