Deadly Storms Batter Midwest: Tornadoes, Flash Floods, and Hail Leave Trail of Destruction
April 3, 2025
A severe weather system has led to at least one fatality and ten injuries across the Midwest and mid-South, with extensive property damage reported.
The fatality occurred in Missouri between Delta and Advance, where severe storms and tornadoes wreaked havoc on communities.
In addition to the fatality, four people were injured in Arkansas, four in Kentucky, and two in Indiana, with one injury classified as critical in Ballard County, Kentucky.
Forecasters anticipate multiple long-track EF3 tornadoes and a significant risk of flash flooding, particularly in the Lower Ohio Valley and mid-South.
Reports of tornadoes and funnel clouds have been confirmed in various locations, including Arkansas, where a tornado touched down in Poinsett County.
Damage assessments are ongoing in affected areas, with Owasso, Oklahoma reporting an 11-mile path of destruction consistent with EF1 tornado damage.
In Tennessee, tennis ball-sized hail prompted the state's governor to declare a state of emergency.
Both the governors of Missouri and Kentucky have activated emergency responses due to the storm's widespread impact.
More than 23 million people are under tornado watches from Texas to Ohio, with expectations of continued severe weather for multiple days.
The National Weather Service has warned of a potentially historic flash flood event, predicting rain amounts of 10 to 15 inches in some areas through the weekend.
Currently, over 37 million people are under flood watches, with warnings about life-threatening conditions due to heavy rainfall and flash floods.
An EF1 tornado was confirmed in Vernon County, Missouri, causing significant damage, including derailed train cars and destroyed trees.
Summary based on 1 source