Severe storms have devastated parts of the United States, claiming at least 17 lives across Missouri, Texas, and Arkansas. According to The Washington Post, powerful tornadoes and extreme weather conditions have left a trail of destruction, causing home demolitions, injuries, and deadly road accidents.
Missouri: 10 Killed as 19 Tornadoes Strike
Missouri faced catastrophic damage as 19 tornadoes tore through the state, resulting in 10 fatalities. Governor Mike Kehoe confirmed the deaths and stated that emergency teams are working to rescue trapped residents. Tornadoes have destroyed homes, downed power lines, and left thousands without electricity.
Arkansas: 3 Dead, Dozens Injured
The Arkansas Division of Management reported three fatalities and 29 injuries due to the storms. Officials stated that these numbers are preliminary and may rise as rescue operations continue.
Texas: Deadly Car Crashes Amid Extreme Weather
In Texas, severe conditions including strong winds, dust storms, and smoke from nearby wildfires led to four fatal car crashes. The Texas Department of Public Safety confirmed the deaths and warned drivers to exercise extreme caution.
Sergeant Cindy Barkley described the scene as horrific, stating, “We’ve had significant windstorms before, but nothing like this. At times, I could barely see past the hood of my car.”
Tornado Outbreaks Expected to Continue
Since Friday night, at least 25 tornadoes have touched down across the U.S. The most at-risk areas include Mississippi and Alabama, where the National Weather Service issued a rare Level 5 high-risk warning for severe thunderstorms.
Authorities urge residents, especially those in mobile homes, to evacuate before warnings are issued. Officials recommend taking shelter in belowground structures by early afternoon.
Storms to Shift Towards the East
By Saturday night, severe storms are expected to move into central and northern Alabama and possibly south-central Tennessee. On Sunday, the storm threats will extend to eastern Georgia, the Carolinas, and the Mid-Atlantic, including Washington, D.C.
Stay Updated
For real-time weather updates and safety tips, visit the National Weather Service. If you are in an affected area, follow official guidelines to stay safe.