Powerful storms wreaked havoc in Texas, Oklahoma, and Arkansas, causing at least 15 fatalities and injuring hundreds of people. The storms demolished homes, destroyed a truck stop where many sought shelter, and left a trail of destruction across the central U.S. The worst damage occurred from north of Dallas to the northwest corner of Arkansas, with winds reaching up to 135 mph. Texas Governor Greg Abbott confirmed seven deaths in Cooke County, including two children, and reported that over 200 homes and structures were destroyed.
The storms also claimed two lives in Oklahoma, injured guests at an outdoor wedding, and caused damage in Arkansas and Kentucky. Tens of thousands of residents were left without power in the region. In Texas, around 100 people were injured, and Abbott described how the hopes and dreams of families and businesses were crushed by the severe weather. Witnesses recounted harrowing experiences, like riding out the storm with dozens of people in a truck stop bathroom as the building was ripped apart by strong winds.
The devastation continued a deadly month of severe weather in the central U.S. Tornadoes in Iowa last week resulted in multiple fatalities and injuries. Meteorologists and authorities issued urgent warnings as the storms approached, advising residents to seek cover. A senior scientist explained that a pattern of warm, moist air contributed to the string of tornadoes over the past two months. Travelers were urged to have a plan for weather emergencies during the Memorial Day weekend.
Residents woke up to overturned cars, collapsed garages, and destroyed homes in the aftermath of the storms. In Valley View, roofs were torn off, windows shattered, and debris scattered across the rural landscape. Power outages affected tens of thousands of homes and businesses in the storm’s path, impacting communities across multiple states. The severity of the weather disrupted daily life, forcing some towns to declare shutdowns due to road blockages and power outages.
The system causing the severe weather was expected to move east over the holiday weekend, with more severe storms predicted in Illinois, Missouri, Kentucky, and Tennessee. Indianapolis Motor Speedway faced delays due to a strong storm, and the risk of severe weather extended into North Carolina and Virginia. The widespread impact of the storms highlighted the importance of preparedness and safety measures in the face of unpredictable and dangerous weather conditions.
