Families Devastated as Tornadoes Sweep Across the U.S.
A series of powerful tornadoes tore through multiple states over the weekend, leaving at least 42 people dead and causing widespread destruction. The storms generated over 970 severe weather reports across more than two dozen states, with at least nine states experiencing direct tornado impacts. In Missouri, 12 fatalities were recorded, while Kansas reported eight deaths and Mississippi six. Texas and Oklahoma each saw four lives lost, while Arkansas and Alabama reported three fatalities each.
Among the hardest-hit communities was Paragould, Arkansas, where the Drope family narrowly survived as a tornado demolished their home. Misty Drope described the eerie silence before the storm struck, recalling how she and her family took shelter in the only part of their house that remained standing. “It literally looked like God had his hand over us because that’s the only part with the roof left,” Keely Drope said. The tornado outbreak was the second to hit their neighborhood in less than a year, reinforcing the region’s vulnerability to severe storms.
Tragic Loss of Young Lives and Community Destruction
In North Carolina, two young brothers, 11-year-old Joshua Leviskia and 13-year-old Josiah Leviskia, were killed when a massive tree, uprooted by the storm, crashed into their mobile home in Brevard, Transylvania County. Rescuers found the boys’ bodies trapped under the debris, while five other family members miraculously survived unharmed.
Mississippi also experienced severe devastation, with an EF-2 tornado striking Tylertown at wind speeds of up to 111 mph. The storm left much of the Paradise Ranch RV Resort in ruins, though no casualties were reported at the campground, as most cabins were unoccupied at the time. Officials confirmed at least three fatalities in the state.
Alabama was hit by an EF-3 tornado packing winds of 136 to 165 mph, which ripped through Plantersville, causing catastrophic damage. Among the victims was a woman whose body was found 350 yards from her destroyed home. Her niece, Ownes, mourned her loss, stating, “She loved everybody.” Nearby, another powerful tornado outbreak in Winterboro hurled a school bus into a gym and claimed the life of 83-year-old Harry Leon Fain. Known for his kindness, Fain had arrived early to open storm shelters but tragically did not make it to safety in time.
Lingering Threats and Continuing Weather Hazards
Beyond tornado outbreak, powerful winds also fueled wildfires across Oklahoma, destroying nearly 400 homes. The fires and windstorms led to at least four additional deaths and injured 142 people, overwhelming local hospitals.
Although the immediate tornado threat has subsided, authorities warn that fire dangers remain high across the Great Plains. Red Flag fire warnings have been issued for parts of Oklahoma, Texas, and New Mexico, with extreme fire risk forecasted for West Texas and New Mexico in the coming days.
As communities begin to recover from the devastation, emergency responders continue to search for survivors and provide aid to those affected. The deadly storm outbreak serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictable and destructive power of nature.
