• Tornadoes and storms kill 28 across multiple U.S. states with over 80 tornadoes confirmed, including the devastating Kentucky tornado that resulted in the most deaths.
• Missouri and Virginia also faced deadly storms, with homes destroyed, trees uprooted, and millions in damage.
• More severe weather is expected, with forecasts warning of flash floods and tornado risks in the central U.S. regions, including potential threats similar to the Kentucky tornado.

Tornadoes and violent storms ripped through six U.S. states, killing at least 28 people over the weekend. The Kentucky tornado hit hardest, with 19 people confirmed dead. Families lost homes. Cities turned into disaster zones. Over 80 tornadoes touched down across Kentucky, Missouri, Kansas, Indiana, Illinois, and Virginia. AccuWeather confirmed the twisters by Monday morning. In places like London, Kentucky, and St. Louis, Missouri, entire neighborhoods lay in ruins. Winds toppled trees. Cars flipped. Power lines fell. The storm left behind chaos, injuries, and millions in damage. Now, another powerful storm system is forming. It stretches from Colorado to Kentucky. Meteorologists say wind speeds may reach up to 136 miles per hour.

Kansas Faces Late-Night Tornadoes With No Reported Injuries

Kansas saw tornadoes touch down late on May 18. A twister struck near Grinnell around 7 p.m. Another tornado formed near Plevna close to midnight. Luckily, no one suffered injuries in those areas. Storm chaser Matthew Cappucci called the Plevna tornado a “nocturnal monster.” He said it had the loudest roar he ever heard in his career. The tornado had a classic violent shape. Cappucci believes it reached EF5 strength. He said the final rating depends on what the tornado destroyed. Still, the impact left experienced chasers stunned.

Missouri Reports Seven Deaths and Major Infrastructure Loss

Missouri confirmed seven storm-related deaths. St. Louis faced widespread destruction. Mayor Cara Spencer said the cost of the damage might go beyond $1 billion. She said firefighters and emergency workers searched every affected building. Their quick response saved lives. Power outages, blocked roads, and shattered homes made recovery hard. Crews worked nonstop to help people get to safety and restore services. Families searched for missing belongings. Others tried to rebuild what little remained. Spencer thanked all first responders for their courage and commitment.

Kentucky Suffers Most Deaths With Towns Turned to Rubble

Kentucky experienced the worst damage from the tornadoes. The Kentucky tornado destroyed towns and killed 19 people. London and nearby cities in Laurel County were among the hardest hit. Buildings collapsed. Trees ripped from the ground. Cars crushed. Deputy Gilbert Acciardo from the Laurel County Sheriff’s Office described the area as a “war zone.” Whole blocks vanished. Rescue workers moved fast to find survivors. Crews helped people dig through debris. Many survivors had no power, no shelter, and no clean water. Volunteers stepped in to help where they could.

Weather Experts Confirm Powerful EF-3 Tornado in London

The National Weather Service sent teams to examine the damage. Meteorologist Dustin Jordan said a tornado hit London, Kentucky, between May 16 and 17. The tornado traveled through Russell, Pulaski, and Laurel counties. He confirmed it as an EF-3. That means winds ranged between 136 and 165 mph. Jordan said the storm probably ranks on the higher end of that scale. Crews began damage assessments on Saturday. They continue to collect data on the full path and power of the tornado. The damage shocked even seasoned weather professionals.

Governor Beshear Urges Residents to Stay Safe and Report Losses

Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear visited affected areas and spoke to the media. He told residents to document all damage. He said that helps emergency services respond faster. It also helps with funding for rebuilding. Beshear thanked rescue crews, volunteers, and neighbors who helped each other during the Kentucky tornado crisis. He promised that the state would support families during recovery. Many communities need clean water, food, shelter, and emotional support. State and local agencies have set up shelters and resource centers in the hardest-hit areas.

Virginia Faces Deadly Winds and Widespread Tree Damage

Virginia also suffered from the storm system. Strong winds knocked over trees and caused major damage. Two people died when trees fell on buildings. Power outages spread across parts of the state. Rescue teams cleared roads and worked to restore services. Homes suffered damage from falling limbs and flying debris. Crews continued to remove downed trees and help families clean up. The damage hit both rural towns and busy neighborhoods. Local officials urged people to stay off roads during clean-up efforts.

New Tornado Front Forms With Winds Up to 136 MPH

The danger isn’t over. A new line of storms is building from Colorado to Kentucky. Meteorologists expect high winds, heavy rain, and more tornadoes. The National Weather Service warned people in the central U.S. to prepare for strong storms. This new system could bring winds of up to 136 mph. Flash floods are also possible. Forecasters said the storms will affect areas from the northern Plains down to Texas. People in the path should monitor weather alerts, charge phones, and prepare emergency kits. Officials recommend finding safe shelter before storms arrive.

More Severe Weather Predicted for Central U.S.

The weather threat isn’t over. More storms are on the way. On May 19, the National Weather Service warned about another dangerous storm system. This new wave could bring more tornadoes, flash flooding, and damaging winds. Forecasters said the storm could hit areas from the northern Plains down to Texas. Heavy rain may lead to floods in low-lying areas. People living in those regions should stay alert. They should follow weather updates and stay ready to act fast.