GAINESVILLE, TX – The Central United States was hit by severe storms over Memorial Day weekend, leaving a trail of destruction across Texas and Arkansas. The storms, suspected to be tornadoes, resulted in the tragic deaths of at least six people, including children.

Reports indicate that five fatalities occurred in Cooke County, Texas, with three of the victims from the same household. In addition, two children are still missing as a result of the storms. Another individual lost their life in Benton County, Arkansas. The widespread severe weather also caused power outages and forced residents to seek shelter as over 110 million people in the US were under the threat of large hail, damaging winds, and tornadoes.

As the storms moved east, the Storm Prediction Center issued warnings of the potential for “violent tornadoes, extreme hail, and widespread wind damage.” In one instance, a Shell gas station in Texas became a shelter for 60 to 80 people trapped by the storm. Multiple injuries were reported, but fortunately, none were life-threatening. Vehicles were damaged and destroyed, leaving approximately 40 individuals stranded until they were transported to safety.

North Denton County, Texas, also experienced significant damage from a possible tornado, injuring several people and causing destruction to homes and infrastructure. The impact extended to surrounding areas like Ray Roberts, where severe weather led to multiple victims needing medical attention.

The devastating storms continued their path of destruction into Arkansas, where crews worked diligently to respond to power outages and emergency calls. Mayor Stephanie Orman in Bentonville highlighted the extensive cleanup efforts underway due to downed power lines and trees, emphasizing the challenges posed by the extensive damage caused by the storm.

The National Weather Service issued warnings across multiple states, urging residents to take precautions as the potential for severe thunderstorms and tornadoes remained high. As the storms evolved and moved towards the East Coast, cities such as Chicago, Indianapolis, St. Louis, and Nashville braced for the impact, anticipating potential flight delays and cancellations due to the severe weather conditions.

As the region battled the aftermath of the severe storms, attention shifted to the looming threat of sweltering heat, with parts of the US expected to experience record-high temperatures. Locations like Houston, New Orleans, and Miami were among those forecasted to endure unseasonably warm weather reminiscent of the peak of summer.

Throughout the holiday weekend, residents were advised to stay hydrated, dress appropriately for the heat, and locate cooling centers if necessary to combat the dangerous early-season heat wave expected to sweep across parts of the country. The unpredictability of severe weather and the subsequent heatwave serve as a reminder of the importance of preparedness and vigilance in the face of natural disasters.