A series of powerful storms over the Memorial Day weekend resulted in significant damage and loss of life in several states across central and southern U.S. The affected regions are now dealing with the aftermath of destructive tornadoes and the ongoing threat of severe weather as the storm system moves eastward.
Severe Storms Cause Widespread Damage and Fatalities in Central and Southern U.S.
VALLEY VIEW, Texas – Over the Memorial Day weekend, a series of powerful storms swept across Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, and Kentucky, resulting in at least 20 fatalities and extensive damage to homes, businesses, and infrastructure. The severe weather, which included destructive tornadoes, left communities grappling with the aftermath while still facing possible further threats as the storm system moves east.
In Texas, particularly in Cooke County, a tornado on Saturday claimed seven lives as it struck a mobile home park. Oklahoma’s Mayes County saw two deaths, which were related to a tornado that affected an outdoor wedding. Arkansas reported eight fatalities, impacted severely by the storm system.
Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear declared a state of emergency following the deaths of three individuals. Among the hardest-hit areas in Kentucky was the community of Charleston, which sustained significant damage and was left without power, water, or utilities.
Power outages affected more than 600,000 customers across 12 states, with the highest numbers reported in Kentucky. Emergency services and relief workers are currently assisting affected locations.
The National Weather Service noted that this series of tornadoes is part of a historically severe season, compounded by climate change which may be contributing to the intensity of the events. April had the second-highest recorded number of tornadoes in U.S. history.
As of Monday, the threat of severe weather extends to a broad swath of the eastern United States, affecting millions and prompting warnings from Alabama to New York. Authorities urge residents in these areas to stay alert as the situation evolves.
Governor Beshear emphasized the extensive damage seen in counties such as Hopkins, where residents had just started to recover from a devastating tornado in 2021, only to face new destruction.
This ongoing severe weather underscores the unpredictable nature of storm systems and the need for preparedness and robust emergency response capabilities in affected regions.
Reporting by Bruce Schreiner, Julio Cortez, and Jeffrey Collins.
