15 Reported Dead in US Tornadoes, Storms

AFP/APP

Houston: A powerful storm system has unleashed a wave of destruction across parts of the central United States, killing at least 15 people and leaving hundreds of thousands of residents without electricity, officials said Sunday.

Severe tornadoes and thunderstorms battered several states, including Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, and Kentucky, causing widespread damage to homes, infrastructure and vehicles as emergency crews continued search and rescue operations.

In Texas, the hardest-hit state, seven people were killed after a tornado tore through the Valley View area in Cooke County, north of Dallas. Officials described the destruction as extensive, with homes damaged, a gas station destroyed and vehicles overturned on an interstate highway.

Texas Governor Gregg Abbott issued an emergency declaration for four counties, unlocking additional resources and assistance for residents whose properties were damaged or destroyed.

In Oklahoma, officials confirmed at least two deaths after a tornado struck Mayes County late Saturday. Emergency teams were deployed to assess damage and assist affected communities.

Arkansas also reported major losses, with five people killed in storms that brought down trees and power lines and triggered flash flooding in some areas.

Another storm-related death was reported in Louisville, Kentucky, according to city officials.

The severe weather also disrupted major events across the region. In Indiana, the start of the Indianapolis 500 race was delayed by four hours due to storms, with tens of thousands of spectators ordered to leave the stands and seek shelter.

According to power monitoring data, nearly 490,000 customers across multiple states, including Texas, Kansas, Ohio and Kentucky, were without electricity as crews worked to restore services.

Authorities warned that tornado threats remained active in several areas and urged residents to stay alert, avoid damaged zones and follow emergency instructions as recovery efforts continued.