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A series of powerful tornadoes and severe storms swept across the central United States, leaving at least seven people dead. The National Weather Service reported tornadoes from Arkansas to Illinois, causing widespread destruction. In Tennessee, five people died, including two fatalities in Fayette County. Missouri and Indiana each reported one death, with a man in Indiana killed by downed power lines, according to USA Today.
The storms destroyed homes, tore off roofs, and caused significant flooding. Over 30 million people from Texas to Ohio remain at risk of further severe weather, with forecasts predicting up to 15 inches of rain in some areas. A state of disaster has been declared in Tennessee, and emergency services are on high alert for continued severe weather.
In addition to tornadoes, the storms have led to major flooding across several states, including Kentucky and Illinois. The National Weather Service has warned of potentially historic flooding, with significant rainfall expected to continue through the weekend. Emergency services are conducting water rescues and assessing damage in affected areas.