Louisville, Kentucky – Tornadoes and severe storms wreaked havoc across central United States over the Memorial Day weekend, claiming at least 18 lives across four states. The deadly tornadoes and storms targeted areas in the mid-Mississippi, Ohio, and Tennessee River valleys, causing widespread destruction and devastation.
The Storm Prediction Center issued a grave warning of “violent tornadoes, extreme hail, and corridors of widespread wind damage,” urging residents in Arkansas, Illinois, Kentucky, Missouri, and Tennessee to stay vigilant and take necessary precautions. The severe weather watch affected approximately 4.7 million people, with reports of multiple tornadoes touching down in the affected regions.
According to CNN reports, the severe weather conditions have resulted in the loss of at least 18 lives, including four children, in the four affected states. The Storm Prediction Center highlighted the risk of intense supercell thunderstorms developing in the area, with the possibility of more tornadoes, large hail, and potentially significant damaging wind gusts.
In the wake of the calamitous weather, the inaugural Gazebo Festival in Kentucky, headlined by American singer Jack Harlow, was canceled to ensure the safety of attendees, artists, and staff. The festival organizers released a statement on social media, citing hazardous conditions throughout the day and the impending threat of more severe weather as reasons for the cancellation.
Harlow, in a message shared on his Instagram stories, expressed regret over the cancellation due to the tornado watch and dangerous weather conditions. The festival lineup, originally set to feature various artists, faced disruption as the severe weather forced the event to come to an abrupt halt.
As the affected states grapple with the aftermath of the deadly tornadoes and storms, communities are coming together to support one another and assess the extent of the damage caused. The resilience and spirit of the impacted regions will undoubtedly be tested as they begin the recovery and rebuilding process in the aftermath of this natural disaster.