At least 27 lives were tragically lost, and many more were injured on Saturday as severe storms and tornadoes ravaged the central United States, leaving destruction in their wake.
Local news footage revealed images of roofs ripped off homes, large trucks overturned, and entire neighborhoods battered by fierce winds.
Officials have issued warnings that additional tornadoes may strike throughout the weekend.
In Kansas, a multi-vehicle crash involving more than 50 cars, caused by poor visibility during a dust storm, resulted in the deaths of eight individuals, according to local police.
Missouri reported 12 storm-related fatalities, with the State Highway Patrol sharing harrowing images of boats piled on top of each other at a marina that was destroyed by the severe weather. Authorities also reported downed trees and power lines, as well as damaged buildings in several counties. Violent tornadoes, thunderstorms, and large hail wreaked havoc across the state.
“It was the scariest thing I’ve ever been through. It happened so fast, and our ears were about to burst,” said Alicia Wilson, a Missouri resident who was evacuated from her home. She shared her experience with local news station KSDK.
In Missouri, officials confirmed six deaths in Wayne County, three in Ozark County, and one each in Butler, Jefferson, and St. Louis counties.
In Texas, four lives were lost in vehicle accidents tied to dust storms and fires that severely reduced visibility on the roads.
In Arkansas, three people were killed, and 29 others were injured. Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders declared a state of emergency and mentioned that she had spoken to President Donald Trump about the situation.
“He said to tell the people of Arkansas he loves them and that he and his administration are here to help with whatever we need following last night’s tornadoes,” Sanders posted on X.
By Saturday evening, over 200,000 homes and businesses across the central United States were without power, as reported by poweroutage.us.
The National Weather Service (NWS) issued further warnings for Mississippi and Tennessee, with forecasts predicting, “Numerous significant tornadoes, some of which may be long-track and potentially violent, should continue into this evening.”
Texas, Oklahoma, and Kansas, located in the heart of the “Tornado Alley,” are known for experiencing some of the most destructive tornadoes due to their unique weather patterns. This region, where varying temperatures collide, often leads to the formation of powerful and dangerous storms.
Although tornado season typically peaks between May and June, this recent tragedy highlights the year-round threat posed by extreme weather in the area.
In 2024, tornadoes claimed the lives of 54 people in the US, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).
Rescue and recovery efforts continue, with authorities urging residents in the affected areas to remain cautious as the storms persist.
