Millions of people were affected by the several tornadoes that tore across the heartland of America, leaving a path of devastation in their wake.
Twenty million Americans are on high alert for gusts of up to 70 mph, huge hail, and twisters, ranging from Texas to Iowa.
As of 7 p.m. ET, the National Weather Service reported at least 59 tornadoes in Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, Nebraska, and Iowa.
Social media images featured severely damaged homes and torn trees.
An enhanced risk for severe weather was reported over Kansas City, Missouri; Omaha and Lincoln, Nebraska; and regions of Iowa, according to the Storm Prediction Centre of the National Weather Service. A small to marginal risk was reported over several areas of Texas, as well as the area surrounding Shreveport, Louisiana.
“Tornadoes, including a couple of strong tornadoes, very large hail (some greater than 2 inches in diameter), and wind damage remains possible this afternoon/evening from eastern Kansas/Nebraska into Iowa, western Missouri, eastern Oklahoma, western Arkansas, and northeast Texas,” the Weather Service stated.
At least 70 workers were trapped after portions of a sizable industrial building collapsed, according to the Lancaster County Sheriff’s Office.
First responders evacuated every employee, while three others were receiving medical attention for injuries.
In Omaha, Nebraska, hundreds of homes were damaged, primarily in the Elkhorn neighbourhood in the western section of the city, according to Omaha Police Lt. Neal Bonacci.
According to Bonacci, “we are receiving 911 calls from people who are trapped in debris in their basement.” “All we’re doing is trying to assist everyone in need as fast as we can.
