Tornadoes in several states have left at least 18 people dead and hundreds of thousands of houses without power.
The National Weather Service’s Storm Prediction Center reported over 60 tornadoes in several states on Friday and Saturday. Arkansas in particular suffered a “large and destructive tornado” that tore through homes and businesses Friday afternoon, according to the Washington Post.
TAX SEASON 2023: TAX FILING DEADLINE FOR MISSISSIPPI STORM VICTIMS EXTENDED
The 18 deaths from the wicked weekend weather were spread out across multiple states, with seven in Tennessee, four in Arkansas, and three in Indiana. A total of eight states had either confirmed or suspected tornadoes that left behind massive amounts of damage in their wake, according to the Associated Press.
In Belvidere, Illinois, the roof of the Apollo Theatre collapsed due to a storm on Friday, leaving at least one person dead and 28 others injured. The scene was described as a “catastrophe” by a local resident.
“I’ve been in touch with officials for updates and to direct any available resources we can,” Gov. JB Pritzker (D-IL) wrote on social media. “As we learn more, please follow the guidance of all local authorities.”
My administration is closely monitoring the roof collapse at the Apollo Theatre in Belvidere tonight.
I’ve been in touch with officials for updates and to direct any available resources we can.
As we learn more, please follow the guidance of all local authorities.
— Governor JB Pritzker (@GovPritzker) April 1, 2023
Arkansas Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders (R) activated the state’s national guard, which will be assisting the state police and local law enforcement throughout the state. A “large and destructive tornado” struck Little Rock and in other areas of the state on Friday afternoon, with at least one person dead and 50 people hospitalized in North Little Rock, according to Pulaski County spokeswoman Madeline Roberts. Sanders visited Little Rock on Saturday afternoon, according to the state’s division of the Red Cross.
“Widespread damage in Wynne. I’ve been in touch with local officials for updates and to direct state resources,” Sanders said. “Please follow the direction of local authorities. Praying for the safety of all Arkansans who are in the path of these storms.”
Widespread damage in Wynne. I’ve been in touch with local officials for updates and to direct state resources. Please follow the direction of local authorities.
Praying for the safety of all Arkansans who are in the path of these storms.
— Sarah Huckabee Sanders (@SarahHuckabee) March 31, 2023
In Wynne, Arkansas, the local high school’s roof was completely destroyed and its windows were blown out. Several homes and businesses were also destroyed amid the weekend’s storm, the Associated Press reported.
“I’m sad that my town has been hit so hard,” said Heidi Jenkins, a local salon owner. “Our school is gone, my church is gone. I’m sad for all the people who lost their homes.”
Power outages have been reported in several states in the wake of the storms, with Indiana and Minnesota each reporting over 65,000 outages as of 9:53 a.m. EST. Arkansas follows with over 52,000 outages, then Illinois with 33,000 outages.
By 4:13 p.m. EST, power outages in Ohio and Pennsylvania shot up drastically, with the former experiencing over 272,000 outages while Pennsylvania at over 196,000 outages.
CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM THE WASHINGTON EXAMINER
This weekend’s storms come only one week after the state of Mississippi experienced its own severe weather, which left at least 25 people dead. President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden visited Rolling Fork in the state on Friday, where the president claimed he had authorized more access to federal resources to aid in the recovery effort.
“To those affected by the tornadoes in Mississippi: thanks to your spirit, resilience, and bravery – Rolling Fork will be back,” Biden tweeted. “We’re not just here today. We’re going to be with you until this work is done.”
To those affected by the tornadoes in Mississippi:
Thanks to your spirit, resilience, and bravery – Rolling Fork will be back.
We’re not just here today. We’re going to be with you until this work is done. pic.twitter.com/45u7iHqJg4
— President Biden (@POTUS) April 1, 2023
