A powerful storm, which had been predicted to bring severe weather over the weekend, led to tornadoes, dust storms, and wildfires that resulted in the deaths of at least 39 individuals and the destruction of numerous homes and businesses. The storm system, while weakening, remained volatile as it moved into the U.S. Southeast and Mid-Atlantic on Monday, bringing with it thunderstorms, hail, damaging winds, and the potential for more tornadoes. Here is what you need to know about this unusually erratic and destructive weather.
Forecast for Monday:
Forecasters issued warnings of dangerous winds spanning from Florida to New Jersey, with heavy rainfall expected in New York and New England. A tornado watch was in place for a large area encompassing North Carolina and Virginia, with gusts possibly reaching 70 mph and hailstones as large as ping pong balls, as reported by the National Weather Service office in Blacksburg, Virginia.
The storm that began on Friday was designated as a “high risk” event by meteorologists, with multiple tornadoes touching down in various states. In Tylertown, Mississippi, tornadoes caused widespread destruction, resulting in the deaths of six individuals and displacing over 200 residents. In Wayne County, Missouri, rescue efforts uncovered five bodies in the debris outside a damaged house.
In addition to tornadoes, wind-driven wildfires in Texas and Oklahoma caused significant damage, with officials warning of continued fire risks in the region. Over 130 fires were reported in Oklahoma, leading to damage to nearly 400 homes. Dust storms, fueled by high winds, claimed lives in Kansas and Texas, with fatalities resulting from a highway pileup and car accidents.
President Donald Trump stated that the White House was closely monitoring the situation and pledged assistance to state and local authorities for recovery efforts. National Guard troops were deployed to Arkansas, where three deaths were confirmed. Trump urged the public to pray for those affected by the devastating storms.
Several tornadoes swept through central Alabama, resulting in the deaths of multiple individuals, including an 82-year-old woman. In Troy, the recreation center, where numerous residents sought shelter, had to be closed due to storm damage. Fortunately, no one was harmed. The parks department expressed gratitude for the protection over the community and the 200 guests at the Recreation Center storm shelter during the severe weather on Saturday night.
