US experiencing Extreme Weather

The central region of the United States has been hit by a series of tornadoes, resulting in severe damage and injuries.

The National Weather Service has reported nine tornadoes sweeping through Kansas, Oklahoma and northwest Texas, with winds knocking out electricity for about 12,000 homes and businesses in Oklahoma.

There were 12 weather-related injuries reported in the city of Norman, Oklahoma, but none were critical. Meanwhile, ice storms in Michigan have cut power to over 130,000 homes and businesses, and heavy snow is expected to blanket several northeastern states.

Flooding in California has complicated travel and damaged infrastructure. The Storm Prediction Center has warned of the possibility of further tornadoes and predicted strong winds for states such as Kansas, Missouri and northern Indiana. The US has observed warming winter temperatures, with decreasing amounts of seasonal snowfall, but this does not mean significant individual snowstorms cannot occur.