A powerful storm system continues to sweep across the eastern United States, bringing severe weather, tornadoes, and destructive winds that have left a trail of devastation. A tornado watch remains in effect until 4 p.m. ET for areas in eastern Ohio, western Pennsylvania, and much of West Virginia, including Pittsburgh, Erie, Charleston, Akron, Canton, and Zanesville. The Storm Prediction Center has warned that wind gusts could reach up to 60-70 mph, with the possibility of embedded tornadoes developing in the system. More than 60 million people from Pennsylvania to Florida remain under the threat of severe weather as the storm advances eastward, bringing the risk of destructive winds, hail, and additional tornadoes.

Alabama has already suffered tragic consequences, with Governor Kay Ivey confirming two fatalities as a result of the storms. She noted that damage has been reported in 52 of the state’s 67 counties, and officials are still assessing the full extent of destruction. The storm system has already claimed at least 35 lives across Missouri, Kansas, Arkansas, Mississippi, Texas, Oklahoma, and Alabama, leaving communities struggling to recover. Alabama has been particularly hard-hit, with images showing widespread destruction, fallen trees, and downed power lines. A school bus was overturned in Talladega County, and many homes and businesses have been severely damaged.

The impact has been devastating for those affected, with many residents facing an uncertain future. In Calera, Alabama, one man who lost his home expressed the despair of the moment, saying he had nowhere to go and only had his truck left. Across the region, first responders and emergency crews are working tirelessly to clear debris, restore power, and assist those in need. Nearly 200,000 homes and businesses remain without electricity, with Missouri, Georgia, North Carolina, Alabama, and Mississippi among the hardest-hit states.

Saturday saw the highest number of tornado warnings issued in almost a year, with at least 163 warnings recorded nationwide. Since late Friday, there have been over 700 severe storm reports across multiple states, stretching from Kansas to West Virginia and from Louisiana to Wisconsin. As the storm continues its path eastward, the threat remains for more destruction, leaving communities bracing for further impact while beginning the difficult process of recovery.