Over the weekend, powerful storms ravaged the US Midwest and South, bringing devastating tornadoes to multiple states, including Alabama, Arkansas, Missouri, Kansas, and Mississippi, leaving at least 40 dead. The National Weather Service across Louisiana, Mississippi, and Arkansas confirmed at least five tornadoes. At 12:15 p.m., an EF3 tornado with 136–165 mph winds made landfall in Kentwood, Louisiana, and at 1:15 p.m., an EF2 tornado with 111–135 mph winds made landfall in Tylertown, Mississippi. Four people were hurt when a tornado with peak speeds of 125 mph slammed into Paragould, Arkansas. Assessments of tornado damage are still being conducted.

An EF4 tornado with peak speeds of 190 mph was confirmed in Arkansas, close to Diaz and Larkin. Since 2021, the state has not seen an EF4 tornado until now. A third documented storm-related death occurred in Dallas County, Alabama, which also reported considerable damage. Although there were no recorded injuries, Calera suffered significant damage to a school and a mobile home park.

Oklahoma Wildfires and Widespread Power Outages

In Oklahoma, flames caused by strong winds resulted in 142 injuries, including seven burn victims, and four fatalities. Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt declared a state of emergency for 12 counties as a result of the fires, which were intensified by the storm system. Thirteen counties have received approval for federal assistance. A father who was attempting to defend his family’s Chandler property was one among the victims; his son is still in the hospital after suffering severe burns.

Over 380,000 people in several states experienced power outages; in Pennsylvania alone, over 150,000 were reported. There were also major disruptions in West Virginia, Virginia, Missouri, and Ohio. With gusts of up to 50 mph, Philadelphia International Airport issued a warning about flight delays.

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Ongoing Recovery Efforts and Federal Response

At least 12 people were killed, and one person was reported missing in Missouri, where authorities called the devastation “staggering.” Citing the destruction of hundreds of homes, businesses, and schools, Governor Mike Kehoe proclaimed a state of emergency. There were 27 verified injuries and six confirmed deaths in Mississippi. Three people were later discovered alive after being reported missing.

President Donald Trump promised that federal resources were available to help impacted communities and said he was keeping an eye on the situation. As recovery efforts continue, officials warn that the full extent of destruction caused when powerful storms ravaged US Midwest and South is still being assessed. A severe thunderstorm watch is in place for portions of New York as the storm system continues to affect the East Coast. As the storm moves offshore, meteorologists warn of isolated tornadoes and potentially gusty winds in the Mid-Atlantic region.

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