Severe Storm System Sweeps Across Southeast

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A powerful storm system moved through the Southeast on Saturday and Sunday, triggering tornado warnings in Mississippi and Louisiana, and causing widespread damage from high winds that toppled power poles and overturned a horse trailer and Mardi Gras float. Meanwhile, the Northeast was finally starting to see warmer temperatures after weeks of unusually cold weather. Parts of California were also bracing for showers, thunderstorms, and heavy snow in the mountains and foothills.

Why it matters

Severe weather events like this can cause significant property damage and disrupt power and transportation, impacting local communities. The contrast between the extreme weather in different regions of the country also highlights the variability and unpredictability of weather patterns.

The details

The storm system brought tornado warnings to parts of Mississippi and Louisiana, where high winds caused damage to an airport, power lines, and other infrastructure. No deaths or serious injuries were reported, but power poles were snapped and toppled in several Louisiana towns. As the storm system moved into Georgia and Florida, those areas were also placed under tornado watches. In contrast, the Northeast was finally starting to see warmer temperatures after an extended period of bitter cold, with Boston expected to climb closer to seasonal averages in the coming week.

• The storm system swept through the Southeast late Saturday and into Sunday.
• By midweek, Boston was running nearly 7 degrees Fahrenheit below average for February, but the forecast called for temperatures to climb into the high 30s and low 40s, closer to seasonal norms.

What they’re saying

What’s next

The National Weather Service will continue to monitor the storm system as it moves across the Southeast and into other parts of the country, issuing additional warnings and advisories as needed.