Severe weather swept across several states in the Midwest and Ohio Valley, leaving more than 275,000 homes and businesses without power. The affected areas included West Virginia, Kentucky, Wisconsin, Ohio, Indiana, and Michigan. The severe thunderstorms brought damaging winds, dangerous hail, and the potential for tornadoes. As a result, many schools in Ohio, Kentucky, and Indiana closed or dismissed early. The National Weather Service warned of a substantial severe weather outbreak, with the possibility of strong, long-lived tornadoes, large hail, and damaging wind gusts. One of the hardest-hit areas was northeastern Oklahoma, where heavy rains caused three suspected tornadoes.

Power Outages and School Closures

More than 275,000 homes and businesses in the Midwest and Ohio Valley were without power due to severe weather. This affected areas in West Virginia, Kentucky, Wisconsin, Ohio, Indiana, and Michigan. Additionally, many schools in Ohio, Kentucky, and Indiana closed or dismissed early due to the line of severe thunderstorms. The damaging winds, dangerous hail, and potential tornadoes posed significant risks to the safety of students and staff.

Potential Severe Weather Outbreak

The National Weather Service issued warnings about a potentially substantial severe weather outbreak. This outbreak included the threat of strong, long-lived tornadoes, large hail, and damaging wind gusts. The severity of the storms prompted the closure of schools and the deployment of emergency response teams in affected areas. Residents were advised to take necessary precautions and seek shelter in safe locations.

Hardest-Hit Areas and Suspected Tornadoes

One of the hardest-hit areas was northeastern Oklahoma, where heavy rains produced three suspected tornadoes. The powerful weather system caused significant damage to homes, buildings, and infrastructure in the region. Emergency services were working tirelessly to assess the extent of the damage and ensure the safety of affected individuals.

Tornado Watch and Storm Reports

A storm system brought large hail and strong winds to the region. Over 9 million people were under a tornado watch, highlighting the potential risks and the need for preparedness. There were multiple reports of hail, hazardous wind gusts, and possible tornadoes. The National Weather Service and local authorities urged residents to stay informed and follow any evacuation or safety protocols.

• More than 275,000 power outages reported in Ohio Valley after storms brought damaging winds, dangerous hail
• Tornado threat prompts school closures in Ohio, Kentucky, Indiana
• Potential outbreak of tornadoes, hail, and wind ahead today
• Severe storms in the US spawn potential tornadoes, causing at least 1 fatality
• States across the US Midwest on alert for tornadoes
• Over 9 million people under tornado watch as storms sweep through Ohio Valley
• Warm air to bring severe thunderstorms to western US
• Deadly severe weather roars through several states, spawning potential tornadoes
• Powerful thunderstorms threaten central and eastern US with floods, hail, and tornadoes
• Tornado threats, heavy rain, and snow expected as dangerous spring storms endanger millions

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