By Gloria Ogbonna

A catastrophic tornado outbreak has left at least 34 people dead and caused widespread destruction across eight states, as a powerful storm system continues to sweep through the central and southern United States.

The deadly storms, which spawned more than 40 tornadoes, have left communities devastated, with dozens injured, thousands of homes and businesses damaged, and nearly 300,000 customers without power.

Death Toll Rises as Tornadoes Tear Through Multiple States

The storm’s impact has been severe and widespread:

•Missouri: 12 confirmed fatalities

•Kansas: 8 confirmed fatalities

•Texas: 4 confirmed fatalities

•Arkansas: 3 confirmed fatalities

•Oklahoma: 1 confirmed fatality

•Mississippi: 6 confirmed fatalities

As of late Saturday, officials were still assessing the full extent of the damage, and the number of casualties may rise as emergency crews continue search-and-rescue operations in the hardest-hit areas.

Tornadoes and Widespread Destruction Across Eight States

More than 40 tornadoes have been reported in Alabama, Missouri, Arkansas, Mississippi, Louisiana, Illinois, Indiana, and Tennessee over the past 24 hours, leaving communities in ruins. The tornadoes have flattened neighborhoods, ripped roofs off buildings, overturned vehicles, and downed power lines.

In Rolla, Missouri, a massive tornado was caught on camera Friday, capturing the sheer power of the storm as it tore through homes and businesses. Meanwhile, in Arkansas, at least 29 injuries have been reported, with officials warning that many more could be unaccounted for.

The storm system has also left nearly 300,000 customers without electricity across Missouri, Illinois, Indiana, Texas, and Arkansas, according to PowerOutage.us. Utility companies are working around the clock to restore power, but damaged infrastructure and ongoing storms are hampering efforts.

Millions Under Tornado Watches as Storms Continue

The severe weather threat is far from over. Millions of Americans remain on high alert, with tornado watches currently in effect for eight states:

•Louisiana

•Arkansas

•Mississippi

•Alabama

•Tennessee

•Kentucky

•Indiana

•Ohio

A particularly dangerous tornado watch has been issued for Mississippi and parts of eastern Louisiana, including Jackson, Tupelo, Meridian, and Baton Rouge, until 6 p.m. CT Saturday.

“A tornado outbreak appears imminent with the potential for multiple, intense to violent long-track tornadoes from mid-day through this evening.”

Another tornado watch remains in effect for southern Arkansas and northern Louisiana until 1 p.m. CT Saturday. The line of severe storms moving eastward brings the threat of additional strong tornadoes, damaging winds, and large hail.

On top of the tornado threat, dangerous flash flooding is expected as slow-moving storms dump torrential rain across already-saturated areas. Residents are urged to stay indoors and avoid travel, as flooded roads and fast-moving water pose life-threatening risks.

Emergency responders have been working tirelessly since the storms hit, conducting search-and-rescue missions and providing aid to affected communities. However, the full extent of the damage may not be known until daylight reveals the devastation.

In Butler County, Missouri, emergency management officials have opened the Black River Coliseum as a shelter for displaced residents. Local hospitals are treating injured victims, though exact numbers remain uncertain.

The Storm Prediction Center has warned that numerous significant tornadoes, some of them long-track and violent, are expected to impact cities such as Hattiesburg, Jackson, Tuscaloosa, and Birmingham.

The storm system is expected to weaken slightly on Sunday as it moves toward the East Coast, but the threat is far from over. The Southeast and Mid-Atlantic could still see:

•Damaging winds

•Large hail

•Brief tornadoes

•Heavy rainfall leading to localized flooding

Georgia Governor Brian Kemp has already declared a state of emergency, effective noon Saturday, as severe weather is expected to impact the state later in the evening and into Sunday morning.

A Nation on Edge as Severe Weather Continues

This devastating tornado outbreak is part of a massive cross-country storm system, which has also prompted fire danger warnings across the Plains.

The combination of tornadoes, flooding, and wildfire risks has left the country on high alert, with emergency management agencies stretched thin as they respond to multiple crises at once.

Stay Safe: What to Do During a Tornado Warning

With more storms expected, authorities are urging residents in at-risk areas to take immediate precautions:

•Monitor weather alerts from the National Weather Service and local news.

•Identify a safe place to shelter, preferably a basement or an interior room on the lowest floor.

•Have an emergency kit ready, including food, water, flashlights, batteries, and first aid supplies.

•Do not attempt to outrun a tornado in a vehicle—seek shelter immediately.

•Avoid flooded roads—turn around, don’t drown.

As the Midwest and South begin to recover from this deadly outbreak, the threat of more severe weather lingers. With millions still at risk, officials are urging vigilance and preparedness.

Emergency crews will continue their efforts to rescue survivors, restore power, and assess the widespread damage. However, with the storm still marching east, Americans across the country remain on edge, bracing for what may come next.

Source ABC7