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Tornados, hail, heat: The climate crisis is once again making itself felt in the USA. The extreme weather is claiming several lives. This time it is particularly affecting the states of Texas, Oklahoma and Arkansas.
Washington – Heavy storms have caused major damage in the southern United States – several people have died. The extreme weather swept across Texas, Oklahoma and Arkansas overnight, as reported by US media. Tornadoes also formed in several places in all three states. The full extent of the damage is still unclear. Rescue workers and police were deployed in several locations to search for missing people in the rubble and to care for the injured.
Large caravans and trucks reportedly overturned due to the strong winds. Power lines were downed, trees were uprooted and buildings were razed to the ground. Local authorities and private individuals shared photos and videos on social media showing the extreme destruction.
Several dead, great destruction
In northern Texas, there were at least five deaths and dozens of injuries. Among other things, a storm in Cooke County near Dallas first destroyed a rest stop on a highway and then wreaked havoc in a trailer park, as several broadcasters reported, citing the sheriff in charge. He estimates that the number of victims could continue to rise. Two small children are among the dead.
There were also deaths, injuries and damage in Texas’ neighboring state of Oklahoma. Various broadcasters, citing the relevant authorities, reported at least two deaths in the northeast of the state. According to NBC News, hailstones roughly the size of tennis balls fell over the area. In Claremore, a small town with around 20,000 inhabitants, there will be no electricity “for a long time,” according to CNN.
In Arkansas, which borders both Texas and Oklahoma, more than 100,000 people were without power, according to local broadcaster THV11. Various media reported at least two fatalities in the state, including a 26-year-old woman. There was talk of several tornadoes.
Further storms expected
Further severe weather warnings have been issued for several other areas. Due to an approaching thunderstorm, the start of the traditional Indianapolis 500 car race, or “Indy 500” for short, has been delayed in the northern state of Indiana. According to media reports, the opening ceremony was interrupted and spectators were asked to leave the stands.
According to the National Weather Service, the storms will move further into the Midwest and then to the east coast of the USA during the course of the day. Heat warnings are also in place for the south. People have been urged to stay in the shade and drink plenty of fluids. In southern parts of Texas, for example, temperatures are expected to rise to around 47 degrees.
Tomorrow is a holiday in the USA – Memorial Day unofficially marks the start of summer with the opening of the swimming season. Many Americans meet up to swim and have a barbecue. In some places, however, the celebrations may be cancelled due to the weather.
Experts attribute the increase in natural disasters in the USA – storms, floods and forest fires – to the effects of climate change. In recent years, the number of tornadoes has multiplied, according to the US weather service. Just last week, storms in the state of Iowa killed at least five people. dpa
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