Rapid Response teams went to work researching, tarping roofs, and clearing trees after a massive storm devastated parts of the central United States. Multiple tornadoes touched down on Friday night in Arkansas, Missouri, Illinois, and Indiana. The southeastern states took the brunt of more tornadoes on Saturday, with the heaviest damage in Mississippi and Alabama.
The storm’s gusts were accompanied by snow in northern states such as Minnesota, but caused dust storms in Oklahoma and fanned wildfires in Texas, Kansas, Missouri, and New Mexico. Many houses, schools, and businesses were damaged or destroyed by the fierce gusts. Across seven states, 40 deaths were reported.
Volunteer Rapid Response team members flew into action to assess the damage and lend a helping hand to devastated residents.
The Missouri team is researching needs in West Plains, Bakersfield, St. Louis, and Poplar Bluff, Missouri.
The Arkansas team is responding in Pocahontas, Arkansas today and assessing the widespread damage in the Strawberry/Cave City, Arkansas vicinity.
The Indiana team researched the Oakland City, Indiana area and are planning to start cleanup later this week.
The Alabama team is tarping roofs and clearing trees in Plantersville, Alabama.
The Mississippi team tarped roofs in Taylorsville, Mississippi, and will be researching other affected areas in the state.
