Another wave of tornadoes tore through the central United States Monday, devastating communities from Texas to Kentucky. The National Weather Service confirmed at least four tornadoes in Oklahoma and Nebraska, while nearly 130,000 homes lost power across Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri, and Kansas. In Kentucky, the death toll rose to 19, making it the hardest-hit state after a deadly weekend of storms.
In Laurel County, Kentucky, rescuers uncovered stories of heartbreak and heroism. A firefighter, Leslie Leatherman, died shielding his wife from the storm. In London, Kentucky, a city worker took shelter with nine others and prayed through the chaos. Despite personal losses, many returned to work, clinging to faith and gratitude. Across the region, volunteers rushed to distribute emergency supplies amid destroyed homes and blocked roads.
Elsewhere, cities like St. Louis and Greensburg, Kansas, faced widespread damage and awaited federal aid. St. Louis Mayor Cara Spencer reported $1.6 billion in estimated damage after a tornado ripped through eight miles of the city. FEMA’s delayed response drew criticism, as city leaders called for faster disaster declarations to help displaced families and overwhelmed emergency services.
While some communities were spared worse outcomes, like Greensburg which narrowly avoided a repeat of its 2007 catastrophe the forecast remains bleak. The storm system continues its march east, with Alabama, Mississippi, and Tennessee now under threat. Officials across affected states warn residents to stay alert, take shelter, and brace for more severe weather in the days ahead.
