‘Dangerous Out There’: Tornadoes Strike Texas, Arkansas, Oklahoma, and Kentucky, Leaving 15 Dead'

Article writer: Akash Lezner

Powerful storms and tornadoes swept across the nation's midsection on Sunday, resulting in at least 15 fatalities in Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, and Kentucky. The severe weather injured numerous individuals, caused widespread power outages affecting hundreds of thousands of homes and businesses, and delayed the start of the iconic Indianapolis 500.

In Texas, Cooke County Sheriff Ray Sappington reported that at least seven people, including four children, died when a suspected tornado tore through a neighborhood near Valley View, located 60 miles north of Dallas near the Oklahoma border. Early Sunday, the storm also struck a nearby travel center and gas station complex where over 60 residents had sought shelter, resulting in numerous injuries.

Sappington noted that downed trees and power lines obstructed roads, complicating search and rescue efforts.

"We'll rebuild—it's Texas," he told WFAA-TV. "We can restore property, and though this looks devastating now, in two or three months, it will be much improved. But the loss of life is just tragic."

This tragedy follows five days after tornadoes killed five and injured dozens in Iowa. Additionally, at least eight people lost their lives when storms hit Houston less than two weeks ago.

Tourists flock to Tornado Alley: People pay big bucks for the chance to see dangerous storms.

 Developments:

∎ According to the Associated Press, at least five people have died in Arkansas. Social media posts with videos and photos reveal extensive damage to homes in Decatur, Arkansas.

∎ Severe weather and heavy rain are expected to move into the mid-Mississippi, Ohio, and Tennessee valleys later on Sunday. These conditions will then progress into the mid-Atlantic, Southeast, and Gulf Coast regions on Memorial Day.

∎ Forecasters predicted that dangerous and possibly record-breaking heat would persist across portions of Texas, the western Gulf Coast, and southern Florida.

'Slow Road to Recovery': Iowa Grapples with Aftermath of Deadly Tornadoes; East Coast Prepares for Incoming Storms.

The start of Sunday's Indianapolis 500 was postponed due to the looming threat of storms in central Indiana. Officials at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway urged the 125,000-plus spectators in the grandstands and Snake Pit to vacate the premises and find shelter. Despite approximately 345,000 tickets sold for the event, organizers aimed to commence the race around 4:44 pm ET, a delay of roughly four hours.

"In light of approaching lightning near (IMS), officials have opted to halt the pre-race run of show and evacuate spectators from the grandstands and Snake Pit," stated Speedway authorities. "Attendees are urged to vacate the grandstands calmly and activate their individual safety protocols."

Speedway president Doug Boles noted that it typically takes approximately two hours to dry the track following substantial rainfall.

Electricity disruptions and tornado alerts spread throughout Kentucky.

On Sunday, in east Louisville, Kentucky, a man lost his life when a tree struck him, as reported by Louisville Metro Police spokesperson Matthew Sanders. By Sunday afternoon, over 200,000 homes and businesses statewide were without power, following a tornado sighting near Mayfield. Mayfield, a town of 10,000 residents, endured a deadly tornado in 2021, claiming at least nine lives, according to prior coverage by The Courier Journal.

The National Weather Service in Paducah issued a warning of impending storms.

"Many of you are already engaged in cleanup efforts following the morning storms, and we hope you're staying safe!" the weather service conveyed via social media. "Regrettably, more storms are expected to develop later today. These storms could bring large hail, winds exceeding 70 mph, and even tornadoes."

A weather service alert for Louisville issued a severe thunderstorm warning, indicating winds potentially reaching 80 mph described as "destructive." Earlier, the weather service reported winds reaching up to 63 mph at the Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport.

Certain tempests may pass, yet perils linger.

Sappington stated that an ample number of first responders were present at the Texas site to carry out a comprehensive search and rescue operation in the storm-affected region. He advised individuals to avoid the area, emphasizing the hazardous conditions. 

"I understand some folks are attempting to return, but it's perilous," he cautioned. "Downed power lines and gas leaks have been reported... Our priority remains rescuing those in need. The most helpful action from the public at this moment is to allow us the necessary time to carry out our operations."

Fatalities are a possibility in Oklahoma.

According to kjrh.com, two fatalities were reported in Pryor, located in the Green Country area of northeastern Oklahoma, although no specific details were provided. In Claremore, Oklahoma, situated 30 miles east of Tulsa, authorities declared the city's closure due to downed power lines and obstructed roads. Numerous injuries were reported, prompting police to restrict access to only residents and individuals with valid reasons to enter. A social media post from the police stated, "The cleanup process has commenced and is expected to be lengthy."

The Tulsa branch of the National Weather Service cautioned that the storms were ongoing. "There remains a potential for a few robust to severe storms later today and into the evening, mainly affecting parts of far eastern Oklahoma and northwest Arkansas," the Tulsa National Weather Service office stated. "The main concerns include significant hail and strong winds."

Concealed within a refrigeration unit in Denton, Texas.

In Denton, situated south of Cooke County, the fire department dispatched a rescue team and medical personnel to a marina on Lake Ray Roberts. The department announced on social media that there were multiple victims, with some reportedly trapped, and noted significant damage along the county line.

The storm inflicted heavy damage on homes, businesses, and boats. Leann Peterson initially believed the storm would bypass the area to the north. However, when it unexpectedly hit, a local business owner advised seeking refuge in a restaurant's walk-in cooler.

"We managed to get into the cooler just in time, and then a stream of people began to join us, thank goodness. When the storm struck, it was deafening," Peterson recounted to nbcdfw.com. "It felt like a colossal crash. It wasn't until we emerged that I realized the extent of the devastation."