US: Severe weather forecast in Southeast, Mid-Atlantic, Northeast states April 19

Event

A severe weather system is forecast to move across the Southeast, Mid-Atlantic, Appalachian region, and Northeast on Friday, April 19, bringing powerful thunderstorms and the possibility for damaging hail, isolated tornadoes, and flooding. The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued tornado watches in portions of Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Virginia states through Friday evening (local time) as well as flash flood watches and warnings along the East Coast, from Florida to Maine. Transportation disruptions, including flight delays and cancelations, are possible in affected areas. 

Context

Violent thunderstorms and tornadoes are common in the US from March through June.

At least three people died on April 18 after a severe weather system rolled through the Plains, Midwest, and Southeast. More than 100,000 people are without power across Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, Alabama, and Texas as of the morning of April 19. 

Advice

Individuals in the affected areas are advised to monitor local weather reports, anticipate transportation disruptions, including flight delays and cancelations, and take appropriate precautions in the event of severe weather or tornadoes.

The safest place to be in a building in the event of a tornado is in the basement or on the ground floor, or in an interior hallway or stairwell. Avoid doors and windows. If a tornado is approaching, crouch face down as low as possible to the floor and cover your head with your hands.