Death toll grows to 33 as destructive storms and violent tornadoes obliterate the South and Midwest

At least 33 people were killed in a powerful cross-country storm system that has devastated much of the Midwest and Southeast since Friday, officials said. The death toll continues to rise as severe weather and raging tornadoes obliterate homes, businesses and schools, leaving hundreds of thousands without power, with the monster storm expected to slam parts of the East Coast on Sunday. Twelve fatalities were reported in Missouri – the most of any state struck by the storm – from scattered twisters, thunderstorms and large hail that ravaged dozens of communities.“Homes and businesses have been destroyed, entire communities are without power and the road to recovery will not be easy,” Gov.Mike Kehoe said in a statement.“But in every place I visited, I saw the best of Missouri – neighbors clearing debris, emergency responders working nonstop, and utility crews from across the region coming together to restore power.
Shelters have opened their doors, and people are stepping up to help however they can.The ‘Show-Me’ spirit is alive and strong in the face of this disaster.”At least eight people died and several injured in Kansas when a severe dust storm caused more than 50 cars to crash on I-70 near Sherman County Friday afternoon, according to the Kansas Highway Patrol.Another three people died in car crashes when a dust storm whipped up in the Texas Panhandle, including in one pileup that involved an estimated 38 cars.“It’s the worst I’ve ever seen,” said Sgt.
Cindy Barkley of the state’s department of public safety, calling the near-zero visibility a nightmare.“We couldn’t tell that they were all together until the dust kind of settled.”Six deaths were reported in Mississippi – one in Covington County, two in Jeff Davis County, and three in Walthall County, Gov.Tate Reeves announced on X Saturday night.Three people from Covington County and Walthall County are currently missing, with 29 injuries reported statewide and 21 counti...