More tornadoes battered the central United States on Monday, compounding the damage from a string of deadly storms that have killed over two dozen people and displaced thousands. The storms have left a trail of destruction from Texas to Kentucky, with emergency services stretched and communities facing long recovery efforts.
Kentucky, Missouri, Oklahoma and other central states are reeling from days of severe weather marked by tornadoes, flooding, high winds and hail. With federal assistance pending and infrastructure in disarray, local authorities are managing disaster response while evaluating immense physical and human loss.
Tornado Outbreaks Persist as Central States Count the Cost
At least four tornadoes struck Oklahoma and Nebraska on Monday evening, worsening conditions in areas already recovering from previous storms, according to the National Weather Service (NWS).
In McAlester, southeast Oklahoma, downed power lines and road blockages were reported, while Wilburton, just 28 miles east, issued urgent warnings as a tornado approached the city.
Power outages continued across the region, affecting nearly 130,000 customers in Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri and Kansas, according to PowerOutage.us. In northern Texas, hailstones measuring over four inches in diameter were confirmed.
Severe weather also disrupted public services, including the cancellation of a Halsey concert in Arkansas and suspension of afterschool activities in Tulsa.
In St. Louis, Missouri, an EF3 tornado on Friday damaged more than 5,000 buildings and left five dead. The city estimates financial losses to exceed $1.6 billion, with Mayor Cara Spencer describing the impact as “eight miles of pure destruction”.
Federal assistance has not yet materialised, raising concerns among state officials about response delays. According to Senator Josh Hawley, similar aid from a March storm remains pending.
Kentucky Bears the Brunt as Local Responders Lead Recovery
Kentucky has recorded the highest death toll, with 19 fatalities linked to a tornado that struck Laurel County from late Friday into Saturday. The storm left hundreds homeless, damaged major infrastructure and disrupted essential services.
In London, Kentucky, the city’s small airport sustained a direct hit and has since become a central logistics hub for relief distribution, including food, water and medical supplies.
The emotional and physical toll has also been significant. A firefighter, Major Leslie Leatherman, died shielding a woman during the storm—later identified as his own wife.
According to the local fire department, it remains unclear whether he knew her identity during the incident. Meanwhile, residents like Ashley Taylor, who survived the storm in a neighbour’s crawlspace with nine others and three dogs, returned to support the community despite personal loss.
While damage assessments continue across Kansas and Texas, including areas such as Gordon and Greensburg, forecasters have warned of further storms moving towards Alabama, Mississippi and Tennessee.
