Catastrophic tornadoes strike—are you prepared for the next one?

The past weekend took a devastating turn as powerful tornadoes, high winds, and dust storms, ripped through several areas.

Lives were lost, homes were destroyed, and entire communities were left reeling from the destruction.

As recovery efforts begin, many are wondering what comes next.



Dozens of lives lost and widespread damage left behind​

At least 37 people have died as a result of the severe weather.

Multiple states were hit hard, with reports of deadly tornadoes and dangerous wind conditions.


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Tornadoes tear through southern US leaving dozens dead. Image source: BBC News / YouTube


One of the strongest tornadoes, rated EF-3, tore through Bakersfield with winds reaching 140 mph, killing three people.

Officials confirmed that at least a dozen people lost their lives in Missouri.

A massive highway crash in Kansas, involving more than 70 vehicles, led to at least eight deaths.

Authorities say strong winds and poor visibility contributed to the disaster.



Millions remain at risk as storms continue​

The Storm Prediction Center warned that the severe weather threat would continue through Sunday, impacting areas from the South to the upper Ohio River Valley.

More than 60 million people remain at risk.

Tornado watches were issued in several states, including Florida, West Virginia, Virginia, and Pennsylvania.

An enhanced risk was also declared in western New York as storms continued moving through the region.

Over 337,000 power outages were reported on Sunday, with nearly 41,000 outages in Missouri alone.

Residents in affected areas are still dealing with dangerous conditions.



Officials assess damage as recovery begins​

The Storm Prediction Center has recorded 75 preliminary tornado reports across seven states since Friday.

Crews from the National Weather Service have been deployed to assess the destruction and confirm tornado details.

Survey teams were sent to areas in scattered locations across the central and eastern US.



Federal and state response efforts ramp up​

President Donald Trump released a statement on Sunday, saying, "My administration is ready to assist state and local officials, as they help their communities to try and recover from the damage."

He confirmed that the National Guard was being deployed to help in Arkansas.

Mississippi Governor Tate Reeves reported that six people had died in three counties.

At least 27 people were injured, and three missing individuals were later found alive.

Damage was reported in 23 counties, and officials estimated that 12 tornadoes touched down in the state.

Missouri Governor Mike Kehoe described the destruction as "heartbreaking" and noted that entire communities were left without power.

He emphasized that the road to recovery would be difficult.



Survivors share their stories​

One resident described the terrifying moment a tornado struck her home.

She said it sounded like an explosion. She was lifted into the air along with her bed and the roof of her house.

Another survivor recalled trying to reach safety as the storm approached. His friend did not make it.

"It's by the grace of God I made it back," he said.



Storm system triggers wildfires, snowstorms, and even an earthquake​

The storm system originated on the Pacific coast, bringing heavy snowfall, tornadoes, and wildfires.

In California, a high-end EF-0 tornado was confirmed. Winds up to 80 mph overturned vehicles in multiple states.

High winds also fueled wildfires in Texas and Oklahoma, where more than 27,000 acres burned.

Officials confirmed one death in Texas due to a multi-car pileup caused by poor visibility.

In Oklahoma, officials reported two deaths connected to wildfires and severe weather.

One person died in a smoke-related car crash, while a father was killed and his son severely burned.

Are you prepared for the next disaster?​


Source: BBC News / YouTube

The National Severe Storms Laboratory is gathering input from those who recently experienced a tornado. The Tornado Tales survey aims to improve how warnings are delivered and understood.
Key Takeaways

  • At least 37 people have died as a result of severe weather, including multiple tornadoes across the United States.
  • The extreme weather over the weekend affected numerous states, causing widespread damage, power outages, and injuries.
  • State and federal officials, including President Trump, have responded with statements of support, declarations of emergency, and promises of aid for those affected.
  • The National Weather Service is continuing to conduct damage surveys, and the Storm Prediction Center is monitoring ongoing severe weather threats.
Share your experiences and thoughts in the comments below. How do you prepare for severe weather? What advice would you give to others? Let’s support those affected and work toward better preparedness for the future.

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