Severe storms may deliver tornadoes, damaging winds, and hail to millions of people in the U.S. starting Tuesday (November 29).
According to CNN, more than 40 million people east of southeastern Texas to Georgia, and northward from Central Indiana to Illinois are in danger of experiencing severe weather this week.
The most severe weather will likely hit about 1 million people in parts of central Mississippi and east-central Louisiana. According to the Storm Prediction Center. the threat of severe weather, which includes large hail and possible tornadoes, is at Level 4, with 5 being the highest.
3 million people are under a Level 3, or enhanced risk, threat of hail, strong wing gusts, and tornadoes in much of Mississippi and parts of western Alabama, southwestern Tennessee, eastern Arkansas, northern Louisiana, and eastern Texas.
Some of the tornadoes could hit overnight into Wednesday, which poses a larger threat due to the difficulties of informing people that need to shelter during those hours.
“Another challenge with nighttime tornadoes, especially in the fall and winter, is that storms typically move very quickly, at times 50 or 60 mph,” Bill Bunting of the Storm Prediction Center told CNN. “This means that you must make decisions quickly and take shelter based on information contained in the severe thunderstorm or tornado warning, and not wait until the storm arrive."
Forecasters warn that Tuesday's storm may blindside people, as tornadoes aren't common in the South this time of year.
“Severe thunderstorms in the fall and winter can be extremely impactful and may sometimes catch people off guard as thunderstorms tend to occur less frequently during the cooler months,” Bunting said.
The Mississippi Emergency Management Agency is reminding residents to document their homes before and after any damage that they may experience.
“We encourage Mississippians to take photos of their home BEFORE the storms. These photos can be used for insurance purposes and/or possible assistance if your home is damaged in the storm,” the agency tweeted Monday (November 28).
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