Strong storms that have caused three deaths in Mississippi and destroyed rooftops in a small Oklahoma town continue their eastward movement, triggering tornado warnings along the eastern U.S. coasts. Snowstorms have struck the central part of the American West, while strong winds are spreading wildfires across Texas.
Weather forecasters warn that a storm moving in from the Pacific is expected to bring rain and snow to California and other parts of the U.S. West Coast from Wednesday through Friday.
Tornado warnings were issued Wednesday in both Carolinas, Florida, and Virginia. Union County officials in North Carolina posted on social media that they were assessing storm damage and that a tornado was expected to be confirmed. No injuries have been reported so far.
Strong winds in Texas, combined with dry vegetation, have created conditions favorable for the spread of fires in several areas. At least 20 homes and structures were reported to have been destroyed in San Patricio County near Corpus Christi, according to county judge David Kerbs. No injuries have been reported yet.
As of now, seven tornadoes have been confirmed in Texas, Oklahoma, and Louisiana, according to preliminary data from the weather service. Powerful storms on the East Coast stretch from New York to Florida.
Overnight storms in Nebraska brought around 10 centimeters of snow, while winds reached speeds of about 100 kilometers per hour. At least 70 car accidents were reported in Minnesota, according to local authorities. The National Guard has been activated to assist drivers stranded by the snow.
Police in Iowa said at least 68 road accidents were recorded from Tuesday to Wednesday, with a dozen cars colliding on Interstate 35 near Des Moines and other accidents on Interstate 80.
The storms have caused power outages in Texas, Tennessee, and Alabama, while nearly 600 flights have been canceled.
