Tornadoes and wildfires caused by extreme weather have resulted in at least 40 fatalities in the US Midwest and South, with Missouri being one of the hardest-hit areas. The devastation has prompted state emergencies and left hundreds of thousands without power.
Devastating Tornadoes and Wildfires Claim 40 Lives Across the Midwest and South
Devastating Tornadoes and Wildfires Claim 40 Lives Across the Midwest and South
Extreme weather events wreak havoc across several US states, leaving widespread destruction and significant casualties.
Massive tornados and wildfires unleashed catastrophic destruction across multiple states in the US, leading to the tragic deaths of at least 40 individuals. The turmoil began last Friday, with Missouri suffering the most severe impacts, recording at least 12 fatalities. Tornadic winds also triggered devastating dust storms in Texas and Kansas, resulting in numerous vehicle collisions and additional loss of life.
The extreme weather system has disrupted the lives of over 100 million Americans, contributing to nearly 150 wildfires that have raged through Oklahoma, claiming four lives due to the flames and fierce winds. In addition to Missouri, fatalities were reported in Arkansas, Alabama, and Mississippi. Wide areas of Texas, Louisiana, Alabama, Arkansas, Tennessee, Mississippi, Georgia, Kentucky, and North Carolina faced flood advisories.
As of Sunday evening, PowerOutageUS reported that over 320,000 residents remained without power, as emergency declarations were issued across Arkansas, Georgia, and Oklahoma. Missouri's Governor Mike Kehoe expressed profound concern over the "staggering" destruction across the state, highlighting that homes, schools, and businesses have been left severely damaged or completely destroyed.
Among the distressing reports, a tornado obliterated a residence in Butler County, leaving the local coroner to describe it simply as "a debris field." In Oklahoma, sweeping winds reaching up to 83mph (133km/h) led to overturned trucks, with wildfires consuming 170,000 acres and destroying nearly 300 properties, one of which belonged to the state's Governor Kevin Stitt.
Tragically, dust storms in Kansas and Texas caused massive vehicle pile-ups, contributing to an alarming toll of fatalities, with additional deaths reported in Mississippi and Alabama, including that of an 82-year-old woman. Arkansas officials have also confirmed additional casualties and injuries due to the storms.
In response, US President Donald Trump announced the deployment of the National Guard to assist in recovery efforts in Arkansas, urging the public to join him and First Lady Melania in prayers for those affected by these disastrous events.
