Severe Tornado Outbreak Claims 21 Lives in Central U.S.

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A devastating wave of severe weather, including multiple tornadoes, swept through the central United States, resulting in at least 21 fatalities and numerous injuries. The storms, which struck late Friday into Saturday, particularly devastated southeastern Kentucky, where 14 deaths were reported, according to local officials from the Laurel County Sheriff's office.

In London, Kentucky, images revealed extensive destruction, with entire neighborhoods obliterated and homes reduced to debris. "You could feel the air sucking," said local resident Leslie Bott, recounting her experience during the tornado. Emergency teams are actively searching the wreckage for survivors as the National Weather Service confirmed a large tornado swept through the area shortly after midnight.

More than 700,000 homes and businesses across 12 states lost power, with Kentucky and Missouri being the hardest hit. In St. Louis, seven people were confirmed dead due to a tornado-warned storm that caused significant damage to infrastructure. St. Louis Mayor Cara Spencer declared a state of emergency and enforced a curfew in affected neighborhoods.

Yesterday's destruction marked one of the worst severe weather events in the region, with further storms anticipated early next week, raising concerns for additional life-threatening conditions, according to forecasters.

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