Severe Storms Return to Tornado-Hit Central U.S./ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ The central U.S. is bracing for another round of severe storms just days after deadly tornadoes killed over two dozen people in Kentucky and Missouri. As families dig through the wreckage and officials begin damage assessments, new storm systems threaten more destructive weather, including hail, high winds, and potential tornadoes. Meanwhile, other parts of the country face extreme heat, mountain snow, and wildfire risks.
Tornado Aftermath and New Storm Threats: Quick Looks
- Over two dozen killed across Kentucky, Missouri, and Virginia in weekend storms.
- Hard-hit cities like London, KY and St. Louis face widespread home destruction.
- New severe storms expected from Colorado to Texas through early this week.
- Risk of tornadoes remains high from Kansas to Oklahoma.
- More than 5,000 homes damaged in St. Louis alone.
- Parts of Idaho and Montana bracing for up to a foot of snow.
- Triple-digit heat forecast in Texas, raising wildfire concerns.
- Experts say tornadoes are shifting southward from traditional “Tornado Alley.”
- Some roads remain closed as damage surveys begin for federal aid.
- Officials urge public to avoid sightseeing in disaster zones.
Severe Storms Return to Tornado-Hit Central U.S.
Deep Look
Severe Storms Return to Central U.S. Just Days After Deadly Tornado Outbreak
LONDON, Ky. — Communities across the central United States are bracing for more severe weather just days after deadly tornadoes tore through multiple states, killing over two dozen people and leaving behind widespread devastation.
From Kentucky to Missouri, families are still reeling from Friday’s storms, desperately trying to recover valuables and salvage what’s left of their homes — even as the National Weather Service warns of new rounds of thunderstorms, damaging winds, and potential tornadoes this week.
In London, Kentucky, one of the hardest-hit areas, residents scrambled Sunday to tarp exposed belongings or haul them to storage. Zach Wilson, whose parents’ home was destroyed, said they were saving what they could: “Pictures, papers — anything that looks of value.”
Tornadoes Leave Trail of Death and Destruction
At least 19 people died in Kentucky, where a tornado tore through Laurel County, destroying homes and flipping vehicles. Three victims remain in critical condition, and Governor Andy Beshear warned the death toll may rise.
St. Louis, Missouri reported five deaths and 38 injuries from the same storm system. According to Mayor Cara Spencer, over 5,000 homes were damaged. An EF-3 tornado that began in suburban Clayton traveled 8 miles with wind speeds hitting 150 mph.
In Scott County, Missouri, two people died, and several were injured after a tornado flattened multiple homes.
Elsewhere, falling trees killed two motorists in Virginia, while Illinois and Wisconsin faced tornadoes and dust storms that briefly engulfed Chicago.
Weather Service Warns of Continued Threats
The Weather Service forecast continued “hazardous weather” in the coming days. Threats include:
- Baseball-sized hail and damaging winds in the central Plains
- Tornado threats from central Kansas to Oklahoma
- Extreme heat in southern Texas, with temps expected to break records
- Heavy snow up to a foot in parts of Idaho and western Montana
- Wildfire conditions in New Mexico and West Texas fueled by hot, dry air
Officials urged caution and preparedness across the Midwest and southern Plains as storm cells intensify.
Federal Aid and Structural Assessments Begin
In Kentucky, damage survey teams are hitting the ground Monday, a step toward qualifying for federal disaster assistance. Over two dozen state roads remain closed, and some will take days to reopen, officials say.
In Missouri, building inspectors are assessing damage to identify and condemn unstable structures. Mayor Spencer urged residents to stay out of affected zones to avoid interfering with emergency efforts: “This is not the time for sightseeing.”
U.S. Remains the Tornado Capital
The United States experiences about 1,200 tornadoes per year, the most in the world. While “Tornado Alley” — covering Oklahoma, Kansas, and Texas — remains active, a 2018 study found that tornado frequency is rising in the southern U.S., including Kentucky and Tennessee.
Tornadoes can strike at any time of day, but peak season in the Plains typically runs May through early June, while Gulf Coast regions see activity earlier in spring.
Kentucky’s Tornado Legacy
Friday’s tornadoes mark another chapter in Kentucky’s troubled weather history. The deadliest tornado in state history struck in March 1890, killing 76 people in downtown Louisville.
In December 2021, a tornado ripped across 165 miles, killing 57 people and injuring over 500. That same storm system produced 41 confirmed tornadoes, leading to at least 77 deaths statewide. Nearby St. Louis also saw fatalities when a tornado hit an Amazon facility in Illinois.
What to Watch Next
The next round of severe storms is expected to hit areas stretching from northeast Colorado to central Texas, with Kansas and Oklahoma at the greatest risk for tornado activity.
Simultaneously, Texas faces dangerous heat that may top 100°F, worsening the fire risk across New Mexico and West Texas. In the West, Idaho and Montana could see mountain snow totals exceeding one foot, impacting travel and rural infrastructure.
Meteorologists continue to urge residents in at-risk areas to monitor alerts and have emergency plans in place.
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