Multiple Fatalities Reported as Tornado-Generating Storms Hit Texas and Oklahoma Over Memorial Day Weekend

At least five people, including children, have tragically lost their lives in Texas after a possible tornado hit overnight. Severe storms caused power outages and led residents to seek shelter across the Central United States during Memorial Day weekend.

The devastating news came from Cooke County, Texas, where Sheriff Ray Sappington confirmed the five fatalities on Sunday morning. Among them, three individuals were from the same household. Additionally, two children in the area are currently missing and have not been found as of Sunday morning.

Large hail, damaging winds, and fierce tornadoes are threatening over 110 million people in the US, particularly in the mid-Mississippi, Ohio, and Tennessee River valleys on Sunday.

The Storm Prediction Center has issued a warning as the storms move east, cautioning about the potential for "violent tornadoes, extreme hail, and widespread wind damage."

During the storm, around 60 to 80 people found themselves stuck inside a Shell gas station, according to Sappington. Although there were several injuries, fortunately, none of them were serious.

The severe weather caused significant damage to numerous vehicles, with about 40 individuals left without transportation. They were later taken by bus to a different gas station in Gainesville, where their family members were able to pick them up.

City of Denton (Texas) Fire Department shares photo of damaged building following severe weather reported in area.

City of Denton (Texas) Fire Department shares photo of damaged building following severe weather reported in area.

In north Denton County, Texas, a possible tornado caused injuries to an unknown number of people, as well as damage to several homes, overturning 18-wheelers, downing trees, and knocking out power lines on Saturday night, according to authorities. Deputies were dispatched to various locations, including homes and RV trailer parks, as mentioned by Dawn Cobb, a county spokesperson, in a news release.

Several people were reported as "multiple victims" in Ray Roberts following severe weather that hit the area overnight. City of Denton fire officials mentioned that medics and additional resources have been dispatched to the scene.

In the neighboring city of Celina, damage to multiple homes was reported. City officials stated that the area experienced what seemed to be tornadic activity on Saturday.

A forecast model shows one way severe thunderstorms could develop Saturday night.

A forecast model shows one way severe thunderstorms could develop Saturday night.

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The National Weather Service office in Fort Worth has issued a 'particularly dangerous situation' tornado watch for parts of Texas, Oklahoma, and Kansas. Late Saturday night, several tornado warnings were issued for multiple North Texas cities, with residents urged to seek shelter immediately. A tornado was spotted heading east between Valley View and Sanger around 10:40 p.m.

Lake Ray Roberts Marina in Sanger, Denton County, was hit by severe weather on Saturday night, causing damage to boats, boat houses, and the fuel dock. Fortunately, there have been no reports of serious injuries, although some people had to be rescued from overturned RVs.

In a Facebook post on Sunday morning, the marina expressed their shock at the extent of the damage, stating, "There is so much damage, we don't even know where to start."

The boat houses have suffered heavy damage, with walkways lost and most boats being damaged. The fuel dock, offices, and even the dock cat, Ginger, were lost as well.

In Rogers County, Oklahoma, damage was reported after a possible tornado passed through, causing power lines and trees to fall and homes to be damaged. Claremore officials noted significant damage in the city, with power outages expected to last for an extended period of time.

More than 250,000 homes and businesses in the Plains and Missouri were left without power due to the stormy weather on Sunday. This included over 93,000 customers in Missouri, around 48,000 in Kansas, more than 34,000 in Texas, and 24,000 in Oklahoma, as reported by poweroutage.us.

Storms that formed overnight in Kansas, Oklahoma, and Missouri have now shifted east towards the lower Ohio River Valley. This has led to a new tornado watch being issued for parts of Arkansas, Illinois, Kentucky, Missouri, and Tennessee until 10 a.m. CT, according to the Storm Prediction Center.

Northwest Arkansas, Eastern Kansas, Western Missouri, and Northeast Oklahoma are still under a tornado watch until 5 a.m. CT.

According to the Storm Prediction Center, there is a Level 3 out of 5 risk of severe thunderstorms in parts of the Mississippi and Ohio valleys until Monday morning. EF2 to EF5 tornadoes and wind gusts of 74 mph are possible. There is also a Level 4 out of 5 risk of severe thunderstorms in parts of the Central and Southern Plains until Sunday morning.

A forecast model depicts one way storms could develop over Memorial Day weekend.

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Sunday to see 2 waves of storms

Sunday will bring a second wave of storms when a line forms across the Ohio and Tennessee River Valleys.

Robust thunderstorms will persist in the Mississippi Valley until Sunday morning, gradually weakening. However, another round of severe storms is forecasted to move in shortly after.

By Sunday afternoon, thunderstorms will start forming in the Midwest and spread towards the south and east as the evening progresses. The potential for powerful storms extends from the Great Lakes to the South by Sunday night.

On Monday, storms are expected to head towards the East Coast, bringing strong winds and large hail from DC down to the southeast. This could cause disruptions in travel. Cities like Chicago, Indianapolis, St. Louis, and Nashville may experience damaging storms, potentially leading to flight delays or cancellations.

Greenfield residents hug in front of their tornado damaged home on Wednesday in Iowa.

Greenfield residents hug in front of their tornado damaged home on Wednesday in Iowa.

Charlie Neibergall/AP

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Tornado-spawning storms in Iowa resulted in 5 fatalities and numerous injuries.

The possibility of heavy rain in areas of the Ohio and Tennessee Valleys, middle Mississippi Valley, and Central Appalachians has led to a slight risk, Level 2 out of 4, of excessive rainfall in those regions until Monday morning.

Cities such as Louisville, Kentucky; Cincinnati; St. Louis; Nashville, Tennessee; and Indianapolis are currently facing a Level 3 threat due to severe weather. There is a possibility that the Indianapolis 500 race scheduled for noon ET on Sunday may be impacted.

According to the National Weather Service office in Indianapolis, there is a forecast of showers and thunderstorms in Speedway, Indiana, mainly before 4 p.m. ET on Sunday. There is an 80% chance of precipitation and gusts of up to 25 mph expected.

The last time rain shortened the Indy 500 race was in 2007 after 166 laps, according to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

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Record-breaking heat possible for some cities

The unofficial start of summer is bringing in intense heat, with some parts of the US expected to experience record high temperatures on Monday.

Locations such as Houston, New Orleans, Miami, Mobile in Alabama, Tampa in Florida, and Charleston in South Carolina will be feeling exceptionally warm, with temperatures reminiscent of July rather than late May throughout the holiday weekend.

A subtropical upper-level high over Mexico is expected to lead to excessive heat warnings and heat advisories in southern Texas through Monday, as reported by the Storm Prediction Center. The center warns that this ridging will result in a dangerous early-season heat wave affecting south Texas and southern Florida.

According to the Storm Prediction Center, there is a possibility of daily high temperatures and heat index readings exceeding 115 in certain areas.

If you are spending time outside or experiencing a power outage, remember to stay hydrated, wear light clothes, and find cooling centers if needed.

This report includes contributions from CNN meteorologist Elisa Raffa, as well as CNN's Jillian Sykes and Chris Boyette.

Editor's P/S:

The recent severe storms and possible tornadoes across the Central United States have left a devastating trail of destruction and loss. The tragic loss of life, including children, is a heartbreaking reminder of the immense power of nature and the vulnerability of human communities. The article provides a comprehensive overview of the situation, highlighting the impact on affected areas and the efforts underway to provide support and relief.

As the storms continue to move eastward, the potential for further damage and disruption remains high. The Storm Prediction Center has issued warnings for several states, urging residents to remain vigilant and take necessary precautions. The possibility of heavy rain, strong winds, and large hail poses additional risks to communities in the path of the storms. It is crucial for individuals to stay informed about weather updates, follow safety guidelines, and seek shelter when necessary. By working together, we can mitigate the impact of these severe weather events and ensure the well-being of those affected.