More storms on the way this Monday: over 31 million at risk in Oklahoma, Texas and Missouri
The National Weather Service is warning of "significant severe weather" affecting the central plains and Ozarks, with multiple rounds of storms and the risk of flooding.
A multiday severe weather event is coming. More storms will hit the United States after tornadoes and thunderstorms appeared in multiple states over the last weekend. As a result of these storms, at least 28 people have died.
The National Weather Service (NWS) warned of "significant severe weather" that will affect the central-southern Plains into the Ozarks. This warning includes multiple rounds of storms.
"A maturing central U.S. storm system is expected to produce another round of dangerous, severe weather and instances of flash flooding today," said the NWS early this Monday.
At least 31 million people at risk
On Monday, May 19th, at least 31 million people are at risk due to the severe storms warned by the NWS. The storms will hit from Central Texas to Iowa. They will also include hazards such as large hail, damaging winds, and the possibility of strong tornadoes.
The greatest tornado risk is higher in Oklahoma City and Tulsa, Oklahoma; the entire state of Dallas, and Kansas City, Missouri. The storms are expected to begin late Monday afternoon and continue into the evening.
Laurel County was affected by the tornadoes and received help from first responders. Photo: AFP News
Last weekend, a storm killed at least 28 people
From Friday the 16th to Sunday the 18th, at least 10 states experienced tornadoes. Reno County, Kansas, and Palo Pinto County, Texas, experienced severe weather conditions. Missouri registered storms in St. Louis city. Kentucky experienced the beginning of the storm's trail in Pulaski County, and it moved east into Laurel County.
Missouri and Kentucky were hit the hardest, resulting in the deaths of at least 28 people. Many neighborhoods were razed to piles of debris, and roofs were ripped off buildings. The damages could exceed $1 billion, according to St. Louis Mayor Cara Spence on her social media. She also said that search and rescue efforts had been completed late Sunday, emphasizing the work of their fire department and the help of the first responders, who arrived in the area that evening.
At least four tornadoes touched down Monday evening in Oklahoma and Nebraska, the National Weather Service reported in a preliminary update. In Wilburton, located in southeast Oklahoma, the city’s Facebook page alerted residents about a tornado on the ground moving toward the area. The post urged, “Take cover now!”
