A series of violent storms, with powerful tornadoes, wildfires, and dust storms, has claimed the lives of at least 37 people in various U.S. states. The devastating storm struck Friday and continued through the weekend, causing most damage in Mississippi, Missouri, Alabama, Arkansas, Oklahoma, and Texas.
Mississippi was hardest hit, with tornadoes destroying several counties, resulting in fatalities and wholesale displacement. Hailey Hart and her fiancé Steve Romero took shelter in their 1994 Toyota Celica in Tylertown, Mississippi, as a tornado ravaged their home. The car was turned over on its side before coming to rest on wheels. After the storm had passed, the two were able to hear cries for help emanating from their stranded neighbors. Despite the destruction, the two survived the gruesome ordeal.
Missouri was among the states worst hit by the storms, and at least 12 people were confirmed dead. The majority of the victims were found buried beneath the debris of their homes. In Wayne County, Dakota Henderson, and other responders recovered five bodies from the wreckage after a bloody tornado ravaged the area. “It’s disturbing for what happened to the people, the casualties,” Henderson said to describe the gruesomeness of the destruction.
Alabama and Arkansas suffered extensive destruction as well, with tornadoes claiming lives and towns in chaos. Three were reported dead in Alabama, while three deaths in Arkansas were also confirmed as a result of the storms.
Adding to the unrest, wildfires and dust storms wrought havoc in Texas and Oklahoma. Oklahoma saw over 130 fires, and nearly 300 houses were destroyed or damaged. Texas dust storms led to fatal traffic pileups on highways, including a gargantuan 50-car pileup in Kansas that resulted in eight fatalities.
Authorities warned that the potential for wildfires in Texas and Oklahoma remains high, with winds of 70 mph or higher. In the meantime, the National Weather Service continues to monitor the potential for dangerous winds as the storm system travels east.
While recovery efforts begin, residents and rescue teams continue to work toward rebuilding from the damage. President Donald Trump has promised federal aid to the devastated areas.
