Tropical Storm Cosme is churning over the Pacific, but its reach has stretched far beyond the ocean. In a rare and dangerous twist, Cosme’s outer bands triggered a wave of deadly tornadoes and fierce thunderstorms across the United States, from the Chesapeake Bay down to the central Plains.
Tropical Storm Cosme Unleashed
| Takeaway | Stat |
|---|---|
| Virginia tornado threat | 2 touchdowns reported |
| Wind gusts in Texas | Up to 100 mph |
| Storm-related outages | Over 10,000 customers without power |
Tropical Storm Cosme may be offshore, but it’s slamming the mainland with stormy fists. The wild combination of tropical moisture and land-based storm triggers has created a dangerous and unusual weather pattern across the U.S. If you’re in an affected region, take every tornado watch seriously—and remember that storm season doesn’t always follow the rules.
From Pacific Waters to Tornado Alley
Although Cosme remains centered over 650 miles south-southwest of Baja California, its influence has expanded dramatically. The storm pulled Gulf moisture into the central U.S., creating just the right cocktail of conditions for supercell thunderstorms—and with them, tornadoes.
In Virginia, the National Weather Service reported two suspected tornadoes Sunday night. Meanwhile, in the southern Plains, Texas and Oklahoma faced their own nightmares: softball-sized hail, hurricane-force winds, and spinning twisters that toppled power lines and left entire communities in the dark.
“I’ve covered hurricanes from the Gulf to the Carolinas, but watching a Pacific storm kick off tornadoes across Virginia? That’s a first,” said Kendra Albright, a storm chaser based in Roanoke.
What Areas Were Hit the Hardest?
Here’s a snapshot of some of the most severely affected zones:
| Region | Impact | Forecast Outlook |
|---|---|---|
| Eastern Virginia | Suspected tornadoes, flash floods | Tornado watch remains active |
| Texas & Oklahoma | 100-mph gusts, hail, tornadic supercells | “Particularly Dangerous Situation” issued |
Why Cosme Created Chaos So Far Inland
This isn’t your typical tropical storm scenario. While Cosme itself is projected to remain over open waters, its broad circulation has fanned atmospheric instability across the U.S. Pacific storms like Cosme can occasionally send ripple effects eastward, interacting with Gulf air masses and setting off violent weather outbreaks.
Safety First: What You Should Do Now
If you’re in the Southeast, Mid-Atlantic, or central U.S., take these precautions seriously:
- Stay plugged into official alerts. Tornadoes triggered by these bands can form fast, with little advance warning.
- Have an emergency kit and shelter plan. Especially important if you’re in a mobile home or flood-prone zone.
- Avoid travel during storms. Downed trees and flooded roads are everywhere.
What’s Next for Cosme and the U.S. Weather Scene
Cosme is expected to drift northwest, intensifying slightly but remaining over water. That said, it may continue to fan unstable air across U.S. territories. NOAA warns that thunderstorm risks will linger through at least Tuesday.
The bigger story? Another low-pressure system forming south of Mexico has about a 60% chance of intensifying later this week, according to the National Hurricane Center.
