Severe storms wreaked havoc across the Midwest, bringing heavy rain, strong winds, and tornadoes that caused widespread damage. The National Weather Service issued warnings that the storms could persist into Wednesday morning.
Tornadoes were reported in Michigan, Indiana, and Ohio on Tuesday night, with additional areas in Illinois, Kentucky, and Missouri under tornado watch. In Portage, Michigan, two tornadoes struck, causing significant destruction to homes and businesses, including a FedEx facility.
Fortunately, there were no immediate reports of serious injuries, but over 20,000 people were left without power in Portage, with restoration expected to take until late Wednesday. Despite around 50 individuals being initially trapped in the FedEx building, all employees were confirmed safe.
The recent storms follow a series of severe weather events in the central United States, with Oklahoma being particularly hard hit. A deadly tornado hit Barnsdall, Oklahoma, on Monday night, resulting in one fatality, one missing person, and extensive property damage.
Governor Kevin Stitt visited the affected areas and confirmed that the tornado was classified as violent, with wind speeds reaching up to 200 mph. The state has allocated $45 million in the budget to aid storm-damaged communities.
These storms come amidst a global trend of extreme weather, including devastating floods in Brazil and a severe heatwave in Asia. The eastern U.S. and the South are bracing for continued stormy weather throughout the week, affecting millions of residents in cities like Indianapolis, Memphis, and Nashville.
Despite the challenges, communities impacted by the storms are showing resilience and determination to rebuild and recover from the destruction.
