Severe weather hits US again

A lightning bolt lights up the skies during the last severe storm which hit Florida on 31 March 2011 [Getty Images]

The storms have been raging across the eastern half of the States again.

At first large hail stones were reported in Michigan, Illinois and Missouri, then the storms gained strength as they raced eastwards. All states from Texas right the way up to Ohio reported damage, with many trees and power lines torn down by the force of the winds.

As the storms continued eastwards, so did the destruction; hail as large as 4.5cm was reported in Pennsylvania and Georgia and approximately 20 tornadoes have been spotted.

The line of thunderstorms should clear most of the east coast by around 18 GMT on Tuesday, with the exception of Florida. For central and southern Florida there will be a risk of severe thunderstorms for the remainder until Wednesday.

This is not good news for storm-weary Florida, particularly as the last severe storm struck less than a week ago.

On 31 March, another storm brought 100 millimetres of rain to Tampa, accompanied by winds gusting to 144 kilometres per hour.

This brought flooding to the area, pulled down trees, and disrupted the unfortunately named ‘Sun n Fun’ aviation show, which was taking place in the nearby city of Lakeland.

Several light aircraft were flipped over by the winds, and several people were injured.