Some 37 people have died as powerful tornadoes and storms tore through the US Midwest and South, leaving widespread destruction in their wake.
The State of Missouri was hardest hit, with at least 12 fatalities reported after twisters began to form on Friday. Reports say the severe weather also displaced thousands and left hundreds of thousands without power.
Meanwhile, in Texas and Kansas, fierce winds triggered massive dust storms, leading to deadly vehicle pile-ups that claimed at least a dozen lives.
Also, in Oklahoma battled nearly 150 wildfires, as dry conditions and high winds fueled fast-moving blazes. Fatalities were also confirmed in Arkansas, Alabama, and Mississippi, highlighting the widespread impact of the extreme weather.
Beyond the tornadoes, parts of Texas, Louisiana, Alabama, Arkansas, Tennessee, Mississippi, Georgia, Kentucky, and North Carolina remain under flood advisories, as heavy rainfall has caused rivers to swell and inundate communities. Emergency responders are working tirelessly to rescue stranded residents and assess damage.
The storm system also crippled infrastructure, with more than 320,000 people left without electricity by Sunday evening, according to PowerOutageUS. Utility companies are scrambling to restore power, but officials warn that recovery could take days due to the scale of destruction.
With severe weather patterns becoming more frequent and intense, experts warn of a growing climate challenge. Authorities are urging residents to remain on high alert, as meteorologists predict further storms could develop in the coming days.
