At least 18 killed in Texas, Arkansas and Oklahoma as powerful storms devastate central US

Powerful storms and likely tornadoes tore through Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas and Kentucky over the weekend, killing at least 18people, injuring hundreds, and leaving a swath of destruction across the central United States.

Seven people were killed in the town of Valley View in Cooke County, Texas when severe storms hit the area.

"Extensive damage was found in Cooke County, primarily south of Valley View near the Cooke/Denton County line, with a preliminary rating of EF-2 with estimated maximum winds of 135 mph," the National Weather Service reportedly said.

In Arkansas, local officials earlier reportedly confirmed at least five fatalities due to the storms however the toll was increased to eight. In northeast Oklahoma, two people were killed and over 20 injured. Louisville, Kentucky, also reported one death after violent storms struck over the weekend.

US President Joe Biden has been briefed about the current situation that prevails in central US, reports said quoting a White House official.

Disaster declaration, power outages

Texas Governor Greg Abbott signed a disaster declaration for four additional counties on Sunday (May 26). With this, a total of 106 counties have now been brought under the disaster declaration.“We are making one last round of searches to make sure there is no one missing,” the governor said.

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“I saw the harrowing video inside the Valley View gas station as the tornado passed through, with the people stockpiled in there, clinging to safety,” Abbott said.

“We are going through the heart-wrenching loss of life, including the heartbreak of a family losing a 2-year-old and a 5-year-old child,” the governor said, adding, “When they woke up yesterday, they had no way of knowing the family would be literally crushed by this horrific storm.”

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The aftermath of the deadly storms has left hundreds of thousands of people without power. Efforts are ongoing to restore services.

The situation continues to remain grim and a "particularly dangerous situation" tornado watch is in effect across many states.

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A tornado watch has also been issued for parts of Illinois, Indiana (including Evansville), and Kentucky (including Louisville) until 1 am CDT Monday (May 27).

The severe weather system, which previously caused five deaths in Iowa last week, continues to pose a threat as it moves east. Notably, April witnessed the second-highest count of tornadoes in the history of the country.

(With inputs from agencies)