At least 30 people have died in Kentucky, Missouri, and Virginia due to a series of tornadoes that struck the region during an extreme weather outbreak. In Kentucky, officials have confirmed 18 fatalities, with an additional five suspected deaths. Missouri reported seven deaths, while Virginia has confirmed two fatalities.
The tornadoes wreaked havoc especially in St. Louis, where Mayor Cara Spencer noted that around 5,000 buildings were destroyed. Images from the area depict widespread destruction, with many homes missing entire walls and upper levels. Vehicles and trees were also uprooted, and numerous power lines were downed.
As of May 18, nearly 194,500 customers in Kentucky, Michigan, Missouri, Alabama, and Arkansas were left without power due to the storms. The extent of the damage highlights the severity of the weather conditions as communities begin to assess the aftermath.
This catastrophic event has drawn national attention, with reports illustrating the devastation across the affected states. The emergency response teams are working tirelessly to restore utilities and provide aid to those impacted by the storms.
In summary, the tornadoes have caused significant loss of life and property damage, prompting ongoing recovery efforts amidst a widespread power outage affecting thousands.
Note: The image is for illustrative purposes only and is not the original image of the presented article.
