Heatwave triggers big storms, power cuts in US Southeast, raises wildfire concerns
- Triple-digit temperatures prompted heat advisories across much of the southern US and a suspected tornado struck near Scranton, Arkansas early on Sunday
- Meteorologists said potentially record-breaking temperatures would continue into midweek over southern Texas and much of the Gulf coast
A suspected tornado struck near Scranton, Arkansas early on Sunday, destroying chicken houses and toppling trees on to homes, the National Weather Service said. There were no immediate reports of serious injuries.
Meteorologists said that potentially record-breaking temperatures would continue into midweek over southern Texas and much of the Gulf coast. Storms producing damaging winds, hail and possibly tornadoes could strike the lower Mississippi Valley.
“If you have outdoor plans this #FathersDay, don’t forget to practice heat safety! Take frequent breaks, stay hydrated, NEVER leave people/pets alone in a car!” the weather service office in Houston said on Twitter.
Louisiana Governor John Bel Edwards declared a state of emergency for north and central parts of his state after strong winds and severe weather caused widespread power cuts on Saturday. On Sunday, more than 740,000 people were without power in Oklahoma, Texas, Louisiana, Arkansas and Mississippi, according to PowerOutage.us.
About 30 people spent Saturday night at a cooling centre in Shreveport, Louisiana. Residents were thankful to have a place to get out of the sweltering heat, said Madison Poche, director of the non-profit Highland Centre, which opened its doors to anyone who needed somewhere to cool off.
“We definitely had a few people tear up because folks have been stuck inside some pretty hot spaces and really just need a space to be physically comfortable for a while,” Poche said. She said that damage from the storm appears widespread in Shreveport.