U. S. Braces for More Storms After Deadly Tornadoes

More storms are heading towards the central U. S. after a series of deadly tornadoes left a trail of destruction. The National Weather Service issued warnings about a mix of dangerous weather conditions. These include thunderstorms and large hail on the Plains, heavy snow in the mountains, and extreme heat in the South. Kentucky and Missouri are among the areas at risk for thunderstorms. These states were recently hit by tornadoes that caused significant damage. In London, Kentucky, residents are working hard to save what they can from the ruins. Zach Wilson, whose parents' house was destroyed, is focusing on protecting important items like photos and documents. The recent storms have been devastating. In Kentucky, at least 19 people died, and 10 were seriously injured. A tornado damaged hundreds of homes and tossed vehicles around in southeastern Laurel County. The death toll may rise, as three people remain in critical condition. Wilson rushed to his parents' home after the storm. He described the scene as a nightmare, with everything destroyed and the rain still pouring down. Survey teams are expected to assess the damage so the state can apply for federal aid. Some roads may take days to reopen. In St. Louis, five people died, and 38 were injured. More than 5, 000 homes were affected. City inspectors are checking damaged areas to ensure safety. A tornado in a St. Louis suburb traveled at least 8 miles with winds up to 150 mph. It destroyed homes and affected iconic locations like Forest Park. In Scott County, a tornado killed two people and injured several others. The storm system also hit Wisconsin, Illinois, and Virginia, causing more deaths and damage. The U. S. sees about 1, 200 tornadoes each year, with a shift in recent years to more frequent deadly tornadoes in the South. Tornadoes can happen anytime, but certain times of the year are peak seasons. The deadliest tornado in Kentucky's history hit Louisville in 1890, killing 76 people. The last major tornado in December 2021 traveled 165 miles, killing 57 people and injuring over 500. More storms are expected in the coming days. Thunderstorms with damaging winds are forecast from Colorado to Texas. Tornadoes could hit from Kansas to Oklahoma. Triple-digit temperatures and snow are also expected in various parts of the country.