The death toll increased to at least 19 as tornadoes and storms tore through four US states, leaving a path of devastation and widespread power outages that affected hundreds of thousands.
Arkansas, Oklahoma, and Kentucky each reported two deaths, but Northern Texas suffered the most from the destruction, with seven deaths. Wind gusts of up to 135 mph caused numerous injuries, and by Sunday, almost 500,000 people in several states were without power.
Governor Greg Abbott of Texas proclaimed a state of disaster in more than thirty percent of the state’s counties in order to emphasize the magnitude of the destruction.
Cooke County, Texas, Sheriff Ray Sappington announced the deaths of two children, ages two and five, and three members of a single family, adding to the tragic toll.
A gas station and rest area were reduced to ruins, with twisted metal scattered everywhere and cars that were beyond repair, according to county video footage.
The tornadoes caused havoc elsewhere as well, toppling trucks, closing highways close to Dallas, and bringing power outages that left tens of thousands of people in the dark.
Meanwhile, the Indianapolis 500 race faced disruption due to lightning, thunder, and heavy rainfall, prompting the evacuation of approximately 125,000 spectators and a four-hour delay in the proceedings.
