On Sunday, April 20, the police in Oklahoma announced that severe weather and floods in parts of the southern and central Midwest regions of the United States over the Easter weekend have resulted in at least two fatalities in the state, including a child. The victims were unable to escape as they were trapped in vehicles submerged in floodwaters.
Moore, Oklahoma, located about 11 miles south of Oklahoma City, experienced unprecedented weather conditions over the weekend. The Moore police issued a statement saying, “This is a historic weather event that has impacted roads and caused dozens of high-water rescues.”
“One vehicle went off the road and was swept under a bridge. Despite the efforts, all passengers except two were rescued,” the statement continued. “We are saddened to report that two individuals, including an adult female and a 12-year-old male, were found deceased.”
The Moore police urged people to stay indoors and responded to emergency calls from over a dozen residents on Saturday evening reporting that their vehicles were stranded in high water.
Flood warnings have been issued throughout Oklahoma, indicating that floods are either occurring or imminent.
The National Weather Service in the United States forecasted on Sunday that severe thunderstorms are expected to occur across a large area extending from eastern Texas to southeastern Iowa and Illinois, with the possibility of severe tornadoes and destructive winds in central Arkansas to central Missouri.
Additionally, tornado warnings have been issued for parts of Arkansas, Kansas, Louisiana, Missouri, and Oklahoma.
Earlier this month, a deadly spring storm swept through a vast region from Texas to Ohio, triggering tornadoes and heavy rain which resulted in the loss of lives in several southern and central Midwest states.
(This article was adapted from a report by Reuters)