Historic snowstorm and storms hit 62 million Americans, 23 injured after GRAPEFRUIT-sized hail fell

MORE than 62 million Americans in the South and Central US are on alert as historic snowstorms, fires and severe storms ravage the region.

The severe weather system, which is expected to last through Thursday, has seen grapefruit-sized hail, tornadoes and wildfire warnings from Texas to Minnesota.

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Parts of the Mississippi Valley are below level four of five “moderate risk” for severe weather, according to the National Weather Service Storm Prediction Center Wednesday, which says the region could see powerful tornadoes and large hail.

“Numerous severe thunderstorms are likely Wednesday across much of the lower/middle Mississippi Valley to the Midwest and lower Ohio Valley,” the Storm Prediction Center said.

Multiple tornadoes in central Texas and Iowa on Tuesday caused injuries and widespread damage.

Homes in Bell County, Texas were damaged when a tornado brought massive hail nearly six inches in length.

The tornado hit the city of Salado, leaving up to 23 injured.

Officials said multiple tornadoes confirmed by the National Weather Service caused widespread damage north of Austin.

A dispatcher in Bell County, Texas, told weather.com that people were calling 911 after tornado warnings were issued in the area.

As of Wednesday morning, 47,000 Texans were experiencing power outages.

Additionally, more than 65,000 people in Louisiana were left without power as thunderstorms battered the state on Tuesday.

While the storms have weakened overnight, they are expected to regain strength on Wednesday.

North Dakota was also hit by severe weather Tuesday when a major snowstorm brought snow and high winds that could last through Thursday.

Grand Forks saw between 9 and 11 inches of snow, according to the National Weather Service, and much of the state remains under snow storm warning.

In addition, there are “extremely critical” fire warnings for the High Plains.

In New Mexico, forest fires destroyed around 150 buildings and houses on Tuesday evening.

More hailstones were reported Arkansas and South Dakotaaccording to the National Weather Service.

Tornado damage was also reported in Humboldt County, Iowa, where a storm observer said a vehicle crashed into a tree that had been downed by the storms. The driver was not injured.

There are also reports of tornadoes in Nebraska.

“Williamson County is still under tornado watch through 11 p.m. tonight, so we encourage our residents to follow local weather forecasts and know where to go if tornado watch becomes a warning,” he said Bill Gravell, Williamson County Judge.

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