VALLEY VIEW, Texas (AP) — Powerful storms wreaked havoc across Texas, Oklahoma, and Arkansas, leaving at least 18 people dead, hundreds injured, and a path of destruction in their wake. The storms decimated homes and obliterated a truck stop where many sought refuge in a restroom during the latest deadly weather event in the central U.S.
The most severe damage occurred in an area stretching from north of Dallas to the northwest corner of Arkansas, and there were concerns of more violent weather affecting other parts of the Midwest. Forecasters predicted that the greatest risk would shift eastward, encompassing a wide area from Alabama to near New York City by Monday.
Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear declared a state of emergency early Monday following reports of wind damage and tornadoes.
In Cooke County, Texas, near the Oklahoma border, seven people lost their lives due to a tornado that tore through a rural area near a mobile home park on Saturday night. Among the dead were two children aged 2 and 5. Three family members were found deceased in one home, as reported by the county sheriff.
The storms also claimed the lives of two individuals in Oklahoma, eight people in Arkansas, and one person in Kentucky, with tens of thousands of residents left without power across the region.
In Texas, about 100 people were injured, over 200 homes and structures were destroyed, and winds estimated at 135 mph caused severe damage in the Valley View area. Texas Gov. Greg Abbott expressed his sorrow over the devastation caused by the storms.
Abbott also recalled the recent severe weather incidents in Texas, including the storms that resulted in eight fatalities in Houston at the beginning of the month. In response to the latest storm, he amended a severe weather disaster declaration to include more counties.
A survivor from Farmers Branch, north of Dallas, shared his experience of taking cover in a bathroom at the truck stop as the storm ripped through the building, leaving behind a trail of destruction and debris.
As the cleanup efforts began, it was confirmed that multiple people had been transported to hospitals for treatment in Denton County, north of Dallas.
Although the situation remained dire, responders were hopeful that no more deaths would occur and that no individuals were reported missing in Texas. Meanwhile, Arkansas Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders confirmed eight casualties in the state, with details of the deaths given during a news conference.
Additional casualties were reported in Oklahoma and Kentucky, including a man who lost his life in Louisville due to a falling tree during the storm.
A DEADLY SERIES OF STORMS
The recent storm added to the already grim month of severe weather across the nation’s midsection. Tornadoes in Iowa last week resulted in multiple casualties and injuries, raising concerns about the increasing severity of storms exacerbated by climate change.
Meteorologists issued urgent warnings for people to seek shelter as the storms moved through the region, emphasizing the need for immediate action to ensure safety.
Experts pointed to a pattern of warm, moist air as a significant factor contributing to the string of tornadoes over the past two months.
HOMES DESTROYED, ROADS BLOCKED
The aftermath of the storms revealed overturned cars, collapsed garages, and devastated homes, leaving residents shocked and assessing the damage. In Valley View, where the truck stop was ravaged, homes were left roofless and windows blown out.
Residents recounted their experiences of seeking shelter during the storm, with some facing trapped family members and friends in the rubble of destroyed homes. The impact of the storm was evident in the widespread destruction and power outages.
WIDESPREAD POWER OUTAGES
The severe weather led to power outages affecting tens of thousands of homes and businesses in the storm-affected areas.
Reports indicated that over 80,000 customers in Arkansas and over 90,000 in Missouri were without power, with additional outages in Texas and Oklahoma. Inaccessible roads and downed power lines further complicated the situation.
MORE SEVERE WEATHER IN FORECAST
The severe weather system was expected to move eastward over the holiday weekend, prompting authorities to issue warnings for additional storms in Illinois, Missouri, Kentucky, and Tennessee.
The risk of severe weather extended to North Carolina and Virginia on Monday, with forecasters closely monitoring the situation. To track the progress of the storm system, readers were directed to The Associated Press’ Tornado Tracker.
Contributions to this report were made by Associated Press reporters across various states.
