A deadly tornado swept through the central United States, causing at least 21 deaths in Missouri and Kentucky, and leaving many others critically injured. The severe weather has brought destruction to several states and is expected to persist into early next week.
Rescue teams are still searching for survivors in the rubble, and the casualties are expected to rise.
Large tornadoes have been reported in Missouri, Kentucky, Illinois, and Indiana.
According to Kentucky Governor Andy Beshar, at least 14 people have died in the state so far. Another 7 deaths were reported in Missouri.
The Laurel County Sheriff’s Office in Kentucky stated that the tornado swept through two neighborhoods and the London Corbin Airport area, causing “significant casualties” along its path.
The storm has destroyed homes in the Midwest and Great Lakes regions of the United States, knocking down power lines. As of early Saturday, more than 700,000 homes and businesses in several states were without power, according to Poweroutage.us.
Videos from the affected areas show severe devastation, with numerous houses destroyed, vehicles barely recognizable, debris scattered across the neighborhoods, and lightning flashing in the background.
As the weather system that spawned the deadly tornadoes weakens in Missouri and Kentucky, a new round of severe storms is expected near the Mexico border, putting over 20 million residents in the southwest United States at risk.
So far, at least 15 states, from Missouri to Michigan and New Jersey, have reported damage caused by hail, strong winds, and tornadoes.
St. Louis Mayor Cara Spencer confirmed at least 5 storm-related deaths in the city. With over 5,000 households impacted by the storm, she has implemented a city-wide curfew.
In Scott County, about a 2-hour drive south of St. Louis, the sheriff reported at least two storm-related deaths and multiple injuries.
Sheriff Derick Wheetley of Scott County stated, “Today, our southern region of the county was hit by a devastating tornado, causing severe damage to several rural areas.” The tornado moved from the eastern part of the county, leaving a trail of destruction, with numerous houses completely destroyed and some areas unrecognizable.
According to a Facebook post, the St. Louis Zoo suffered damage in the storm and will be closed until Saturday. Zoo staff reassured that all animals are safe, with no reports of severe injuries to staff, visitors, or animals.
Fox Forecast Center reported that the hard-hit Ohio River Valley will temporarily escape the threat of severe storms on Saturday as the focus shifts to inland New England.
On Saturday, the Southern Plains faced yet another round of severe weather threats, which could persist for several days. The National Storm Prediction Center emphasized that severe weather is likely to affect multiple regions in the United States early next week.
(Acknowledgment: This article references reports from CNN and Fox News.)