Kathrine Frich
Communities across the country are currently dealing with weather chaos.
Summer usually brings long days and outdoor plans. But sometimes the shifting seasons arrive with a fierce, destructive energy that forces people to drop everything and run.
A devastating blaze
Out on the West Coast, the Upriver Fire continues to tear through parts of Spokane, Washington. The fast-moving flames started on Tuesday and quickly forced authorities to order mass evacuations.
According to the Associated Press, the dangerous blaze pushed residents out of more than 1,500 homes. The fire has also led to a tragic discovery.
According to People The Spokane County Sheriff’s Office reported finding what could be human remains in a ruined house on June 16. A concerned relative had asked authorities to check on the property.
“Deputies responded to the address and found the fire had destroyed it. Due to the extreme conditions and the ongoing fire in the area, they were unable to investigate further,” the sheriff’s office stated. They added that the missing person had previously ignored an evacuation order.
Twisters rip through towns
Meanwhile, brutal winds are hammering the Midwest and Southeast. CBS News noted that at least seven tornadoes hit the region on Wednesday.
The National Weather Service tracked one twister touching down in Harper’s Ferry, Iowa. Just an hour and a half later, another tornado smashed into Charleston, Illinois, causing heavy property damage.
In response, Mayor Brandon Combs quickly declared a local state of emergency. The Charleston Illinois Police Department then issued a strong warning to all locals.
“The storm has resulted in numerous downed power lines, fallen trees, and debris-covered roadways throughout the city, creating hazardous conditions for residents and motorists,” the police department warned. Officials urged people to stay off the streets so emergency crews could do their jobs.
Heavy rains push east
Down south, coastal residents are fighting a completely different element. The Gulf states are soaking up the harsh remnants of what was once Tropical Storm Arthur.
The massive weather system lost its official tropical storm title late Wednesday night. Still, The Washington Post reported that dangerous rain and flooding will sweep across the Southeast before leaving the Carolina coast by Friday.
New Orleans saw one confirmed tornado early Thursday, with another suspected nearby. The severe weather is now expected to push deeper into Mississippi and Alabama as the week goes on.
Sources: The Associated Press, PEOPLE, National Weather Service, Charleston Illinois Police Department, Spokane County Sheriff’s Office, T
