Powerful storms wreaked havoc across Texas, Oklahoma, and Arkansas, claiming the lives of at least 14 people and leaving a trail of destruction in their wake. The deadly weather event obliterated homes, destroyed a truck stop where dozens sought shelter, and caused widespread power outages.
In Cooke County, Texas, near the Oklahoma border, seven people lost their lives as a tornado tore through a rural area near a mobile home park. Two more fatalities were reported in Oklahoma, where houses were destroyed, and guests at an outdoor wedding were injured. The devastation was described as severe by Cooke County Sheriff Ray Sappington, who confirmed the deaths of two children, ages 2 and 5.
In Valley View, Texas, Hugo Parra recounted riding out the storm with 40 to 50 people in a truck stop bathroom, where the roof and walls were ripped off by the powerful winds. Multiple people were transported to hospitals in Denton County, Texas, while Arkansas reported at least five fatalities.
The aftermath of the storms revealed overturned cars, collapsed garages, and devastated homes. Residents were seen assessing the damage, with some neighborhoods reduced to piles of rubble. The severe weather also caused widespread power outages, affecting hundreds of thousands of homes and businesses in the region.
As the system moved east, more severe weather was forecasted for Illinois, Missouri, and Kentucky, with the risk extending to North Carolina and Virginia. The Indianapolis 500 was delayed due to a strong storm, underscoring the ongoing threat posed by the deadly weather system.