Severe Weather Hits Washington, D.C.
Severe weather has struck Washington, D.C., resulting in two fatalities in the region and Mississippi. As of March 12, hundreds of thousands are without power across the country due to the ongoing storms.
The National Weather Service reported that two tornadoes touched down in Illinois and Indiana, with one rated EF-3. In addition, hail measuring up to 6 inches was recorded in Illinois, contributing to the chaos.
In the D.C. area, temperatures have plummeted from the 70s to the 30s, creating hazardous conditions. Wet snow is currently falling, making roads and sidewalks slick, and temperatures are expected to drop to near 30° by Friday morning.
Looking ahead, a warm front is anticipated to move over the area, pushing temperatures back into the 50s. However, another storm is expected to impact the D.C. area on Monday, with highs projected in the low to mid 60s.
Residents are warned that a blast of cold air will arrive Monday night, with Tuesday’s highs struggling to reach 40°. The weekend forecast indicates dry conditions on Saturday, with temperatures rising from near 40° to the mid 50s.
A tornado watch remains in effect until 1 p.m. ET for eastern Georgia, much of South Carolina, and the Florida Panhandle. In the Midwest, 27 tornadoes have been reported in the last 48 hours, with winds expected to reach 60 mph in some areas.
Local resident Cassidy Sinwelski recounted her experience during the storm, stating, “We went into the bathroom, got a piece of plywood and within minutes, I closed my eyes, the lights flickered, and we just — there was nothing.” Another resident, David Ferris, described a harrowing scene where a man crawled out from under debris, struggling to breathe due to being covered in house insulation.
As the weather continues to evolve, Tucker Barnes, a local meteorologist, noted, “Most of it will melt on contact, so road impacts are unlikely.” However, he added, “The March lion will certainly be roaring quite a bit over the next few days.”
Details remain unconfirmed regarding the full extent of the damage and the number of injuries caused by the severe weather. Authorities are urging residents to stay informed and take necessary precautions as conditions change.
