A series of multi-day storms has affected the Midwest and Southern states of America, causing over 100 tornadoes and life-threatening flash floods.
Over nine million people were under tornado and storm watches in Kentucky, Ohio, Arkansas, Georgia, Missouri, Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas and Mississippi on the days of April 2 through April 7.
As of April 7, at least 24 people have died due to the severe flooding. Two people died in Arkansas, four in Kentucky, two in Georgia, two in Indiana, three in Missouri, 10 in Tennessee and one in Mississippi, according to NBC News.
River levels are rising and flood warnings have been broadcast in the southern states, and on top of that, freeze warnings have been issued in the areas that have been affected by the multi-day storms.
Hurricane season officially starts on June 1 in the Atlantic, however, this series of storms could be a preview of what is to come.
Researchers have reported that the upcoming hurricane season will feature stronger and more frequent storms compared to the average.
There will be approximately 17 storms: nine will become hurricanes, and four will reach Category 3 status or stronger.
A Category 3 hurricane features sustained winds that reach 111 to 129 miles per hour, enough to cause devastating damage.
Reports are saying that hurricane activity will be up by 125% compared to the season average, however, this will be slightly less intense than the hurricane season last year, which was up by 130%.
This distinction is necessary according to the research done at Colorado State University’s Tropical Cyclones, Radar, Atmospheric Modeling and Software team, because the conditions that fuel hurricanes are lower than they were last year. However, they are still prominent because they are much higher than the average.
It is important for people who live on the coasts and in high-impact areas to expect storms of a similar caliber this season.
Allison Cannon is a first year with an undecided major and minors in Spanish and law, justice, and society.
