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At least 33 people were killed in a powerful cross-country storm system that has devastated much of the Midwest and Southeast since Friday, officials said.
The death toll continues to rise as severe weather and raging tornadoes obliterate homes, businesses and schools, leaving hundreds of thousands without power, with the monster storm expected to slam parts of the East Coast on Sunday.
Twelve fatalities were reported in Missouri – the most of any state struck by the storm – from scattered twisters, thunderstorms and large hail that ravaged dozens of communities.
“Homes and businesses have been destroyed, entire communities are without power and the road to recovery will not be easy,” Gov. Mike Kehoe said in a statement.
“But in every place I visited, I saw the best of Missouri – neighbors clearing debris, emergency responders working nonstop, and utility crews from across the region coming together to restore power. Shelters have opened their doors, and people are stepping up to help however they can. The ‘Show-Me’ spirit is alive and strong in the face of this disaster.”
At least eight people died and several injured in Kansas when a severe dust storm caused more than 50 cars to crash on I-70 near Sherman County Friday afternoon, according to the Kansas Highway Patrol.
Another three people died in car crashes when a dust storm whipped up in the Texas Panhandle, including in one pileup that involved an estimated 38 cars.
“It’s the worst I’ve ever seen,” said Sgt. Cindy Barkley of the state’s department of public safety, calling the near-zero visibility a nightmare.
“We couldn’t tell that they were all together until the dust kind of settled.”
Six deaths were reported in Mississippi – one in Covington County, two in Jeff Davis County, and three in Walthall County, Gov. Tate Reeves announced on X Saturday night.
Three people from Covington County and Walthall County are currently missing, with 29 injuries reported statewide and 21 counties sustaining storm damage. Approximately 16,000 residents are without power, he added.
“Thank you to all of our first responders, law enforcement officers, emergency managers, and crews who are working hard to assist our fellow Missippians,” Reeves said.
“Our entire state is grateful for your efforts and praying for you.”
Officials in Arkansas reported three weather-releated deaths in Independence County, with 32 others injured across eight counties, according to the Arkansas Division of Emergency Management.
Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders said about 50 National Guard members and 40 state police are on the ground providing aid, adding it could take her state weeks, or even months, to recover.
“Our goal is to help and aid the local folks on the ground and take care of people. We’ll worry about the paperwork later,” Sanders said on X.
One person died in a car accident in Oklahoma due to reduced visibility, CNN reported.
More than 40 reported tornadoes have swept across eight states in the past 24 hours, including Alabama, Missouri, Arkansas, Mississippi, Louisiana, Illinois, Indiana and Tennessee, ABC News reported.
Tornado watches remain in effect in portions of Mississippi, Alabama, Louisiana, Tennessee and Georgia as the powerful storm system moves east.
By Sunday, severe storms will slam the Carolinas and Virginia coast with damaging winds, tornadoes, and heavy rain, according to the National Weather Service.
“This evening, make sure your phones are charged and not silenced so you receive emergency weather alerts,” South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster warned on X.
“Dangerous storms may move into SC after bedtime. Be prepared to take action and seek shelter if directed to do so.”
