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At least 32 killed: Weekend of extreme weather in the US

14:00
3 April 2023

At least 32 killed
Weekend of extreme weather in the US

Tornado damageSubstantial damage in Little Rock, Arkansas in the aftermath of tornadoes. - © picture alliance

Severe weather including multiple tornadoes killed at least 32 people in the Midwest and south of the United States this weekend.

At least 11 states were impacted by more than 80 tornadoes which were produced by intense storm systems from Friday.

Ahead of the storms’ arrival, more than 28 million people were subject to tornado watches. More than the population of Australia.

Damaged airport hangerCar wrapped in power linesDrone image of tornado damageDonations at emergency shelter
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Hangers at the Robinson Municipal Airport in Palestine, Illinois were destroyed and airplanes damaged. - © picture alliance

Of the 11 states affected, Arkansas saw a significant impact leading to President Joe Biden declaring a major disaster in the state.

Storm coverage from Weather & Radar USread more

In Little Rock, Arkansas around 2,600 structures were damaged across the weekend with some areas completed destroyed.

In Belvidere, Illinois multiple people were injured, and one killed, after the roof of the Apollo Theatre collapsed during a concert performance on Friday.

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The United States sees over 1,000 tornadoes a year on average with a traditional tornado season lasting from April to June.

A history of UK and Irish tornadoesread more

This year has seen a rise in tornado activity across the states with more than 300 tornadoes already reported prior to Friday. An average year sees around 200 tornadoes by the end of March.

Conditions are ripe for fresh tornadoes on Tuesday from Texas in the south to Illinois in the Midwest. Check back for more updates through the week.

Ryan Hathaway
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