Strong and Deadly Tornados Hit US States

Mayfield, Kentucky —(Map)

A group of powerful tornadoes tore across five states in the south central US late Friday night, leaving behind a trail of destroyed homes and buildings. The tornadoes, unusual for this time of year, were among the most powerful and deadly ever seen in the US.

A large and quickly moving group of thunderstorms triggered the tornadoes, which first hit in Arkansas, before moving on through Missouri, Illinois, Tennessee, and Kentucky. At least 83 people have died. Rescuers are still looking for people who may be trapped in the debris of fallen buildings.

Over 17 tornadoes were recorded during the storm. Some were extremely strong and stayed on the ground for a long time. Usually tornadoes lose their energy in just a few minutes. But the largest tornado on Friday night stayed on the ground for hours, traveling about 200 miles (322 kilometers). Scientists believe the tornado may have traveled even farther, and possibly may have set a new record.

Of all of the states affected, Kentucky was hit the hardest. The largest tornado streaked across the state, knocking down trees and electric lines, and destroying homes and other buildings.

Mayfield, Kentucky was hit especially hard. A factory in the town collapsed, trapping over 100 people inside. Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear says at least 70 people were killed in the state, and he expects that the number could go even higher.

Of all of the states, Kentucky was hit the hardest. The largest tornado streaked across the state, knocking down trees and destroying homes and other buildings. Mayfield, Kentucky was hit especially hard. Above, some of the debris left by tornadoes in Mayfield, Kentucky.

Mr. Beshear has declared an emergency and sent in the Kentucky National Guard and state police officers to help. US President Joe Biden also declared an emergency for Kentucky, which will help to quickly bring money and rescue workers from the national government. Mr. Biden called the tornadoes a “tragedy” and promised to help with “whatever is needed”.

In Illinois, a large part of the roof fell in on a building belonging to Amazon, killing at least six people. In Arkansas a tornado hit a home for older people, killing one person and trapping others.

All along the storm’s path, the power of the tornadoes was incredible. In Kentucky, a train was blown off its tracks. Chris Bruin, a meteorologist for the Weather Channel, described cars and trucks being “thrown like toys.”

The power of the tornadoes was incredible. Chris Bruin, a meteorologist for the Weather Channel, described cars and trucks being “thrown like toys.”In Illinois, a large part of the roof fell in on a building belonging to Amazon (above), killing at least six people.

The damage wasn’t spread out evenly. In some cases, a building was torn apart, while one nearby was left unharmed.

Tornadoes aren’t common in the area at this time of year. Scientists say the storms began when unusually warm air from the south met colder air blowing in from the west. The storm system caused serious weather in many places, including snow near the Great Lakes.

By Saturday, roughly 500,000 homes and businesses were left without electricity. Though the worst damage happened farther south, the power outages were spread across eight states.

The size of the storm system surprised even experts. In all, there were over 100 tornado warnings in the area. The National Weather Service is still trying to figure out if it was one massive storm, or a series of storms that happened at the same time.