As Memorial Day weekend approaches, severe weather warnings have been issued across several U.S. states, with forecasters urging residents to prepare for tornadoes, large hail, and damaging winds.
A deadly wave of storms has swept through multiple states from Thursday to Sunday, leaving at least 28 people dead and injuring dozens, according to USA Today.
By Monday morning, AccuWeather reported that more than 80 tornadoes had touched down, striking states such as Kentucky, Missouri, Indiana, Illinois, and Virginia. Forecasters expect another dangerous round of storms to hit these areas on Monday.
“A maturing central U.S. storm system is expected to produce another round of dangerous severe weather and instances of flash flooding today,” the National Weather Service said in a statement.
They added that heavy rainfall was projected to stretch from the Northern Plains to Texas, based on broader weather patterns, Irish Star reports.
The weather service also warned that severe conditions Monday night into Tuesday could bring large hail, damaging winds, and isolated tornadoes to parts of Texas and Missouri.
In Virginia, high winds were reported following earlier storms that had already claimed two lives.
“Significant severe weather is likely from the central/southern Plains into the Ozarks today into tonight,” the National Weather Service warned. “All severe weather hazards are expected, to include tornadoes (some potentially strong to intense), very large hail, and severe winds.”
Missouri reported seven deaths from the latest tornado outbreak. St. Louis Mayor Cara Spencer noted that damages could exceed $1 billion. Search and rescue teams completed operations by Sunday evening.
Spencer praised the first responders, writing in a public message, “Our fire department, with the help of other first responders, checked every single building in the affected area for loss of life. We are so grateful for their tireless work.”
In Kentucky, the toll rose to 19 lives lost as meteorologists warned that more thunderstorms capable of producing hail and powerful winds were on the way.
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