A series of tornadoes tore through the central US, resulting in at least five fatalities, including a four-month-old baby, and leaving tens of thousands without power.
The storms struck on Friday, causing significant damage across several states.
Oklahoma bore the brunt of the devastation, with four deaths reported and a state of emergency declared in twelve counties.
Iowa also suffered casualties when a separate storm system hit the Midwest, claiming another life.
The National Weather Service (NWS) confirmed that some tornadoes during the storms had wind gusts exceeding 136 miles per hour.
These storms, spanning from Texas to Missouri, also brought heavy rainfall of up to seven inches in some areas within a short period.
Sulphur, Oklahoma, faced severe destruction, with homes flattened and vehicles overturned.
The town saw around 100 reported injuries, according to the Oklahoma State Department of Health. Holdenville and Marietta were also heavily impacted.
Political leaders expressed determination to recover and rebuild the affected areas.
Oklahoma’s Speaker of the House and Governor Kevin Stitt visited Sulphur, acknowledging the unprecedented damage.
US President Joe Biden offered federal support to Oklahoma, emphasizing the gravity of the destruction witnessed.
Nebraska and Iowa also faced tornadoes earlier in the week, prompting emergency declarations and highlighting ongoing severe weather threats across the region.
Meteorologists warned of continued risks of damaging winds and hail in specific areas, signaling ongoing challenges despite a reduced tornado threat.
Source-BBC
