Deadly Tornado Outbreak Hits Missouri and Surrounding States
At least 18 people are dead across three states following a widespread and dangerous severe weather outbreak, which started on Friday and continued during the first half of the weekend. The severe weather outbreak brought monster tornadoes that swept through Missouri, causing widespread damage and killing three people in the state.
Destruction and Casualties
Most of the destruction was in southeastern Missouri, where the state’s highway patrol said six deaths occurred in Wayne County, three were reported in Ozark County, and two were confirmed in Butler and Jefferson counties. St. Louis County police said a woman was found dead near electrical lines in the backyard of her home. In Arkansas, three fatalities were confirmed in Independence County, and 29 people were reported injured in eight counties in connection to a storm system that moved through the state overnight.
Tornadoes and Storms
The weather service said at least five tornadoes were reported in Missouri on Friday, including one in the Saint Louis area. Several buildings were damaged, and Missouri authorities said 10 people died. The Storm Prediction Center warned that fast-moving storms would spawn twisters and hail as large as baseballs, but the greatest threat would come from straight-line winds near or exceeding hurricane force, with gusts of 100 mph possible.
Affected Areas
In Mississippi, three residents were killed, and multiple others were injured around the town of Darbun. The Storm Prediction Center said parts of Mississippi, including Jackson and Hattiesburg, and areas of Alabama, including Birmingham and Tuscaloosa, would be at a high risk. Severe storms and tornadoes were also possible across eastern Louisiana, western Georgia, central Tennessee, and the western Florida Panhandle.
Personal Account of a Tornado
A father and son stopped for gas in Rolla, Missouri, Friday night, only to find themselves in the middle of a potential tornado. Tad Peters took video of the scary moment when he and his father Rich were surrounded by debris and intense winds. "Is this coming? Oh it’s here, it’s here … we’re in a tornado!" Peters can be heard saying.
What’s Next
"Potentially violent" tornadoes were expected Saturday in parts of the central Gulf Coast and Deep South into the Tennessee Valley, according to the National Weather Service. The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported that the storm had caused significant damage in the area.
Conclusion
The severe weather outbreak that hit Missouri and surrounding states has left a trail of destruction and death. With the risk of more severe storms and tornadoes still present, residents are advised to stay alert and follow evacuation instructions. The full extent of the damage and casualties is still being assessed, but it is clear that this outbreak will have a lasting impact on the affected communities.
