A powerful storm system ripped through the Southern and Midwestern U.S., leaving a devastating trail of destruction and claiming at least 33 lives. The deadly weather event unleashed multiple tornadoes, severe thunderstorms, and high winds that flattened homes, overturned vehicles, and left thousands without power.
States Hit the Hardest:
- Missouri: 12 deaths reported after multiple tornadoes touched down overnight, destroying neighborhoods and businesses.
- Mississippi: 6 fatalities and dozens injured as violent twisters tore through rural communities.
- Kansas: 8 people killed due to a massive dust storm that triggered a multi-vehicle crash on Interstate 70.
- Arkansas and Texas: 7 deaths combined, mostly from storm-related accidents and structural collapses.
DRONE DAMAGE: Our field correspondents are on the ground in Tylertown, MS after a large and powerful #tornado 🌪️ tore through the community. #MSwx
Take a look at the scenes below 🔽🔽 pic.twitter.com/iOvjAJpoeR
Survivors described the terrifying moments when the tornadoes struck, with winds reaching up to 150 mph. "It sounded like a freight train coming right at us," one Missouri resident said. "Within seconds, my house was gone."
The storm system caused widespread destruction, uprooting trees, flipping cars, and tearing roofs off buildings. Hundreds of thousands of people are currently without power across the region, and emergency crews are working tirelessly to rescue trapped residents and assess the damage.
Meteorologists warn that the storm system is now moving eastward, threatening areas like the Carolinas and Virginia with heavy rainfall, hail, and potential tornadoes.
Three confirmed tornadoes moving over the same area within a 90-minute timeframe. Holy cow. pic.twitter.com/j7Cn3NdjU5
Authorities' Response:
President Trump has declared a state of emergency in the hardest-hit areas, allowing federal aid and resources to be deployed. Search and rescue teams are actively looking for missing people, while local shelters have been set up for displaced families.
Officials are urging residents to stay indoors, avoid flooded areas, and stay tuned to weather updates as the storm continues to move.
The death toll is expected to rise as rescue operations continue.