Good morning, this is El Paso Local Pulse for Thursday, March 12th.

We're starting this morning with some significant weather developments affecting our region. Severe storms have been moving through the central United States and are expected to reach our area today. A major tornado outbreak hit Illinois and surrounding states yesterday, with confirmed tornadoes reported in Oklahoma, Indiana, Iowa, and Texas. Storm systems are now tracking toward the Ohio Valley and extending into Texas, which means El Paso could see severe weather activity as we move through the day. The National Weather Service is maintaining weather alerts across multiple counties, so we're asking everyone to stay weather aware and keep an eye on local forecasts. Make sure your emergency supplies are ready and download a weather alert app to your phone if you haven't already.

On the national stage, tensions continue to escalate between the United States and Iran. According to multiple news reports, the situation in the Strait of Hormuz has intensified significantly. Ships near the strait were hit by what officials describe as unknown projectiles overnight, with Iran claiming responsibility for what it called its most intense operation in recent time. The US military has responded with strikes on Iranian vessels in the region. President Trump has issued strong warnings that any further attempts to disrupt maritime passage will face unprecedented consequences. All of this matters to us here in El Paso because energy prices and global oil markets are directly affected by instability in the Persian Gulf, which accounts for roughly a fifth of the world's oil supply.

Domestically, airport operations have been significantly disrupted this week. Major hubs including Chicago and Miami are experiencing long delays and staffing shortages at security checkpoints during spring break travel season. Passengers are arriving up to four hours early just to make their flights, so if any of you are traveling through major airports in the coming days, plan accordingly and get there extra early.

In other national news, Iran announced it will not be participating in the FIFA World Cup 2026 due to the ongoing conflict. That's a significant withdrawal from international competition.

Here in El Paso, we encourage everyone to check on neighbors and loved ones as weather conditions develop throughout the day. Have your go bags prepared, know where your nearest shelter is, and stay tuned to local authorities for any evacuation orders or emergency warnings. Keep your phones charged and stay connected to emergency alerts.

This has been El Paso Local Pulse. Thank you for tuning in this morning, and we'll see you tomorrow with more local updates. Be sure to subscribe for your daily briefing. For more information, check out Quiet Please dot ai.

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