At least 16 dead as monster tornadoes tear across US as further severe weather warnings issued
At least 16 people have been killed across the US as a powerful storm system unleashed multiple tornadoes across several states in the south and midwest.
The deadly weather event struck across Missouri, Arkansas, Mississippi and other states, leaving a trail of destruction in its wake.
At least 26 tornadoes were reported to have touched down late on Friday night and early Saturday, according to the National Weather Service.
Forecasters warn that the severe storm threat will continue into the weekend.
Missouri has been hit particularly hard, with state highway patrol reporting 10 deaths across four counties.
Wayne County suffered six fatalities, while Ozark, Butler and Jefferson Counties each reported additional deaths.
In Arkansas, three storm-related deaths were confirmed in Independence county, with 29 people injured across eight counties.
Three people were killed in Texas during car crashes amid a dust storm in Amarillo county.
“It’s the worst I’ve ever seen,” said Sgt Cindy Barkley of Texas’ department of public safety, describing the near-zero visibility as “a nightmare”.
In Mississippi, at least three people have been hospitalised in Grenada county, with numbers expected to rise.
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Weather forecasters are warning of continued severe threats across the region.
“Today there is a high risk for more tornadoes across Alabama and Mississippi, the chance is 30 per cent” said David Roth, a meteorologist at the National Weather Service. “That’s pretty significant.”
The National Weather Service has issued multiple tornado and severe thunderstorm warnings for areas in Alabama, Kentucky, Mississippi, Tennessee, Illinois, Indiana and Texas.
The highest risk of tornadoes and severe thunderstorms is expected Saturday night.
“Potentially violent” tornadoes are forecast for parts of the central Gulf coast and deep south into the Tennessee valley.
Officials are urging residents to take proper safety precautions as the storms continue.
The National Weather Service has warned people not to seek refuge in vehicles, under overpasses or trees during tornadoes.
Instead, residents should drive to a designated shelter, basement or safe room.
“The next best option for shelter is a small, windowless room or hallway on the lowest floor of a sturdy building,” the agency advised.
Missouri’s highway patrol issued a stark warning: “We urge residents to stay away from debris-filled areas, watch for downed power lines and follow regional emergency services for localised updates.”
The storm system has triggered multiple emergencies beyond the tornadoes.
In Oklahoma, evacuations were ordered as more than 130 fires were reported across the state.
Strong winds toppled several tractor-trailers on highways.
“This is terrible out here,” said truck driver Charles Daniel. “There’s a lot of sand and dirt in the air.”
Power outages have affected more than 300,000 homes and businesses across Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri, Illinois and Indiana.
Further north, blizzard warnings were issued for parts of western Minnesota and eastern South Dakota.
Snow accumulations of 3-6 inches were expected, with up to a foot possible in some areas.