Tornadoes in several states have left at least nine people dead and hundreds of thousands of houses without power.
The National Weather Service’s Storm Prediction Center reported over 60 tornadoes in several states on Friday and Saturday. The states most impacted by the storms and power outages include Arkansas, Illinois, and Indiana, according to the Washington Post.
TAX SEASON 2023: TAX FILING DEADLINE FOR MISSISSIPPI STORM VICTIMS EXTENDED
In Belvidere, Illinois, the roof of the Apollo Theatre collapsed due to a storm on Friday, leaving at least one person dead and 28 others injured. The scene was described as a “catastrophe” by a local resident.
"I’ve been in touch with officials for updates and to direct any available resources we can," Gov. JB Pritzker (D-IL) wrote on social media. "As we learn more, please follow the guidance of all local authorities."
My administration is closely monitoring the roof collapse at the Apollo Theatre in Belvidere tonight.
— Governor JB Pritzker (@GovPritzker) April 1, 2023
I’ve been in touch with officials for updates and to direct any available resources we can.
As we learn more, please follow the guidance of all local authorities.
In Arkansas, Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders (R) has activated the state's national guard, which will be assisting the state police and local law enforcement throughout the state. A “large and destructive tornado” struck Little Rock and in other areas of the state on Friday afternoon, with at least one person dead and 50 people hospitalized in North Little Rock, according to Pulaski County spokeswoman Madeline Roberts.
"Widespread damage in Wynne. I’ve been in touch with local officials for updates and to direct state resources," Sanders said. "Please follow the direction of local authorities. Praying for the safety of all Arkansans who are in the path of these storms."
Widespread damage in Wynne. I’ve been in touch with local officials for updates and to direct state resources. Please follow the direction of local authorities.
— Sarah Huckabee Sanders (@SarahHuckabee) March 31, 2023
Praying for the safety of all Arkansans who are in the path of these storms.
Power outages have been reported in several states in the wake of the storms, with Indiana and Minnesota each reporting over 65,000 outages as of 9:53 EST. Arkansas follows with over 52,000 outages, then Illinois with 33,000 outages, according to PowerOutage.us.
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The weekend's storms come only one week after the state of Mississippi experienced its own severe storms, which left at least 25 people dead. President Joe Biden and first lady Jill Biden visited Rolling Fork in the state on Friday, where the president claimed he had authorized more access to federal resources to aid in the recovery effort.
"To those affected by the tornadoes in Mississippi: thanks to your spirit, resilience, and bravery – Rolling Fork will be back," Biden tweeted. "We’re not just here today. We’re going to be with you until this work is done."
To those affected by the tornadoes in Mississippi:
— President Biden (@POTUS) April 1, 2023
Thanks to your spirit, resilience, and bravery – Rolling Fork will be back.
We’re not just here today. We’re going to be with you until this work is done. pic.twitter.com/45u7iHqJg4