A recap: 450 severe reports, almost 6" of rain

More than 450 severe weather reports, almost half a foot of rainfall, nearly 2 feet of snow, and wind gusts reaching above 90 mph were all a part of the winter storm that hit much of the eastern two-thirds of the U.S., since late Sunday through Wednesday morning.

This massive winter storm brought blizzard conditions, tornadoes, power outages, flooding, and school closures as it moved across the U.S. Many vehicles were abandoned in Kansas due to the blizzard conditions.

On the severe weather side, tornadoes hit the Gulf Coast through the Carolinas Monday into Tuesday. Surveys are taking place today to recap the damage and classify the tornado intensity for each area impacted. Structures were flattened or knocked over, power was knocked out, and at least four people lost their lives due to the severe storms and tornadoes.

Many of the storms happened overnight, adding the extra threat of nocturnal storms. Some neighborhoods were lucky enough to miss the tornadoes, but still got the stunning view.

Florida won the tornado warning contest with 46 of the 110 total occurring in that state alone as a large and strong squall line blasted through.

Wind wise, high wind warnings and wind advisories blanketed the map noting most areas getting 40 to 50 mph wind gusts with higher ones in the Appalachians reaching above 60 mph. In the tornado-hit area of Santa Rosa Beach, Fla., one station recorded a 106 mph wind gust.

Hundreds of thousands are still without power as the exiting storm is still causing gusty winds. Power outages extend up from North Carolina through Maine and include Michigan too. Wind advisories and high wind warnings are still active today in the Ohio Valley through the Northeast.

Wilton, Conn., and Montgomery, Ala., recorded more than 5 inches of rainfall in the event. Excessive rainfall risks were posted warning the area of the potentially flooding rains days before the first drop fell.

Flood warnings and advisories are still active even after the rain has moved out for many across the East due to rising rivers and streams, not only due to the heavy rainfall averaging about 1-3 inches, but also due to the melting snow across the Appalachians adding to the moisture.

The next big storm is already on the coattails of this last one and will cause more wintry and severe weather issues starting Thursday.

Learn more about the severe weather side with the latest update from Meteorologist Mary Mays.