Accuweather reported deadly storms ripping through the central United States through the night of April 2, 2025, leaving a trail of destruction, widespread power outages, and at least four confirmed fatalities across multiple states. Tornadoes, hail, and severe flooding battered communities from Texas to Pennsylvania in one of the most intense severe weather outbreaks in recent years.
Catastrophic Damage in Tennessee
Daylight revealed staggering tornado damage in Selmer, Tennessee, located about 90 miles east of Memphis. Entire neighborhoods were flattened, vehicles tossed, and buildings destroyed. At least two tornadoes were confirmed in the region, and authorities believe more may have occurred, given the extensive damage and ongoing search for missing persons.
Three storm-related deaths have been reported in Tennessee: one in McNairy County (Selmer), one in Obion County, and another in Fayette County, where a tornado flipped a modular home, trapping and killing one individual. Several others were hospitalized. Emergency crews, including state troopers and firefighters, continue to comb through the wreckage in search of survivors.
Missouri Fatality Brings Death Toll to Four
In Missouri, one person died between Advance and Delta as storms surged across the state Wednesday night. The Missouri State Highway Patrol also confirmed a trooper was injured at his home in Advance but has since been released from the hospital.
A total of 27 tornadoes were reported in the last 24 hours. Early ratings include an EF0 in Bates County, an EF2 in Cooper County, and an EF1 in Vernon County.
Arkansas Devastated by Massive Tornado
Arkansas was slammed by a “large and destructive tornado” near Lake City on Wednesday evening, prompting the National Weather Service to issue a rare tornado emergency. Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders declared a state of emergency, citing widespread storm damage across nearly twenty counties. Though four people were injured, there are no reported fatalities in Arkansas at this time.
Unprecedented Tornado Warnings and Severe Weather Alerts
The National Weather Service issued 728 warnings on Wednesday, the third-highest number ever recorded in a single day. This included 284 tornado warnings—also the third-highest in history. The concentration of warnings was most intense across western Tennessee, with tornado emergencies declared in both Arkansas and Tennessee.
Severe Weather Continues and More Threats Loom
Storms and heavy rain are ongoing across a 1,500-mile corridor from Texas to Pennsylvania. AccuWeather meteorologists warn that further severe weather, including tornadoes and flooding, is expected Thursday through Saturday. Tropical moisture originating from the Caribbean is contributing to excessive rainfall, raising concerns over basement flooding and compromised storm shelters.
Power Outages and Flooding Across Multiple States
More than 300,000 power outages were reported across several states as of Thursday morning:
- Indiana: 129,000
- Ohio: 80,000
- Kentucky: 42,810
- Tennessee: 18,606
- Arkansas: 25,000
- Missouri: 11,407
- Mississippi: 11,077
In Indianapolis, multiple vehicles were submerged in floodwaters, though no entrapments were reported. Officials urged residents to avoid driving through flooded roads.