At least 34 people have lost their lives in the United States after powerful tornadoes ravaged several southeastern states, causing widespread destruction and chaos. Missouri was the hardest hit, with 12 fatalities reported, while Kansas experienced a devastating dust storm that led to a massive car crash involving over 55 vehicles, resulting in at least eight deaths.
The severe weather left more than 250,000 homes without electricity across seven states, including Michigan, Missouri, and Illinois, as the situation worsened overnight into Sunday. Further severe weather is anticipated, with tornado watches issued for eastern Louisiana, western Georgia, central Tennessee, and the western Florida Panhandle.
Mississippi’s Governor Tate Reeves reported six deaths as multiple tornadoes swept through the state. Flash flood warnings have also been issued for central Mississippi, eastern Louisiana, western Tennessee, and parts of Alabama and Arkansas, with the National Weather Service warning that these floods could be life-threatening.
In Alabama, multiple tornado warnings were issued on Saturday night, with the NWS alerting residents to “multiple intense to violent long-track tornadoes,” describing the situation as “particularly dangerous”. Missouri Governor Mike Kehoe stated that the state has been “devastated by severe storms and tornadoes,” leaving homes destroyed and lives lost.
Arkansas declared a state of emergency after three fatalities and 29 injuries were reported, while Georgia and Oklahoma also declared emergencies due to the severe conditions. A dust storm in Texas caused three deaths and a massive pile-up involving approximately 38 vehicles, with another death confirmed later. The storms also fueled over 100 wildfires across central states and overturned multiple semi-trailer trucks.