Deadly Storms Sweep the Southeast US
On January 11th, deadly storms descended on the Southeastern United States. Flooding and tornadoes caused extensive destruction leaving 10 people dead. Among the deceased, an elderly Louisiana couple perished when a tornado picked up their trailer and flung the structure 200 feet. The exceptionally strong tornado in Bossier Parish damaged 50 additional homes, many of which were completely flattened. Amazingly, the tornado’s wind speeds reached 135 miles per hour and impacted many. Sadly, this was just the start of the storm’s rampage and it’s destruction.
Widespread Storm Destruction
Georgia and Tennessee experienced powerful winds and in Mississippi, flooding and winds wreaked havoc on towns and rural areas. The entire area, from Oklahoma to Michigan was warned of potential snow and hail. Alabama and Tennessee experienced the worst conditions as the storm passed by towards Georgia. A tornado touched down beside Carrollton, Alabama killing three people. On Sunday, the traveling storm hit the Carolinas. A National Weather Service emergency response expert Kurt Van Speybroeck stated, “This is one of the stronger systems that we’ve seen in recent years.”
Additional Deaths Noted as a Result of the Storm System
In Lubbock, Texas a police officer and firefighter died after lending aid to the victims of two crashed autos when another car jumped the median. As a result of the accident, a second firefighter also sustained injuries but has fortunately recovered.
In Nacogdoches a tree demolished one home, killing a person, and another falling tree in Oil City, Louisiana killed a man when the tree’s weight collapsed the roof of the man’s residence.
In addition to storm and tree damage, power outages occurred from the fast-moving severe storm fronts. This historic storm left 280,000 without power.
A Cold Front Follows
In conclusion the storm, pushed by a cold front, reached all the way into Michigan, Missouri, and Illinois. The expected cold sent the National Weather System scrambling to issue winter storm warnings as ice and flooding were expected. Also, in preparation of the extremely cold winter storms arrival, O’Hare International Airport decided to cancel 1,050 flights. Above all, preparation commenced as people prepared. With wind gusts of 60 mph expected, inhabitants from Western New York to Cleveland scrambled to ready the city.
Forensic Engineering Specialists
Engineering Specialists Inc. has nearly 30 years of field experience in analyzing the damage to vehicles, residential, commercial, and industrial buildings. We can work on any project in any state, nationwide. When you or your business needs to confirm the extent of damage or how to correct a problem, email us at office@esinationwide.com or call us, toll-free, at (877) 559-4010.
