Forecasters are warning of more severe storms and tornadoes in the central United States this week, as communities from Texas to Kentucky grapple with the aftermath of devastating weather that has claimed over two dozen lives in just four days.
In St. Louis, Missouri, officials estimate that a tornado that struck on Friday damaged approximately 5,000 buildings, with repair costs potentially exceeding $1 billion. The city’s mayor cautioned that federal assistance might not arrive for several weeks, leaving residents to cope with the immense damage on their own.
Kentucky has been the hardest hit by the recent storms. Late Friday into early Saturday, a powerful tornado ripped through southeastern Laurel County, destroying hundreds of homes, tossing vehicles, and leaving many people homeless. At least 19 people lost their lives, most of them in this rural area.
The city of London, Kentucky, became the epicenter of the devastation. The small local airport was heavily damaged but has since become a hub for relief efforts. Officials are using it as a base to distribute essential supplies like water, food, and diapers to affected community members.
Meanwhile, officials in Kansas and Texas are assessing the damage from storms that swept through on Sunday night. The National Weather Service has indicated that tornadoes are possible in eastern Oklahoma on Monday, with the threat of severe storms moving into Alabama, Mississippi, and Tennessee on Tuesday.
As communities brace for more potential disasters, local authorities are urging residents to stay informed and take necessary precautions to protect themselves and their families.
