Severe Storms Batter Southern Plains, Cause Flooding, Damage Across Dozens of States

A series of severe storms and extreme weather events have impacted large parts of the United States this week, with damaging winds, hail, and flooding reported from Texas through the Midwest and into the Northeast. A powerful derecho brought wind gusts up to 90 mph, causing widespread damage, uprooting trees, and tearing roofs from buildings, particularly in the Midwest and around Pittsburgh, where two fatalities occurred. In Missouri and Kansas, residents experienced violent storms, including tornadoes and severe thunderstorms, with power lines and trees downed and significant property damage, though no injuries were reported in Monett, Missouri. Oklahoma and Texas also faced continuous flash flood warnings, with first responders conducting water rescues and authorities ordering evacuations in several communities due to rising floodwaters. The National Weather Service warned of additional storms, large hail, and damaging winds, while localized flooding remains a threat in areas with saturated ground from previous rainfall. Officials continue to urge residents to monitor weather alerts and heed evacuation notices as these storms persist.