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At least 27 people were killed and dozens more injured on Saturday as tornadoes and severe storms swept across the central United States, leaving behind a trail of destruction, officials confirmed.
Local media captured roofs torn homes, large trucks overturned, and entire neighborhoods battered by powerful winds.
Authorities have warned that more tornadoes could strike this weekend.
In Kansas, eight people lost their lives in a multi-vehicle crash involving more than 50 cars, caused by low visibility during a severe dust storm, local police reported.
Meanwhile, Missouri recorded 12 storm-related fatalities, with the State Highway Patrol sharing images of boats stacked atop one another at a marina destroyed by the weather.
Authorities reported downed trees and power lines, damaged buildings across several counties, with violent tornadoes, thunderstorms, and large hail causing chaos.
“It was the scariest thing I’ve ever been through. It happened so fast, and our ears were about to burst,” said Alicia Wilson, a Missouri resident who was evacuated from her home, speaking to local station KSDK.
Missouri officials confirmed six fatalities in Wayne County, three in Ozark County, and one each in Butler, Jefferson, and St. Louis counties.
In Texas, four people died in vehicle accidents linked to dust storms and fires, reducing visibility on the roads.
In Arkansas, three people were killed and 29 others injured. Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders declared a state of emergency and said she had spoken to President Donald Trump about the crisis.
“He said to tell the people of Arkansas he loves them and that he and his administration are here to help with whatever we need following last night’s tornadoes,” Sanders posted on X.
By Saturday evening, at least 200,000 homes and businesses across the central US were without power, according to tracking site poweroutage.us.
The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued further warnings for Mississippi and Tennessee, forecasting: “Numerous significant tornadoes, some of which may be long-track and potentially violent, should continue into this evening.”
The central and southern US states of Texas, Oklahoma, and Kansas experience some of the most violent tornadoes due to their unique weather patterns.
Dubbed “Tornado Alley”, this region sees winds of widely varying temperatures colliding to form dangerous storms.
While most tornadoes occur between May and June, this latest disaster shows the year-round threat posed by extreme weather in the region.
In 2024, 54 people died in tornado-related incidents in the US, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, NOAA.
Officials continue rescue and recovery operations, urging residents in affected states to remain vigilant as storms persist.
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