Tornadoes Target the South and Midwest During Late Spring

Tornadoes tore through Ohio and Indiana Memorial Day, killing one and injuring close to 150 others.

“I thank God for protection,” says Chris Williams who lives in Trotwood, Ohio about 10 minutes from Dayton. “My house is standing
with a lot of trees down. The trampoline was in the backyard, and it ended up in the front. But, our neighbors’ homes are completely ruined. I’ve never seen anything like it in my life.”

Storms have ravaged the South and Midwest for more than a week. Forecasters have logged more than 500 tornadoes in the last week. In some areas, cleanup is underway while some residents who live along rivers in a number of states like Arkansas are waiting for the waters crest.

The National Weather Service is watching the Arkansas River, and residents along the way are sandbagging and moving to higher ground. The Illinois, Missouri and Mississippi Rivers are expected to crest.

But, for Chris Williams and the hundreds of families touched by the tornadoes, the devastation is beginning to register.

“Our community is ruined,” Williams says. “We don’t have power. We don’t have water. We grilled yesterday, and we grilled again today.”