Heavy rainfall, strong winds and tornadoes have been affecting the eastern States of the USA from Alabama and Tennessee to the Carolinas and New York, resulting in casualties and damage.

According to media reports, at least two people died, one in South Carolina and another in Alabama following two severe weather related incidents. Widespread damage has been recorded across the affected States while 250,000 houses experienced power cuts (100,000 in North Carolina, 95,000 in Pennsylvania and 64,000 people in Maryland) and 1,000 flights have been delayed.

On 9-10 August, heavy rain and thunderstorms are still forecast over the eastern and particularly over the north-eastern States.