Deadly Tornadoes Devastate South and Midwest: Little Rock Hit Hard, Dozens Injured [ Video]

 

LITTLE ROCK, Arkansas — On Friday, a massive storm system ripped through the South and Midwest, spawning lethal tornadoes that shredded homes and shopping malls, overturned cars, and uprooted trees as people fled for safety.

 

Authorities said at least one person was killed and two dozen or more were injured, some seriously, in the Little Rock area. Wynne, in northeastern Arkansas, was also devastated, with authorities reporting two deaths, as well as destroyed houses and people trapped in the debris.

 

As the storm system threatened a large swath of the nation home to 85 million people, there were more verified twisters in Iowa, damaging hail in Illinois, and wind-whipped grass fires in Oklahoma.

 

The severe weather occurred as President Joe Biden visited the aftermath of a deadly tornado that hit Mississippi one week ago, promising that the government would assist the area in its recovery.

 

The Little Rock tornado first ripped through western neighborhoods, destroying a small shopping complex that housed a Kroger grocery store. It then crossed the Arkansas River into North Little Rock and the neighboring cities, causing extensive destruction to homes, businesses, and vehicles.