DETROIT — Two people were killed on Sunday after powerful storms pummeled the central United States. The severe weather, which stretched from the southern Great Lakes to Texas and Louisiana, brought destructive wind gusts, large hail, and tornadoes.
Fatalities and Damage from Storms
In Valparaiso, Indiana, a tragic accident occurred when a tractor-trailer was overturned by severe crosswinds, resulting in the death of the driver. Sgt. Benjamin McFalls of the Porter County Sheriff’s Department confirmed the fatal incident.
In Millersburg, an Amish buggy was overturned by powerful thunderstorm winds at a highway intersection, leading to another fatality, as reported by the National Weather Service.
Tornado Activity and Other Severe Weather Reports
Later in the evening, a tornado was observed in northeast Arkansas. The Storm Prediction Center received dozens of reports of wind and hail damage as the storms spread. Severe wind gusts were recorded up to 85 mph near Hoopeston, Illinois, and as high as 96 mph in Sandstone, Michigan.
Meteorologists Under Siege by Large Hail
FOX Weather meteorologists who were chasing the tornadoes in Arkansas got an up-close look at the severe weather. As they drove through tornado-warned storms, their vehicle was battered by large hail, highlighting the extreme conditions many were facing.
Severe Weather Continues to Move East
As the cold front that triggered these severe storms moves eastward, it threatens to impact 92 million people from the Northeast to the central Gulf Coast region. The region can expect another round of severe weather as the new workweek begins, with additional tornadoes, hail, and damaging winds predicted.