Severe Storm System ‘Winter Storm Finn’ Causes Dangerous Conditions and Damage Across the US

Dangerous storms are wreaking havoc in the South, while a powerful winter storm is sweeping across the Midwest. The storm system, known as Winter Storm Finn, is impacting tens of millions of people today. At least three deaths have been attributed to the storm.

The National Weather Service has received approximately 70 reports of flash flooding from Alabama to southern Virginia since 7 a.m. Some notable incidents include flooding in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, closures of multiple roads in Murphy, North Carolina due to rising rivers, and a flooded shopping complex in Covington, Georgia.

In Claremont, North Carolina, a suspected tornado hit a mobile home park, resulting in one person dead and two others in critical condition. The storm struck along Interstate 40, about 35 miles northwest of Charlotte.

Power outages are plaguing more than 500,000 homes, businesses, and other utility customers across 15 states. The highest concentration of outages is reported in North Carolina, Florida, Pennsylvania, and Georgia. Other affected states include Texas, Louisiana, Alabama, Tennessee, South Carolina, Virginia, West Virginia, New York, Kansas, and Missouri.

Severe thunderstorm warnings are still in effect from North Florida to southern Virginia, with some supercells attempting to move ashore in the Myrtle Beach to Wrightsville Beach area. Flash flood warnings are also in effect in the western Carolinas and far southern Virginia.

Another death has been confirmed in Alabama, where an 81-year-old woman was killed when her mobile home was thrown by a severe storm near Cottonwood. Iowa has seen heavy snowfall, with Des Moines receiving over 5 inches of snow.

Numerous cities have closed their school districts in anticipation of Winter Storm Finn’s dangerous conditions, including Omaha, Kansas City, and Des Moines. Interstate 70 remains closed for a stretch of about 450 miles between eastern Colorado and Junction City, Kansas, due to heavy snowfall and strong winds. A new tornado watch has been issued for parts of southeastern Alabama, southwestern Georgia, and North Florida.

As Winter Storm Finn continues its path, it is important for residents to stay informed and take necessary precautions.