Texas Tornadoes Kill Seven, Including Two Children

May 27, 2024 – A series of powerful tornadoes and storms wreaked havoc across four US states, resulting in at least 19 fatalities, widespread destruction of homes, and power outages affecting nearly 500,000 residents. The severe weather impacted Texas, Arkansas, Oklahoma, and Kentucky over the weekend.

In Texas, seven people lost their lives, including two young children aged two and five, and three members of the same family in Cooke County. Governor Greg Abbott declared a disaster in over a third of the state’s counties. Sheriff Ray Sappington of Cooke County described the Valley View area as one of the hardest-hit regions, with severe devastation and a trail of debris. Footage from the area showed extensive damage, including a demolished petrol station and rest stop.

The storms brought winds reaching up to 135 mph, overturning lorries, shutting down highways near Dallas, and leaving tens of thousands without power. The violent weather forced the evacuation of approximately 125,000 spectators at the Indianapolis 500, delaying the race by four hours.

Arkansas experienced eight fatalities due to the tornadoes, with Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders confirming the deaths. A 26-year-old woman was among the victims, found outside a destroyed home in Olvey. Rescue operations were conducted in Rogers, where several people were trapped by downed trees, power lines, and damaged gas lines.

In Oklahoma, two people were killed, and six others injured in Mayes County, according to local emergency management. Kentucky also reported two fatalities, with Governor Andy Beshear confirming the deaths on social media. In Louisville, a man died when a tree fell during a severe storm.

Residents shared harrowing accounts of survival. Frank Soltysiak from north Texas recounted how his mobile home was destroyed within minutes. Taking refuge in a walk-in refrigerator at a nearby restaurant, he emerged to find everything gone.

Texas Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick announced the activation of state emergency response units. Governor Abbott expressed the heartbreak over the loss of life, especially the deaths of young children. He urged prayers for the affected families, stating, “Their loss is unfathomable.”

The storms coincided with record-breaking heat in parts of Texas, with triple-digit temperatures reported over the Memorial Day holiday weekend.

Officials across the affected states have been working tirelessly to manage the disaster response and provide aid to the impacted communities. Arkansas Representative Steve Womack highlighted the remarkable survival rate despite the storm’s intensity.