Severe Tornadoes and Flooding Hit Central U.S., Leaving Widespread Damage and Disruption

Oklahoma, The Gulf Observer: A powerful series of tornadoes struck several states on Wednesday, causing significant property damage and triggering flash flooding. The storms impacted Missouri, Arkansas, Kentucky, Indiana, and Oklahoma, leaving destruction in their wake, while heavy rainfall led to widespread flooding.

Tornado watches were issued for approximately 17 million people across Arkansas, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Missouri, Mississippi, and Tennessee, lasting until at least midnight CDT. Forecasters warned of large, destructive tornadoes within these regions, with some areas already under flash flood warnings. Over 1.4 million people were affected by the flooding risk, while multiple days of rain in some regions could lead to “generational” flooding, especially in Arkansas, Missouri, Tennessee, and Mississippi.

Nearly 400,000 people were reported without power, according to Poweroutage.us, and the storm’s impact was also felt at major airports. At Chicago O’Hare International Airport, 448 flight cancellations and over 1,300 delays were reported, while Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport saw 115 cancellations and over 1,100 delays, according to FlightAware.

In Missouri, near Potosi, about 72 miles southwest of St. Louis, a tornado destroyed homes and structures, although no fatalities were reported. Some minor injuries were noted, and several cars were overturned. In Springfield, a tornado damaged several homes and businesses, including the roofs of houses and the structural integrity of commercial properties. The National Weather Service confirmed that an EF-1 tornado traveled 17 miles in just 12 minutes.

In Stoddard County, Missouri, another suspected tornado injured at least one person. Tornado warnings were in effect across more than 70 miles in the St. Louis area. In Ballard County, Kentucky, four people sheltering in a van were injured after a tornado struck a local church. The church suffered severe damage, with the victims taken to the hospital, one in critical condition.

Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear declared a state of emergency through Sunday, particularly for western communities along the Mississippi and Ohio rivers. Governor Beshear expressed concern about the safety of residents, especially overnight, when tornadoes can be especially deadly.

In Indiana, a tornado in Carmel toppled a radio tower and caused extensive damage to buildings. Trees were uprooted due to the saturated ground conditions. As much as 32 million people are expected to be affected by severe weather through Sunday, with a high risk of flooding and thunderstorms across the Mississippi Valley.

Severe weather warnings remain in effect, with the potential for torrential rain, high winds, and tornadoes. The Mississippi Valley is especially vulnerable, and forecasters are concerned about the danger posed by these storms, including the possibility of high winds and widespread damage.

In Pittsburgh, strong thunderstorms with hail of up to 1.5 inches in diameter hit the area on Wednesday afternoon. Meanwhile, Tennessee’s National Weather Service is predicting up to 10 inches of rainfall through Sunday, along with widespread thunderstorms in Memphis starting Wednesday night.

As the storm system moves from the Great Plains through the Mississippi Valley and Upper Midwest, authorities are urging residents to stay alert and take necessary precautions to stay safe.