A series of powerful storms wreaked havoc across the central and southern US over the Memorial Day weekend, leaving a trail of destruction and claiming the lives of at least 22 people. The deadly storms struck Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, and Kentucky, just as an early season heat wave set records from south Texas to Florida.
Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear declared a state of emergency after five people died in his state, including a man who suffered a heart attack while clearing fallen trees. The death toll also included seven fatalities in Cooke County, Texas, and eight in Arkansas. Two people lost their lives in Mayes County, Oklahoma, where guests at an outdoor wedding were injured.
The town of Charleston, Kentucky, was hit hard by a tornado that appeared to be on the ground for 40 miles, leaving homes shattered and residents without power. In Hopkins County, where a tornado struck in 2021, rural areas were damaged once again.
President Joe Biden offered condolences to the families of the victims and assured that the Federal Emergency Management Agency is conducting damage assessments. More than 400,000 customers were without power across the eastern US, with Kentucky being the hardest hit.
The recent spate of tornadoes and severe weather has been part of a historically bad season, with April recording the second-highest number of tornadoes on record in the country. Climate change has been cited as a contributing factor to the severity of storms, with warm, moist air fueling the destructive weather patterns.
As the nation grapples with the aftermath of the devastating storms, communities are left picking up the pieces and bracing for potential further severe weather as forecasters warn of continued threats along the East Coast.