Stormy “Super Tuesday” as tornadoes touch down by Steph Ball
Violent storms raged across parts of the southern US yesterday spawning at least 6 tornadoes across four states - Arkansas, Tennessee, Kentucky and Mississippi. Two of the states, Arkansas and Tennessee, were involved in the “Super Tuesday” nominating contests ahead of November’s presidential elections.
Warnings were issued by the National Weather Service early on Tuesday. Residents in the stricken areas were advised that any tornadoes spawned could be long lasting, thus increasing the risk of widespread damage. Nominations were disrupted later in the day as the tornadoes developed, ripping through the four states and leaving as many as 26 dead and an extensive trail of damage. Problems were compounded by the fact that the tornadoes hit after dark.
The tornadoes were unusual in that they do not typically hit during the winter. However this is the second time this winter in which deadly tornadoes have struck the US, the first being early in January. The storms were caused by the meeting of a cold front with warm, moist air which has covered the southern states over the last few days. One scientific study into global warming is predicting that tornadoes and thunderstorms will increase in intensity and frequency.
Further tornado and severe thunderstorm warnings have been issued today across parts of the US as the squall line edges slowly east.
|
|
