Tornadoes Kill 28 as Residents in 3 US states Dig Thru Rubble

A piano rests atop what is left of Sunshine Hill Baptist Church in London, Ky., on Sunday.

Residents in Kentucky, Missouri, and Virginia are reeling from deadly storms that tore through parts of the Midwest and South, killing at least 28 people and destroying homes, vehicles, and entire neighborhoods.

Kentucky was the hardest hit, with at least 19 deaths reported—most in southeastern Laurel County—after a powerful tornado swept through the region, flattening homes and leaving many residents without shelter.

Recovery efforts were underway Sunday as residents sifted through the debris, fearing further storms. The National Weather Service warned of a “multi-day” stretch of hazardous weather across the central United States, with threats of heavy rainfall, large hail, strong winds, and additional tornadoes.

One particularly dangerous tornado was confirmed Sunday afternoon near Mingus, Texas—about 70 miles west of Fort Worth—causing significant damage in Palo Pinto County. Though no casualties were reported, authorities cautioned that hail the size of tennis balls could hit parts of Texas, Kansas, Oklahoma, and Nebraska.

‘It Happened So Fast’

In London, Kentucky, Jeff Wyatt and his family barely escaped when their home of 17 years was ripped apart. “It happened so fast,” said Wyatt, 54. “If we’d been there 10 seconds longer, we’d have been gone with the family room.” The family returned Sunday to retrieve what they could—photos, baby blankets, and precious keepsakes.

Survivors like Wyatt remain anxious. The weather service forecast more severe storms for Kentucky on Monday and Tuesday. Zach Wilson, whose parents lost their home, urged others to take weather warnings seriously. “Listen to every word the National Weather Service says,” he said. “It could save your life.”

The deadly weather system, which began Friday, also claimed seven lives in Missouri and two in northern Virginia. It spawned tornadoes in Wisconsin, caused a dust storm in Illinois, and brought extreme heat to Texas.

More Storms Expected in Missouri and Kansas

The weather service warned that parts of Missouri and Kansas could face severe storms into Monday, with potential for golf ball-sized hail and wind gusts reaching 60 mph (97 kph).

In Kentucky’s London community, Ryan VanNorstran was house-sitting for his brother when the storm struck. He sheltered in a closet with two large dogs. “I felt the house shake. A door from another house flew through the window. It was unreal,” he said. His car was destroyed and parts of the roof were punctured by flying debris.

Federal Help Likely

Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear said damage assessments are ongoing as the state prepares to request federal disaster assistance. “Our priority is to help every family and community get back on their feet,” he said.