United States : At least four people have lost their lives, and numerous others have been injured as tornadoes wreaked havoc in parts of the United States on Thursday night. Perryton, Texas, was hit hard, with three deaths reported. Becky Randall, Cindy Bransgrove, and Matthew Ramirez tragically lost their lives in the tornado that destroyed homes and communication towers. An additional 56 people were injured, and one person, Ruben Villegas, remains missing. In Pensacola, Florida, another fatality occurred when a tree fell on a home during a tornado.
The severe weather conditions led to multiple tornadoes reported across Texas, Oklahoma, Michigan, and Florida. Perryton, a small town near the Texas-Oklahoma state line, experienced significant damage, especially on the north and east sides. Perryton Fire Chief Paul Dutcher estimated that around 100 people may have been injured, with varying degrees of severity. Perryton is currently without power, and Xcel Energy is working to remove downed power lines and assess the damage.
Texas Governor Greg Abbott has mobilized emergency response resources to address the urgent needs of Perryton. The state is committed to providing support and assistance to protect and aid those affected by the tornadoes. Ochiltree General Hospital, the local medical facility, is also facing power outages but has treated 50 to 100 patients for tornado-related injuries. Some patients have been transferred to Northwest Texas Hospital for further care.
In addition to the tornadoes, severe weather
alerts, including tornado warnings and severe thunderstorm watches, have been issued across the South. Georgia and Alabama have experienced heavy rain and flooding. Southeastern Colorado to southwestern Kansas is currently on high alert for dangerous weather conditions, including strong winds, large hail, and possible tornadoes. Further storms are anticipated on Friday, extending from Colorado to the Gulf Coast, with damaging winds and hail posing significant risks.
As the affected regions battle the aftermath of the tornadoes, the South is also grappling with scorching temperatures. Triple-digit heat is expected, with record-high temperatures possible in Houston, San Antonio, Dallas, and New Orleans. Residents are advised to take precautions and stay safe amidst the extreme weather conditions.
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