Over 40 Lives Lost as Severe Weather Ravages US Midwest and South

The US Midwest and South have been struck by severe weather, including tornadoes and wildfires, resulting in at least 40 deaths and extensive damage. Missouri has been the hardest hit, with significant devastation reported and emergency measures activated in several states.

At least 40 individuals have tragically lost their lives following a series of tornadoes that tore through the Midwest and Southern regions of the United States. The destruction began on Friday, with Missouri experiencing the worst of the violent storms, recording at least a dozen fatalities.

In addition to the tornadoes, Texas and Kansas faced destructive dust storms that led to multiple vehicle accidents, contributing to a growing death toll. The extreme weather, affecting a region populated by more than 100 million residents, has also sparked nearly 150 wildfires in Oklahoma, causing significant fatalities and devastation.

Flood advisories have been issued across multiple states, including Texas, Louisiana, Alabama, Arkansas, Tennessee, Mississippi, Georgia, Kentucky, and North Carolina. As of Sunday evening, over 320,000 residents were without power, as reported by PowerOutageUS.

States of emergency have been enacted in Arkansas, Georgia, and Oklahoma amidst the ongoing crisis. Missouri’s Governor, Mike Kehoe, described the devastation as "staggering," noting that hundreds of homes, schools, and businesses have either been destroyed or severely impacted by the storms.

In Butler County, Missouri, a tornado devastated a residence, rendering it "unrecognizable." Local coroner Jim Akers described the scene as a "debris field," highlighting the power of the storm as the floor of the home was reportedly turned upside down.

In Oklahoma, nearly 150 wildfires, fueled by winds reaching 83 mph (133 km/h), have claimed at least four lives, damaging vast areas and properties, including the farmhouse of State Governor Kevin Stitt. Kansas reported at least eight deaths linked to a massive vehicle crash caused by a dust storm, while dust storms in Texas were responsible for a separate pile-up involving around 38 cars, resulting in four additional fatalities.

The storms have also impacted Mississippi and Alabama, with reports indicating six deaths in Mississippi and three in Alabama, including an elderly woman. Arkansas reported three deaths and 29 injuries due to the weather events.

In response to the disaster, US President Donald Trump announced the deployment of the National Guard to assist with recovery efforts in Arkansas, urging citizens to pray for those affected by the catastrophic storms.