A deadly series of storms and tornadoes struck the central and southern United States over Memorial Day weekend, killing at least 22 people.

The storms caused widespread destruction in Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, and Kentucky.

The severe weather coincided with a heatwave that broke temperature records from Texas to Florida.

Fatalities included a man in Kentucky who suffered a heart attack while clearing fallen trees.

Seven deaths occurred in Cooke County, Texas, eight in Arkansas, and two in Mayes County, Oklahoma, where an outdoor wedding was disrupted.

Charleston, Kentucky, experienced severe tornado damage with fallen trees, displaced homes, and power outages.

The director of Emergency Management noted the unfortunate recurrence of tornadoes in previously affected areas.

Authorities on the East Coast are issuing warnings and advising residents to stay vigilant and prepared for more severe weather.

President Joe Biden expressed condolences to victims' families and pledged federal support, with over 400,000 people left without power in the eastern US.

Experts attribute the destructive storms to a particularly harsh season for severe weather, exacerbated by climate change and the presence of warm, moist air and a heat dome.