20 States Brace for Deadly Winds; Millions Urged to Stay Clear of Windows
Severe Winds and Storm Threats Sweep Texas, 20 States
[Image 1: A woman searches through debris in Missouri after a storm]
Over a million residents in Texas cities like Amarillo and El Paso are under urgent warnings Wednesday as winds exceeding 65 mph threaten to turn loose objects into deadly projectiles. The National Weather Service (NWS) advises staying clear of windows and seeking lower floors in multi-story homes. Over 20 states, including Oklahoma, Kansas, and Illinois, face gusts over 40 mph, with nine states likely seeing 50+ mph winds.
Deadly Weekend Storm Aftermath
This follows weekend tornadoes and storms that killed at least 40 people across the central U.S. Missouri, Arkansas, and Oklahoma saw devastating damage, with wildfires destroying homes and sparking over 130 blazes. [Image 2: Burned homes in Oklahoma]
Fire and Dust Storm Risks
Dry conditions and high winds raise fire threats in Texas, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Colorado. AccuWeather warns against open flames, citing last week’s rapid wildfire spread. Dust storms in Texas could also reduce visibility to near-zero, endangering drivers. NWS El Paso urges those with respiratory issues to stay indoors.
[Image 3: Map showing wind forecasts across 20 states]
Midwest Braces for More Storms
A strong jet stream is fueling thunderstorms in the Midwest, including Michigan, Ohio, and Illinois. Over 250,000 homes lost power during Sunday’s severe weather, with outages lingering in Missouri, Alabama, and North Carolina.
Polar Vortex Collapse Alert
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) warns a collapsing polar vortex may bring another Arctic blast by late March, threatening travel and safety. These events often trigger prolonged cold spells across the U.S. and Europe.
[Image 4: Debris from an Arkansas auto parts store destroyed by storms]
Safety Measures Urged
Residents in affected areas should secure outdoor items, avoid driving in dust storms, and heed evacuation orders. Meteorologist Dan DePodwin emphasizes the unpredictability of these systems, urging vigilance.
Stay updated with local advisories as volatile weather continues.
