US Midwest/South Severe Storms, Floods, Droughts and Wildfires
Key Questions
What severe weather is affecting the US Midwest and South in May?
The region is experiencing escalating severe storms, tornadoes, high winds, hail, and flash floods across states including Florida, Georgia, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Texas, and Mississippi. Over 55 million people were at risk during the late April Plains outbreak, with additional multi-day threats expected the following week.
How extensive were the wildfires in Georgia?
Wildfires in Georgia have burned more than 16,000 acres as part of the broader severe weather pattern. The Cottonwood Fire alone reached 60,000 acres, with nearly 30 hotshot crews assigned in the Great Basin region.
What is the current status of these storms and floods?
The situation remains developing, with ongoing threats of 50 mph gusts in Orlando affecting 4 million people and flash floods in Mississippi. A Super El Niño is contributing to strain on NWS resources amid the outbreaks.
May+ escalation: FL/SE GA severe storms/tornado/wind/50mph gusts Orlando/4M hit; next week multi-day threats OK/AR/LA/MS/AL/TN; TX SE hail/wind/floods/14M NM-LA; MS flash floods/SoE; Apr29 TX EF-3/Plains outbreak/55M+ at risk/Super El Niño/NWS strain; GA wildfires >16k acres. Also Cottonwood Fire (Great Basin) 60k acres, 30 Hotshot crews.