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A treacherous storm system is affecting the southeastern United States, bringing with it torrential rainfall and powerful winds. The National Weather Service has issued alerts for multiple states, urging residents to stay indoors. Meanwhile, in Europe, a diplomatic crisis is escalating between Germany and Ukraine, raising fears of a wider conflict.

Global financial markets experienced/plummeted/crashed in disarray/turmoil/chaos today following an unexpected and substantial/sharp/significant interest rate hike/increase/adjustment by the central bank/monetary authority/financial regulator. Investors reacted/responded/plunged to the news, sending/driving/pushing stock prices downward/lower/south