Storms kill at least 21 in US states of Missouri and Kentucky | Weather News

The storms are part of a severe climate system that extends through the west, leaving thousands without energy.

At least 21 people have died after tornadoes caused by severe storms swept by the states of Missouri and Kentucky in the United States, authorities said.

The governor of Kentucky, Andy Beshear, said on Saturday in X that at least 14 people died in the storms on Friday night.

At least another seven were killed in Missouri when the authorities launched a search for people trapped in buildings.

Kentucky authorities said there were serious injuries when a tornado crossed Laurel county on Friday night. “The search continues in the damaged area for survivors,” said Seriff John Root’s office in a statement published on social networks.

In Missouri, the mayor of St Louis Cara Spencer confirmed five deaths in her city and said that more than 5,000 homes were affected.

“Our city is mourning tonight,” he told reporters. “The loss of lives and destruction is truly horrible.”

Another tornado hit Scott’s county, about 209 km (130 miles) south of St Louis, killing two people, hurting several others and destroying multiple houses, Sheriff Derick Wheetley wrote on social networks on Friday.

“Our first answer acted quickly, even while the tornado was still active, putting the issue in the damage of providing assistance and immediate attention to the injured,” he said.

The storms, which on Friday, are part of a severe climate system that has also generated tornadoes in Wisconsin, leaving thousands of people without energy in the region of the great lakes and bringing a punishing heat wave to Texas.

A dust storm warning was issued around the Chicago area on Friday night. The weather service said that a wall of dust extended along a line of 161 km (100 miles) from southwest Chicago to northern Indiana that severely reduced visibility.

In Texas, a heat warning was issued for the cities of San Antonio and Austin, with temperatures at 95f (35c) to 105f (40.5c). Parts of the South Coast of the East, from Virginia to Florida, also fought with heat in the 90s (32-37c).

The Office of the National Meteorological Service of Austin and San Antonio said that moisture was expected during the weekend to make temperatures feel warmer.

“There are concerns about heat exhaustion for people who do not increase precautions when they are outdoors,” said meteorologist Jason Runyen, advising those affected who take breaks and stay hydrated.