Deadly Tornadoes Strike Central U.S., Causing Widespread Devastation
At least 18 people, including four children, have died as tornadoes ravaged the central United States overnight. The severe weather, affecting multiple states, continues to pose significant threats through the Memorial Day weekend.
Massive Weather Threat
Nearly 109 million people across the mid-Mississippi, Ohio, and Tennessee River valleys faced warnings of large hail, damaging winds, and violent tornadoes on Sunday. The Storm Prediction Center issued alerts for “violent tornadoes, extreme hail, and corridors of widespread wind damage.”
A particularly dangerous tornado watch was issued, covering parts of Arkansas, Illinois, Kentucky, Missouri, and Tennessee, affecting 4.7 million people. This rare watch is only designated when there is high confidence in the potential for multiple EF2-strength and long-lived tornadoes.
Severe Storms and Fatalities
Texas was hit hard, with seven fatalities reported in Cooke County, including two young children. Arkansas saw at least eight deaths, prompting Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders to declare a state of emergency. Kentucky and Oklahoma also reported fatalities, with one death in Kentucky and two in Oklahoma.
The National Weather Service identified severe damage in Claremore, Oklahoma, rating the tornado as an EF3 with winds between 136 and 165 mph. In northeast Texas, 60 to 80 people were trapped inside a Shell gas station until the storm passed, resulting in multiple non-life-threatening injuries.
Extensive Damage and Rescue Efforts
In north Denton County, Texas, a possible tornado caused injuries, damaged homes, overturned vehicles, and downed power lines. The city of Denton reported “multiple victims,” and nearby Celina experienced significant damage from apparent tornado activity.
Lake Ray Roberts Marina in Sanger, Texas, sustained severe damage, with boats, boat houses, and the fuel dock destroyed. Despite the chaos, no serious injuries were reported.
Governor Greg Abbott declared disaster areas in four additional Texas counties, bringing the total to 106. He noted the miraculous survival of people at the Valley View gas station during the tornado.
Power Outages and Continuing Threats
Over 600,000 customers across 12 states were without power by Sunday evening, with Kentucky experiencing over 135,000 outages. The severe weather threat continued, with a Level 3 risk of thunderstorms in parts of the Mississippi and Ohio valleys. EF2 to EF5 tornadoes and wind gusts of 74 mph were possible as storms moved eastward.
Impact on Travel and Rainfall
Major travel hubs such as Chicago, Indianapolis, St. Louis, and Nashville faced potential disruptions from the storms. Heavy rainfall was expected in parts of the Ohio and Tennessee Valleys, middle Mississippi Valley, and Central Appalachians, prompting a Level 2 risk of excessive rainfall.
Cities under threat included Louisville, Cincinnati, St. Louis, Nashville, and Indianapolis, facing severe weather through Monday morning.
Conclusion
As the central U.S. grapples with the aftermath of these deadly tornadoes, the focus shifts to recovery and safety measures. The continued severe weather highlights the importance of preparedness and the resilience of affected communities.
