Tornadoes have swept across southern America over the period of three days, causing devastation across several States. The intense storm system caused numerous tornadoes, flash floods and hail storms as it travelled across the region, striking Oklahoma on Thursday 14th April, before strengthening and affecting other States including; Oklahoma, Arkansas, Mississippi, Alabama and North Carolina and Virginia over Friday and Saturday.
According to the US Weather Service, over 240 tornadoes were reported; however the number could be lower due to some being reported more than once. 62 tornadoes were reported in North Carolina, the worse affected State, where 21 deaths have been confirmed and wide spread damage has occurred. The total death toll is 45 and over 130 have been seriously injured. Officials fear that these figures may rise as search and rescue efforts continue over the next few days.
The damage caused by the events have been devastating; over 65 homes have been destroyed and 600 have been significantly damaged, cars and houses were crushed by trees and power lines and debris were carried by the tornadoes and thrown meters away from the origin. Deaths have also been reported in Virginia, Georgia, Mississippi, Texas, Oklahoma and Alabama. Reports also claim that over 200,000 houses in North Carolina have been left without power and assistance and aid is being offered by the government.
Tornadoes are formed when the right conditions exist, in this instance; a powerful jet stream was present, along with moisture from the Gulf of Mexico and a cold front from the South.
Official say the event is the worse they have experienced in 20 years, with 1984 witnessing the deadliest tornadoes and a death toll of 57.
As search and rescue attempts continue and the clean up operation start, there are fears of rise in the death toll and damage worth billions of dollars.
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