At least 20 people have died in the US, including 12 in Missouri alone, after devastating tornadoes swept through several southeastern states, overturning vehicles and destroying homes.
In addition to the fatalities in Missouri, three individuals were killed in a car crash during a dust storm in Texas, with further deaths reported in Oklahoma and Arkansas. According to the tracker PowerOutage, more than 240,000 properties were without power across six states, including Texas, Missouri, and Illinois, as of Saturday afternoon.
Severe weather conditions are expected to persist in the region, prompting tornado watches in central Mississippi, eastern Louisiana, and western Tennessee. Flash flood warnings have also been issued in these areas, affecting parts of Alabama and Arkansas, as the dangerous weather pattern continues to move across the southeast. The National Weather Service (NWS) has indicated that the flash floods could be life-threatening.
On Saturday morning, a tornado warning—the highest level of alert—was issued for central Mississippi. The NWS warned of “multiple intense to violent long-track tornadoes,” declaring the situation “particularly dangerous.” They advised residents to seek shelter in the sturdiest structures available until the storms pass.
Missouri Governor Mike Kehoe expressed concern about the devastation, stating that the state has faced “severe storms and tornadoes, leaving homes destroyed and lives lost.” Initial reports from Missouri’s emergency management indicated that 19 tornadoes struck 25 counties within a short period.
In Arkansas, three people lost their lives, leading Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders to declare a state of emergency. Governor Brian Kemp of Georgia also declared a state of emergency as severe weather was predicted to impact his state.
The NWS has forecast that the threat of tornadoes may extend into Alabama, Florida, and Georgia over the weekend. Additionally, one fatality was reported in Oklahoma, attributed to the storms.
The dust storm that contributed to the three deaths in Texas resulted in a pile-up involving an estimated 38 vehicles. The Texas Department of Public Safety reported, “It’s the worst I’ve ever seen,” with Sgt. Cindy Barkley commenting on the chaotic scene as visibility returned after the dust settled.
Texas and Oklahoma have faced destructive storms leading to over 100 wildfires and the overturning of multiple semi-trailer trucks. One fire, known as the 840 Road Fire, has burned 27,500 acres and is currently 0% contained. The Oklahoma Forestry Service issued a “red flag” warning for the panhandle area due to severe fire risk.
Tornadoes typically form when warm, moist air rises and mixes with colder air above, creating the necessary thunderclouds. Rotating winds can cause the air to form a vortex, leading to tornado development.
The states affected by the recent tornadoes fall within a region colloquially known as Tornado Alley, which is particularly prone to such weather phenomena due to its geography.
In 2024, tornado-related incidents resulted in 54 fatalities across the US, with casualties reported in Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, and Missouri. Although peak tornado season in Tornado Alley typically runs from May to June, meteorologists caution that these storms can occur at any time throughout the year.
Credit: BBC News
