Deadly Storms Leave Trail of Destruction Across Oklahoma, Texas, Missouri
ST. LOUIS (Archyde.com) — A powerful storm system ripped through parts of Oklahoma, Texas and Missouri this week, leaving a wake of destruction and claiming the lives of at least three peopel, authorities said Wednesday. The storms, packing torrential rain, large hail, and destructive winds, spawned multiple tornadoes that caused widespread damage to homes, businesses, and infrastructure.
In Oklahoma, a woman was killed when a tornado struck her home in the town of Cole, south of Oklahoma City, according to the McClain County Sheriff’s Office. The twister tore through the area, leveling homes and businesses, and leaving behind debris strewn across the landscape. Emergency crews were still assessing the full extent of the damage, officials said.”It’s a devastating scene,” said Sheriff Kevin Prince of McClain County, during a press conference Wednesday morning. “We have homes that are entirely gone, and people are injured. We’re doing everything we can to help those in need.”
In Texas, two people were killed in separate weather-related incidents. A driver was killed in a traffic accident on a rain-soaked highway in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, according to the Texas Department of Public Safety. Meanwhile, near the city of Palestine, a construction worker was killed when he was struck by lightning.
The National Weather Service (NWS) confirmed that multiple tornadoes touched down across North Texas Tuesday evening. the hardest hit areas included the towns of Jacksboro and Bowie, where homes and businesses were severely damaged.
“We had a very hazardous night of storms across North Texas,” said NWS meteorologist Sarah Barnes. “We’re continuing to assess the damage and determine the strength of the tornadoes.”
missouri also experienced severe weather, with reports of large hail and strong winds causing damage in the St. Louis metropolitan area. Several roads were closed due to flooding, and power outages were reported throughout the region.
As of Wednesday afternoon, thousands of residents across the three states remained without power. Utility companies were working to restore electricity,but officials warned that it could take several days to fully restore service due to the widespread damage.
The storm system is expected to move eastward, posing a threat of severe weather to othre parts of the country. Residents in the affected areas are urged to remain vigilant and heed the warnings of local authorities.
Gov. Greg Abbott of Texas issued a disaster declaration for several counties affected by the storms,making state resources available to assist with recovery efforts. Oklahoma Gov. Kevin stitt said his office was in close contact with local officials and ready to provide assistance as needed.
The string of severe weather comes as communities across the Midwest and South are still reeling from earlier rounds of destructive storms this spring. Experts say that climate change is contributing to the increasing frequency and intensity of extreme weather events, including tornadoes and severe thunderstorms.
