A wave of extreme weather has left a deadly mark across the United States, with at least 21 fatalities reported amid widespread destruction caused by violent tornadoes and an unrelenting heatwave.
Late Friday, fierce tornadoes swept through sections of Missouri and Kentucky, causing widespread devastation. Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear confirmed that 14 residents were killed as storms ripped through communities overnight. “This is a heartbreaking moment for our state,” he shared in a statement posted to X (formerly Twitter).
In Missouri, authorities reported seven additional deaths, with St. Louis being hit particularly hard. Mayor Cara Spencer said five people died in the city, where over 5,000 homes sustained damage. “The level of loss and destruction is devastating,” she said.
Elsewhere in Missouri, two more people were killed in Scott County, about 130 miles south of St. Louis, when a tornado slammed into a residential area. Sheriff Derick Wheetley commended emergency workers who acted quickly, even while the storm remained active, to assist those in danger.
Further east, Laurel County in Kentucky was also struck, resulting in serious injuries. Search efforts are ongoing as emergency personnel continue combing through debris in hopes of finding survivors.
These tornadoes are part of a larger, aggressive storm system that has disrupted life across several states. Tornado activity was also recorded in Wisconsin, while power outages have been reported throughout the Great Lakes region.
Meanwhile, in the southern U.S., a punishing heatwave is pushing temperatures to dangerous highs. Cities like Austin and San Antonio, Texas, saw temperatures soar to between 35°C and 40.5°C (95°F to 105°F), prompting heat advisories. The National Weather Service (NWS) cautioned that the high humidity makes conditions feel even hotter and increases the likelihood of heat-related illnesses. “It’s vital to stay cool and hydrated,” said NWS meteorologist Jason Runyen.
Adding to the chaos, a large dust storm hit parts of Illinois and northern Indiana on Friday night. A 100-mile stretch of thick dust severely reduced visibility, triggering travel warnings in the Chicago area.
As the country grapples with simultaneous weather threats—tornadoes in the Midwest and scorching temperatures in the South—emergency teams remain on high alert. Their focus now is on rescue operations, restoring services, and helping communities recover from the ongoing crisis.