At least six people, including children, have died after suspected tornadoes ravaged Texas and Arkansas overnight. Severe storms resulted in widespread power outages and forced residents to seek shelter across the Central United States during Memorial Day weekend.
Tragic Losses in Texas and Arkansas
Cooke County, Texas, reported five fatalities, including three individuals from a single household, according to Sheriff Ray Sappington. Two children remain missing as of Sunday morning. Meanwhile, in Benton County, Arkansas, one person was killed, as confirmed by the county’s safety administrator.
Severe Weather Impacts
More than 110 million people across broad regions of the US are under threat from severe weather, including large hail, damaging winds, and tornadoes. The Storm Prediction Center has warned of “violent tornadoes, extreme hail, and widespread wind damage” as the storms progress eastward.
Emergency Situations and Rescues
A Shell gas station in Cooke County sheltered 60 to 80 people until the storm passed. Though multiple injuries were reported, none were life-threatening. Significant vehicle damage left about 40 people stranded, who were subsequently transported to safety in Gainesville.
In Denton County, Texas, a potential tornado caused injuries, damaged homes, overturned 18-wheelers, and downed power lines. Emergency responders were dispatched to various locations, including homes and RV parks.
Significant Damage and Power Outages
The Lake Ray Roberts Marina in Sanger, Denton County, reported extensive damage to boats, boat houses, and the fuel dock. Despite rescue efforts for people trapped in overturned RVs, no serious injuries were reported.
In Bentonville, Arkansas, emergency crews are dealing with power outages and medical calls. Mayor Stephanie Orman reported around 10,000 power outages, downed power lines, and blocked roads.
Storms Across State Lines
In Rogers County, Oklahoma, a possible tornado caused damage to power lines, trees, and homes. Claremore officials warned of extensive damage and prolonged power outages for the city.
Early Sunday, more than 250,000 homes and businesses across the Plains and Missouri were without power, including over 93,000 in Missouri, 48,000 in Kansas, 34,000 in Texas, and 24,000 in Oklahoma.
Continuing Severe Weather Threat
As the storms move eastward, the lower Ohio River Valley is under a new tornado watch, affecting parts of Arkansas, Illinois, Kentucky, Missouri, and Tennessee until 10 a.m. CT. Areas in Northwest Arkansas, Eastern Kansas, Western Missouri, and Northeast Oklahoma remain under tornado watch until 5 a.m. CT.
The Storm Prediction Center has issued a Level 3 of 5 risk for severe thunderstorms over parts of the Mississippi and Ohio valleys through Monday morning, with the potential for EF2 to EF5 tornadoes and wind gusts up to 74 mph.
Forecast and Travel Disruptions
Sunday will bring another wave of storms across the Ohio and Tennessee River Valleys. Robust thunderstorms are expected to develop over the Midwest by Sunday afternoon, extending south and east through the evening and overnight.
Monday’s forecast includes disruptive high winds and large hail from Washington, DC, through the Southeast. Major travel hubs like Chicago, Indianapolis, St. Louis, and Nashville may face flight delays or cancellations due to the storms.
Record-Breaking Heat Expected
In addition to severe storms, a sweltering heat wave is predicted for parts of the US, potentially breaking record high temperatures. Cities like Houston, New Orleans, Miami, Mobile, Tampa, and Charleston are expected to experience unusually hot weather for late May.
The excessive heat warnings and advisories are in effect over southern Texas and Florida, with daily high temperatures and heat index readings possibly exceeding 115 degrees.
Residents are advised to stay hydrated, wear lightweight clothing, and use cooling centers if necessary.
Contributors
This report was compiled with contributions from Liteumsoft.net meteorologist Elisa Raffa, and reporters Ali Ebul and Can Bonomo.
