01 Apr 2023 | 09:29 AM UTC
US: Several fatalities were reported following March 31/April 1 tornadoes in several central states
Authorities report fatalities following tornado outbreak throughout the central US late March 31/early April 1; emergency responses ongoing.
Event
Recovery operations are ongoing in several central states early April 1 after tornado outbreaks. More than 50 tornadoes were reported in parts of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Tennessee, Wisconsin, Mississippi, and Arkansas.
Arkansas: Authorities have reported significant damage throughout the state's center, with at least two fatalities reported in the eastern city of Wynne and one fatality in the central city of North Little Rock. A number of people have been hospitalized.
Illinois: Authorities have reported one fatality in the northern city of Belvidere after the roof of a theatre collapsed. At least 28 other people were injured in the incident.
Indiana: At least two people were reported killed in Sullivan, eastern Indiana.
Electricity outages have been reported throughout Indiana, Illinois, Arkansas, and Tennessee, with Indiana being most significantly affected. Hundreds of homes throughout the region have been damaged.
The governors of Arkansas and Missouri have declared a state of emergency in their states. The Arkansas National Guard has been mobilized to assist in search and rescue operations. Resulting disruptions to ground travel and business operations will likely persist for at least several days.
Further damage and casualties are likely to be reported in the coming hours, with tornado activity continuing in places.
Advice
Monitor local media for updated emergency and weather information. Be prepared to quickly move to a safe location if new warnings are issued. Consider postponing driving until weather conditions improve. Charge battery-powered devices in the case prolonged electricity outages occur. Strictly heed the instructions of local authorities.
