Severe storms and tornadoes have struck the U.S. Midwest and South, resulting in the deaths of more than 20 people.
In southeastern Kentucky’s Laurel County, nine fatalities were reported after a tornado caused widespread destruction—collapsing buildings and overturning vehicles. Residents received two tornado warnings shortly before the event. Search and rescue teams worked through the night and continued efforts the following morning, with an emergency shelter set up in a local high school and donations of food and supplies arriving.
Missouri’s St. Louis area suffered at least seven deaths, including one during a church collapse where firefighters were rescuing trapped individuals. Downed trees and traffic lights created chaos, prompting officials to urge people to stay home.
In Scott County, about 200 kilometers south of St. Louis, a tornado caused two deaths and multiple injuries, destroying numerous homes.
Warnings of severe storms with possible tornadoes, hail, and winds exceeding 120 km/h were issued for parts of Kentucky, southern Indiana, southern Illinois, Tennessee, Missouri, Arkansas, and Ohio.
Meanwhile, Illinois reported tornado warnings near Marion with no initial reports of damage or injuries. A dust storm warning affected a 160 km stretch from southwest Chicago to northern Indiana, reducing visibility significantly.
The southern U.S. is battling intense heat, with Texas seeing temperatures between 35 to 40.5°C and southern parts of the East Coast experiencing highs of 32 to 37°C. Humidity is expected to increase the heat index over the weekend.
