At least 34 people have died after powerful tornadoes and severe storms swept across several southeastern US states, according to local officials. The devastation has left thousands without power, levelled homes, and caused significant disruption, with Missouri, Mississippi, and Kansas among the worst affected areas.
The extreme weather has triggered widespread emergency responses, with multiple states declaring a state of emergency. The National Weather Service (NWS) has warned of continued risks, including flash flooding and additional tornado activity, urging residents to take shelter as conditions remain hazardous.
Missouri and Mississippi Among Hardest-Hit States
Missouri has reported at least 12 fatalities, making it the state with the highest death toll from the storms, according to Governor Mike Kehoe. The Missouri Emergency Management Agency stated that 19 tornadoes had been recorded across 25 counties, causing widespread damage. In some cases, homes were reduced to unrecognisable piles of debris.
In Mississippi, Governor Tate Reeves confirmed that at least six people had died as tornadoes moved through the state, while flash flooding added to the destruction. The NWS issued urgent warnings about life-threatening floods, particularly in eastern Louisiana, western Tennessee, and parts of Arkansas and Alabama.
The scale of the disaster prompted swift responses from emergency services. In Butler County, Missouri, local coroner Jim Akers described the aftermath of one tornado, stating, “It was unrecognisable as a home. Just a debris field.” Other residents reported terrifying experiences, with some barely escaping collapsing buildings.
Multi-State Destruction and Extreme Weather Risks Persist
The severe weather extended beyond tornadoes, with Kansas witnessing a deadly pile-up caused by a dust storm. At least eight people died when a crash involving over 55 vehicles occurred due to poor visibility. Similarly, Texas saw three deaths linked to dust storms, adding to the widespread chaos.
Electricity outages affected over 250,000 homes and businesses across at least seven states, according to data from PowerOutage. Strong winds exceeding 97 km/h (60 mph) were reported in Shelby, Tennessee, worsening the conditions.
Meanwhile, the storm system fuelled over 100 wildfires across central states, with Oklahoma particularly affected. The 840 Road Fire alone has burned over 27,500 acres, with authorities stating that it remains completely uncontained. A red flag warning remains in place due to heightened fire risks.
As rescue operations continue, meteorologists warn that tornadoes remain a threat in Louisiana, Georgia, Tennessee, and the Florida Panhandle, with conditions still favourable for further extreme weather events. The NWS has described the situation as “particularly dangerous”, advising residents to seek shelter immediately if warnings are issued.
