Devastating Tornadoes Leave 15 Dead Across Southern States
Powerful tornadoes swept through Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, and Kentucky on Sunday, killing at least 15 people and injuring scores more. The storms knocked out power to hundreds of thousands of homes and businesses, and even delayed the iconic Indianapolis 500.
Deadly Tornado Strikes North Texas
Seven deaths were confirmed in North Texas after a tornado tore through Cooke County, near the Oklahoma border, on Saturday night. Governor Greg Abbott announced the tragic news at a Sunday press conference in Valley View, one of the hardest-hit areas. Among the deceased were two young children, aged 2 and 5, according to Cooke County Sheriff Ray Sappington. Over 100 others were injured, and the tornado destroyed more than 200 homes and buildings, damaging an additional 120 structures. “I’ll be shocked if those numbers are not increased as further assessments are made,” Abbott said.
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Tornadoes Cause Havoc in Denton County and Beyond
Another tornado ripped through Denton County, northwest of Dallas, on Saturday night, damaging homes and buildings and knocking down power lines. Several individuals were injured and transported to hospitals. The National Weather Service in Fort Worth assessed damage in Montague, Cooke, Denton, and Collin Counties. This tragedy follows recent deadly tornadoes in Iowa and Houston, where storms killed five and eight people, respectively.
Arkansas and Kentucky Face Severe Storms
In Arkansas, at least five people died, with homes destroyed in Decatur. Kentucky also faced severe weather, with a man killed in east Louisville by a falling tree. More than 200,000 homes and businesses in Kentucky were without power. The town of Mayfield, previously devastated by a 2021 tornado, experienced another tornado on Sunday. The National Weather Service warned of more storms with the potential for large hail, 70 mph winds, and further tornadoes.
Indianapolis 500 Delayed by Storm Threat
The Indianapolis 500, a major annual event, was delayed due to the impending severe weather. Officials asked the 125,000-plus fans to exit the grandstands and seek shelter. Rain reached the racetrack around the scheduled start time and continued for over an hour, delaying the race until conditions cleared.
Rescue Efforts in Texas and Oklahoma
In Cooke County, Texas, more than 60 residents sought shelter at a travel center and gas station complex. Rescue teams worked for about an hour to free people trapped in the wreckage. The Valley View tornado had top winds of 135 mph, and multiple twisters hit the region. Abbott stated that initial search-and-rescue operations were wrapping up, with no reports of missing people.
Oklahoma Towns Impacted by Tornadoes
In northeastern Oklahoma, two deaths were reported in Pryor, and Claremore was effectively shut down due to downed power lines and blocked roads. The National Weather Service in Tulsa warned of further strong to severe storms with threats of large hail and damaging winds.
Hiding in a Cooler in Denton
In Denton, Texas, the fire department responded to a marina on Lake Ray Roberts, where multiple victims were trapped. Leann Peterson, a local resident, recounted seeking shelter in a restaurant’s walk-in cooler. “We got in the cooler just in time,” she said. “When it hit, it was just so loud. It was like something just crashed into us.”
The deadly storms have left a trail of destruction and a long road to recovery for the affected communities. The threat of further severe weather looms, adding to the challenges faced by first responders and residents.
