Communities across Kentucky, Missouri, and Virginia are reeling from a wave of deadly storms that left 28 people dead and caused massive destruction. Now, residents are bracing for more severe weather as the National Weather Service warns of additional storms in the coming days.
Kentucky was hit the hardest. A tornado tore through southeastern Laurel County, destroying hundreds of homes and killing at least 19 people. Families like the Wyatts of London, Kentucky, barely made it to safety before their home was torn apart. Jeff Wyatt, his wife, and two of their children survived by hiding in a hallway just moments before their roof and family room were ripped away.
“It happened so fast,” said Wyatt. “If we would have been there 10 seconds longer, we would have been gone.”
Across London, survivors returned to what was left of their homes, collecting personal items and bracing for more dangerous weather. Officials warn that Kentucky could face additional severe storms Monday and Tuesday, which could bring even more damage to an already devastated region.
Zach Wilson, whose parents lost their home in the storm, urged everyone to take weather alerts seriously.
“Listen to every word the National Weather Service puts out. Take every warning seriously,” Wilson said, fearing that the next storm could destroy what little remains.
The deadly weather system began Friday, claiming lives in Missouri and northern Virginia before sweeping through Kentucky. It caused chaos across the Midwest, spawning tornadoes in Wisconsin and producing intense heat in Texas. In Illinois, a strange dust cloud rolled into Chicago, darkening the sky during an otherwise sunny afternoon.
In Mingus, Texas, the National Weather Service confirmed a “large and extremely dangerous” tornado on Sunday. Although there were no immediate reports of deaths in that area, heavy damage was reported in Palo Pinto County. Forecasters also warned of tennis ball-sized hail and winds nearing 60 mph in parts of Kansas, Oklahoma, and Nebraska.
In Missouri, St. Louis Mayor Cara Spencer confirmed that five people had died, 38 were injured, and over 5,000 homes were damaged in the storm. In Scott County, south of St. Louis, two more deaths were reported, along with multiple injuries and destroyed homes.
In London, Kentucky, Ryan VanNorstran was house-sitting for his brother when the tornado struck. He took shelter in a closet with two large dogs. Moments later, a neighbor’s door smashed through a window, and the house shook violently. His car was destroyed, and debris ripped through the roof — but he survived.
“I’d never really felt that kind of power from just nature,” VanNorstran said.
Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear announced that damage assessments were underway as the state prepares to seek federal disaster aid. He confirmed the 19th storm-related death and noted that some roads could take days to reopen. Of 10 people hospitalized for storm-related injuries, three remain in critical condition.
“A lot of Kentuckians are hurting right now,” Beshear said on social media. He encouraged donations to support funeral costs and rebuilding efforts.
These deadly storms come amid concerns about staffing shortages in the National Weather Service. Reports show critical vacancies in several offices, including Jackson, Louisville, and St. Louis. Experts warn that a vacancy rate above 20% could seriously hinder storm response and public safety.
As storm threats continue into the week, communities already devastated by nature’s fury are left to rebuild while keeping an anxious eye on the sky.
