40 Killed as Tornadoes Ravage the South and Midwest
Around 56 tornadoes ripped through 10 states in the South and Midwest United States as a devastating storm system swept across the nation from Friday to Sunday. Twisters, gigantic hail, high-speed winds and wildfires devastated swaths of land and killed at least 40 people.
- 557 storms were reported throughout Friday.
- Another 135 were reported on Saturday.
Deaths: The storms caused deaths in Alabama, Arkansas, Kansas, Mississippi, Missouri, Oklahoma and Texas.
- At least three people were killed by tornadoes in Alabama and Arkansas.
- Another 12 died in Missouri, the most in a single state.
- Eight were killed in a 71 car pile-up in Kansas when high winds created dust storms that reduced visibility.
- Four were killed in a 38-50 car pile-up in Texas.
- Four died in Oklahoma due to winds and wildfires.
Some people are still missing, and many others have been injured. Over 100 injuries were reported in Arkansas alone.
Fires: Over 130 fires were ignited by damaging winds in Oklahoma. Gov. Kevin Stitt said Saturday night that nearly 300 homes were either damaged or destroyed. Fires were also reported in other states.
Power: Power outages were recorded across the country Sunday evening.
- 37,000 homes were without power in New York.
- 80,000 in Pennsylvania
- 26,000 in Missouri
- 12,500 in Oregon
- over 10,000 in California
God is in control: While most of the damage hit the South and Midwest, this storm system’s affects have been felt across the nation. The Bible explains that God has control of storm systems, and He is the one who directs them where to go.
“Also by watering he [God] wearieth the thick cloud: he scattereth his bright cloud: And it is turned round about by his counsels: that they may do whatsoever he commandeth them upon the face of the world in the earth” (Job 37:11-12).
Verse 13 explains, “He causeth it to come, whether for correction, or for his land, or for mercy.” Sometimes God allows devastating storm events like this to correct people. To understand why, request a free copy of Why ‘Natural’ Disasters?
