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East Coast Stunned by Rare December Severe Storms
20 Dec, 2025
Summary
- Severe thunderstorm warnings issued for over 13 million people.
- Wind gusts reached 60 to 70 miles per hour.
- Rare December tornado warnings were issued in St. Louis.
Severe thunderstorm warnings were issued for over 13 million people across the East Coast on Friday afternoon, including New York City. The National Weather Service warned of dangerous storms with wind gusts reaching 60 to 70 miles per hour, urging residents to seek immediate shelter indoors.
The powerful winds were attributed to an atmospheric river that had previously crossed the U.S. from the Pacific Northwest. This weather system also prompted rare December tornado warnings in St. Louis on the preceding Thursday, underscoring the widespread severe weather.
Multiple weather alerts were in effect, including wind advisories and gale warnings. The severe thunderstorm warnings, issued around 3:15 p.m. EST by NWS Mount Holly, emphasized the rapid development of these storms, which can necessitate swift action from the public.
