US registers more hurricane-force gusts than any other day

The U.S. registered more hurricane-force gusts on Wednesday than any other day since data collection began in 2004.

The NWS Storm Prediction Center tweeted there were more than 55 thunderstorm wind gusts above 75 miles per hour since 2004.

The last record was set In August 2020 at 53 wind gusts above 75 miles per hour. 

Today (12/15) has set the record for the most number of hurricane force (75+ mph) thunderstorm wind gusts in a day (55, and counting) since 2004. The previous record was from August 10, 2020 with 53. pic.twitter.com/bqULyJJEw5

— NWS Storm Prediction Center (@NWSSPC) December 16, 2021

The center also recorded 19 tornadoes only days after tornadoes broke out in several states, killing almost 75 people in Kentucky alone. 

At least 88 people are dead across the six states the tornadoes hit last weekend. 

President Biden surveyed the damage in Kentucky on Wednesday as thousands were displaced after the tornadoes destroyed many homes.

“I intend to do whatever it takes, as long as it takes, as long as it takes to support your state, your local leaders, as you recover and rebuild. Because you will recover and you will rebuild,” Biden said during the visit. “I promise you, you’re going to heal. We’re going to recover, we’re going to rebuild. You’re going to be stronger than you were before. We’re going to build back better than it was.”

“Keep the faith, we’re going to get this done,” he added. “We’re in this for the long haul.”