Extreme Weather Causes Intense Heat, Flooding, and Severe Storms; Nearly 500,000 Power Outages Reported in the Midwest

Extreme weather wreaked havoc in several parts of the United States as of Tuesday, June 14, several days ahead of the official start of the summer season.

Emerging reports suggested soaring temperatures, heavy rain, and severe weather have occurred nationwide.

Intense heat in the Central US has affected over 125 million people who have been under heat warnings.

In addition, massive flooding occurred at the Yellowstone National Park and its surrounding areas.

The continuance of the severe storms in the Midwest left hundreds of thousands of power outages.

The US is currently in the hurricane season, which spans from June to November. There have been no reported hurricanes or named storms yet to have struck the country.

However, previous forecast indicates that the La Niña weather phenomenon could affect the said season, especially in terms of rainfall and heat.

Extreme Weather

The US endured a multitude of weather hazards on Monday predicted through several weather warnings, alerts, and watches issued by US meteorologists over recent days.

Severe thunderstorms struck the Midwest, flash floods submerged Montana, and tornado warnings threatened Chicago within a 24-hour timeframe, according to CNN. In addition, the said weather events affected many American communities in various cities and towns.

NWS Weather Forecast

The Weather Prediction Center (WPC) of the National Weather Service (NWS) on Tuesday, June 14, issued a new weather advisory that the mentioned events could continue from Wednesday to Friday, June 15 to June 17.

According to the NWS, the severe weather may move into the Upper Midwest before heading to the Lower Great Lakes and even the Mid-Atlantic, Southeast US, or Central Gulf Coast.

Excessive rainfall could also affect the Mid-Atlantic or Central Appalachians before hitting the Middle Mississippi Valley.

Power Outages

Previously forecasted to become a "derecho storm," the severe weather in the Midwest has led to a total of nearly 500,000 power outages, affecting 620,000 customers.

Based on the utility tracking site PowerOutages.US, Ohio incurred outages of 360,326, West Virginia with 50,770, Indiana with 49,996, Michigan with 18,348, and Illinois with 17,766 as of 05:06 p.m. local time on Tuesday.

CNN reported that the storm system brought strong winds and rain in western Ohio, northern Indiana, and Michigan, with Fort Wayne, Indiana, recording wind gusts of up to 98 miles per hour.

The NWS emphasized that large hail, damaging winds, and tornadoes are possible due to the severe thunderstorms.

Extreme Heat

Scorching temperatures from the drought-stricken Southwest US have reportedly shifted to the Central US, affecting millions of people.

The following cities under heat advisories:

• Asheville, North Carolina
• St. Louis, Missouri
• Nashville, Tennessee
• North Platte, Nebraska

The NWS warned that the extreme heat will continue to move in a northeastward direction, toward the Upper Mississippi Valley, Ohio Valley, and western Great Lakes.

To avoid heat-related illnesses or even deaths, some educational institutions in Michigan, Minnesota, and Wisconsin announced the temporary suspension of classes until next week.

This comes following the issuance of excessive heat forecasts.