At Least 16 Dead as Storms Hit from Texas to Ohio
By Stefan J. Bos, Chief International Correspondent Worthy News
DYERSBURG, USA (Worthy News) – Millions of Americans faced more hardships Saturday as a new round of torrential rain and flash flooding hit parts of the South and Midwest, where numerous people had already died.
At least 16 weather-related deaths have been reported since the start of the storms, including 10 in Tennessee, heavily waterlogged by days of severe storms that also spawned deadly tornadoes.
Forecasters warned that rivers in some places would continue to rise for days.
Witnesses said the devastating storm system began lashing the region on Wednesday when tornadoes and strong winds toppled barns, houses, and power poles.
Several people died in Tennessee, including a teenage girl whose modular home was destroyed by a tornado, officials said.
Officials also linked a fire chief’s death in Missouri and a 9-year-old boy’s death in Kentucky to the storm.
WATERWAYS TO CREST
In many communities, the focus shifted immediately to the threat of flooding.
With many waterways expected to crest at central flood stage over the coming days, residents of river towns in Arkansas, Missouri, and beyond were racing to fill up sandbags.
Others rushed for safety, including in Dyersburg, Tennessee, where dozens arrived Saturday at a storm shelter near a public school. They came in the rain, clutching blankets, pillows, and other necessities.
Among those sheltering was George Manns, 77, who said he was in his apartment when he heard a tornado warning and decided to head to the shelter.
“I grabbed all my stuff and came here,” said Mann, who brought a folding chair, two bags of toiletries, laptops, iPads, and medications: “I don’t leave them in my apartment in case my apartment is destroyed. I have to make sure I have them with me.”
Just days earlier, the city was hit by a tornado that reportedly caused millions of dollars in damage.
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