5 Dead in Texas as Powerful Storms
Severe storms ripped through Texas, Oklahoma, and Arkansas over the weekend, leaving a trail of destruction and claiming at least five lives in Texas.
Homes were destroyed, vehicles overturned, and power lines downed across the region.
Texas Hit Hard by Tornadoes
The storms, which began Saturday night, included a confirmed tornado that wreaked havoc in northern Denton County, Texas. The twister overturned tractor-trailers, halted traffic on Interstate 35, and caused widespread damage to houses, motorhomes, power lines, and trees.
Powerful storms have killed at least 15 people, injured hundreds and left a wide trail of destruction across Texas, Oklahoma and Arkansashttps://t.co/xUS55lILDT
— The Hindu (@the_hindu) May 27, 2024
Source: Twitter/The Hindu
Sheriff Ray Sappington of Cooke County confirmed the grim news of at least five fatalities in Texas. Three family members were found dead in a home near Valley View, a rural community bordering Oklahoma. "Sadly, we think that number will likely increase," Sappington said, highlighting the severity of the devastation.
The storm also caused injuries, with people transported to local hospitals by ambulance and airlift. The exact number of injured remains unclear. Local authorities opened shelters to accommodate those displaced by the storm.
Oklahoma and Arkansas See Storm Damage
While Texas faced the brunt of the storms, Oklahoma and Arkansas also experienced significant damage. Claremore, Oklahoma, reported widespread power outages, downed trees, and blocked roads due to storm debris. The city was essentially shut down as emergency crews worked to clear the wreckage.
Similarly, northwest Arkansas reported damaged buildings, uprooted trees, and downed power lines. Tens of thousands of homes and businesses in the region lost power. One fatality was confirmed in Benton County, Arkansas.
Deadly Month for Severe Weather in the US
This devastating storm event adds to a concerning trend of deadly severe weather across the United States this month. Earlier in May, tornadoes caused widespread damage and multiple deaths in Iowa. Experts warn that climate change is intensifying storms worldwide, contributing to the record-breaking number of tornadoes witnessed in the US this April.
Heatwave Adds to Texas’ Woes
While battling the aftermath of the storms, residents in South Texas faced another threat - extreme heat. The region experienced scorching temperatures, with the heat index reaching up to 120 degrees Fahrenheit in some areas. This excessive heat posed a significant health risk, especially for vulnerable populations.
The National Weather Service expects Sunday to be the hottest day, with record highs predicted for major Texas cities like Austin, Brownsville, Dallas, and San Antonio.
Looking Ahead: Potential Delays and More Storms
The storm system is expected to move eastward over the Memorial Day weekend, potentially impacting the Indianapolis 500 auto race with rain delays. Additionally, areas in Illinois, Indiana, Missouri, and Kentucky could face severe weather threats.
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