Missouri (US States), 17 May (H.S.): Severe storms sweeping across the central United States have led to at least 21 fatalities, with possible tornado activity reported in Missouri and Kentucky, according to officials. Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear confirmed that 14 of these deaths occurred in the state after a tornado touched down in Laurel County around 11:49 p.m. on Saturday, inflicting numerous severe injuries, as per the Laurel County Sheriff’s Department. Rescue teams are currently searching for survivors, and Beshear warned that the death toll may rise. Five counties in Kentucky have declared states of emergency, and a statewide emergency was issued the day before, affecting over 100,000 customers without power.
In Missouri, particularly in St. Louis, five deaths have also been linked to the severe weather. Meteorologists are evaluating whether a tornado occurred, with damage reports and radar suggesting a likely tornado. St. Louis Fire Chief Dennis Jenkerson noted significant destruction that commenced during the afternoon rush hour, extending into southern Illinois. Approximately 5,000 homes have been damaged, with city officials focused on locating missing individuals amid the devastation. St. Louis Mayor Cara Spencer expressed deep community sorrow over the losses and the destruction.
In Scott County, Missouri, a tornado impacted rural areas, resulting in two fatalities and multiple injuries while wrecking homes and rendering neighborhoods unrecognizable. This severe weather event marks the third consecutive day of intense storms, with additional threats anticipated over the weekend. Earlier, severe thunderstorms affected the Great Lakes region, causing power outages for around 284,000 customers, particularly in Michigan. Wisconsin also experienced tornado activity, with notable damage reported in New Richmond and Hammond, while Madison faced significant hailstorms, with hailstones reaching two inches in diameter.
On Saturday, severe weather threatens Oklahoma, Arkansas, and central and northeast Texas, with risks of large hail, strong winds, and possible tornadoes. A low pressure system over the Oklahoma Panhandle is expected to foster rapidly developing thunderstorms early in the afternoon. The National Weather Service has issued warnings for tornadoes and severe storms across the area, noting that parts of Kentucky and Tennessee face a slight risk (Level 2 of 4) for potential flooding. Furthermore, the office in Jackson, Kentucky, has suspended overnight staffing due to downsizing efforts by the U.S. Department of Government Services.
The severe weather risk spans over 1,200 miles, with intense storms projected to reach from East Texas to the Mid-Atlantic by the weekend’s conclusion. Damaging gusts and heavy hail are anticipated to impact Kansas by Sunday. Additionally, another storm system is expected to develop further west, bringing strong tornadoes to areas of the Great Plains by Sunday.
From early Thursday to early Saturday, over 1,500 reports of severe weather have been documented across 24 states, with at least one tornado in nine of those states. Illinois has reported the highest number of tornado and wind damage incidents, while Wisconsin leads in hail reports. As the severe weather progresses, residents are urged to stay vigilant and be prepared for rapidly changing conditions.
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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar
