The Weather Service in Birmingham, Ala., has identified five areas of potential tornado damage in the state. It said it would not be able to perform damage assessments until Wednesday because of ongoing threats, including a severe thunderstorm that brought hail and damaging winds Tuesday night. Forecasters expect another round of severe weather in the state early Wednesday.
On Tuesday night, a tornado struck near Decatur, Ill., east of Springfield, according to the Weather Service, warning of flying debris, mobile home destruction and roof, window damage, vehicles and trees.
On Monday, a tornado struck shortly after 2 p.m. in Jessieville, Ark., near a high school, according to the Little Rock Weather Service, which said the tornado damaged homes. , many school buildings and lampposts on the football field.
Melissa Speers, superintendent of the Jessieville School District, said Northwestern Arkansas Democratic Party Gazette that there had been little sign of the tornado’s sudden approach.
“It was all of a sudden — the wind was high, the awnings started blowing away, the flagpoles were blown away, students and staff started moving to safety rooms,” she told The Democracy Gazette.
In Montrose, Ark., near the Mississippi border, a mess of downed power lines and trees is consistent with possible tornado damage, said Lance Perrilloux, a meteorologist with the Time Service. weather, said, although he added that a tornado has yet to be confirmed.
At least five major airlines, including American Airlines, JetBlue and Delta Airlines, announced a travel waiver for those planning to fly through Minneapolis-St. Paul or the upper Midwest through midweek. Some airlines offer free changes or cancellations.
The potential flight disruption comes after a wave of flight cancellations and delays last week because winter weather, staff shortage and, in the case of Southwest Airlines, an abnormal system operation and technology problems.
Christine Chung contribution report.
