Millions Brace for Severe Storms, Tornadoes Batter Midwest

Millions Under Alert as Severe Weather Threatens Midwest

A significant severe weather outbreak is sweeping across the United States, putting an estimated 60 million people on high alert. Dangerous winds, baseball-sized hail, and multiple reported tornadoes have already impacted the Midwest, with more severe storms expected. The widespread threat stretches from Oklahoma City through the Midwest and even into parts of Pennsylvania, creating a multi-day challenge for residents and emergency responders.

Midwest Reels from Tornadoes, High Winds, and Flooding

Overnight, a dozen reported tornadoes touched down across Iowa, South Dakota, and Kansas, leaving a trail of destruction. In Kansas, at least three people were injured, and homes and trailers were severely damaged or destroyed. Images from Ottawa, Kansas, show houses reduced to rubble, with only a few walls left standing. In Wisconsin, residents are dealing with downed trees and power lines, with over 17,000 people losing electricity. A fresh round of storms is expected to bring 60-mile-per-hour winds to the state, tearing roofs off buildings and toppling trees onto cars.

‘Catastrophic Flooding’ Threatens Michigan Dam

The threat is particularly acute in Michigan, where heavy rainfall has caused the Sheboygan Dam to rise to historic levels. The dam is currently seven inches from overflowing, having risen six inches in just the last 24 hours. Officials have issued a state of emergency and warned residents in the surrounding area to be prepared for potential evacuation. Meteorologists predict catastrophic flooding if the dam breaches, a situation described as abnormal for the region, even for those accustomed to severe spring weather.

Widespread Storms Expected for Days

Meteorologist Larissa Abreu confirmed that unsettled weather will continue to affect a large portion of the country. “Two-thirds of the country is going to be dealing with some aspect of severe weather, whether it’s flooding or the concern for damaging winds as well as tornadoes,” Abreu stated. The bull’s-eye for the most severe storms includes cities like Des Moines, Chicago, Milwaukee, and Detroit. In some areas, hail over two inches in diameter and winds up to 75 miles per hour are possible. This widespread threat is expected to last for several days, with the peak of severe weather anticipated by Wednesday morning.

New Allegations Against Former Congressman Eric Swalwell

In political news, former California Congressman Eric Swalwell has resigned amid new sexual assault allegations. A new accuser has come forward, claiming Swalwell drugged and assaulted her in 2018. “He raped me. And he choked me. And while he was choking me, I lost consciousness. And I thought I died,” the woman stated. Her attorney announced plans to file a criminal report against Swalwell in Los Angeles. Swalwell denies the allegations, with his attorney calling them “false, fabricated and deeply offensive.” He also faces a separate sex assault investigation in New York. Swalwell had recently dropped out of the race for California governor.

US-Iran Tensions Remain High Amid Peace Talk Hopes

Amidst diplomatic efforts, the U.S. announced it turned around six ships violating a blockade in the Strait of Hormuz. This comes as reports suggest a new round of in-person peace talks between the U.S. and Iran could happen this week. However, tensions remain high, with about 10,000 troops in the region to enforce the blockade. Keir Simmons reported from Syria that while Israel and Lebanon have agreed to hold direct talks, the situation is complex. “I’m not sure that what’s happened today necessarily makes it more likely that we’re going to be talks between the US and Iran in the coming days,” Simmons noted, emphasizing that both sides appear to want to avoid conflict but the question remains how much compromise is possible.

DOJ Reviews ‘Politicized Prosecutions’

The Department of Justice announced it is reviewing what it calls “politicized prosecutions,” with the acting Attorney General asserting that Americans should be comfortable with the President’s involvement in executive decisions. The review comes as the department faces scrutiny over its handling of cases, including those involving anti-abortion protesters and investigations into political adversaries. The acting Attorney General stated that the President, as the head of the executive branch, is the boss of the Attorney General, a constitutional power understood for centuries. He also addressed ongoing investigations, including the Jeffrey Epstein case, stating that the department feels it cannot bring further criminal charges but maintains an open door for new evidence.

Updates on Missing Person and Legal Cases

In other news, the search for an American mother missing in the Bahamas has been called off by the military after being unsuccessful. Police are still investigating the disappearance of Lynette Hooker, who allegedly fell overboard while boating with her husband. The husband, Brian Hooker, has been questioned and released, but remains a suspect. Meanwhile, former Michigan football coach Sharon Moore received 18 months of probation for misdemeanor charges related to an inappropriate relationship with a staffer, avoiding prison time. Harvey Weinstein is back in court for a retrial on rape charges, having pleaded not guilty. Newly released surveillance photos show individuals police are seeking in connection with the shooting of rapper Offset, who has since been released from the hospital. A freight train derailed in New Jersey, with no reported injuries. Finally, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame announced its latest inductees, including Phil Collins, D’Angelo, and the Wu-Tang Clan, while stars like Mariah Carey and Lauryn Hill were not included this year.

Source: Hallie Jackson NOW – April 14 | NBC News NOW (YouTube)