Severe storms left a trail of destruction across the southern and midwestern United States on Sunday, killing at least 15 people. Rescue workers and police searched the rubble in several places for possible victims and treated dozens of injured people.
Deaths were reported on Sunday evening in the states of Texas, Arkansas, Oklahoma and Kentucky. American media reported hailstones the size of tennis balls. In Oklahoma, preliminary estimates indicate one of the storms reached at least level three out of five – tornadoes in this classification can reach speeds of up to 165 miles per hour.
Half a million people without electricity
Local authorities and eyewitnesses shared photos and videos of the destruction on social media. The storms toppled heavy tractors and their loads, leveled buildings and downed power lines. Nearly half a million people in nine states were without power early Sunday evening, according to CNN.
Cooke County, Texas, near Dallas, was particularly hard hit. As reported, citing the sheriff in charge, a storm first destroyed a rest stop on a highway and then raged in a trailer park.
More than a hundred people have been injured in Texas alone
Seven people died, including four children. There were more than 100 injuries across Texas, state Governor Greg Abbott said at a news conference. Hundreds of houses were destroyed as a result. The extent of the destruction only slowly became clear on Sunday evening. A state of emergency has been declared in several regions.
In the US, Monday is a holiday – the long “Memorial Day Weekend” unofficially kicks off summer with the opening of the swimming season. Many Americans come together to swim and barbecue. In some places the festivities are now likely to be canceled due to the risk of storms. The National Weather Service has issued additional severe weather and tornado warnings for several states. Heat warnings were also in effect in south Texas as temperatures felt like they were above 45 degrees.
Experts attribute the increase in natural disasters in the US – storms, floods and wildfires – to the effects of climate change. According to the National Weather Service, the number of tornadoes has multiplied in recent years.
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
