Storms and tornadoes ripped through the US states of Arkansas and Illinois on Friday and early Saturday, killing at least seven people, injuring dozens more, trapping others in their homes, and damaging businesses and critical infrastructure, according to The New York Times.
In Arkansas, the governor declared a state of emergency Friday afternoon after officials said a tornado killed one person in North Little Rock and two in Wynne. In response to the severe weather, Missouri declared a state of emergency.
Little Rock Mayor Frank Scott Jr. stated that at least 30 people were hospitalized and that over 2,000 homes were damaged. According to local police, the storm caused extensive damage to businesses and apartment complexes.
According to the fire chief, Shawn Schadle, a person was killed and 28 others were hospitalised after the roof collapsed at a theatre in Belvidere with 260 people inside on Friday night in northern Illinois.
Three people were killed after a tornado struck Sullivan Country, Indiana, about 150 miles east of Sherman, according to Indiana State Police Sgt. Matt Ames.
Tornadoes were reported to the National Weather Service across Wisconsin, Iowa, and Mississippi, in addition to Arkansas, Illinois, Indiana, and Tennessee.
Tornado warnings remained in effect for parts of Alabama and Georgia as the storm system moved east early Saturday, according to the National Weather Service.