A devastating tornado outbreak swept across the central United States on Wednesday night, causing wide-scale devastation. Arkansas, Missouri, and Tennessee were some of the worst-affected states, with houses demolished and cars blown around by strong winds. The death toll rose to five as the storms migrated east overnight.
Tennessee Emergency Management Agency confirmed one additional death from the severe weather in Carroll County. The agency’s communications director, Kristin Coulter, reported that information regarding the accident is still scanty.
Five people have now died in Tennessee, with casualties reported in Fayette, Obion, and McNairy counties. In Fayette County, a tornado overturned a trailer, killing a 48-year-old father at the scene. His 16-year-old daughter died later in the hospital from her injuries, while the 46-year-old mother is critical. Two other relatives, one aged 20 and the other 12, are in stable condition, county chief deputy of Administration Ray Garcia said.
Total Death Toll Rises to Six Across States
Governments have verified that the overall death toll due to tornadoes in the region is now six, with one in Cape Girardeau County, Missouri. Governments sent out warnings on Thursday morning, warning that the death toll may rise as the storm system continues its trail of destruction.
With severe weather continuing, emergency responders are on high alert, surveying damage and scouring the most devastated areas for survivors.