Tornadoes sweep across US Midwest, killing two people in recent extreme weather events

Tornadoes Hit Illinois and Indiana, Causing Widespread Damage

A series of intense “supercell” thunderstorms swept across northern Illinois and northwestern Indiana on Wednesday, touching down at least four tornadoes in the region. The National Weather Service (NWS) confirmed that the storms brought severe weather conditions, including damaging winds, large hail, and weak to violent tornadoes.

According to local officials, an elderly couple was killed when a tornado hit their home in Lake Village, Indiana. Several residents in Newton County were rescued by emergency responders after the storm knocked down at least 70 utility poles and left some roads impassable. Sheriff Shannon Cothran warned people about trying to access the damaged areas, advising them not to attempt to help right now.

In Illinois, a tornado touched down in Kankakee County, causing extensive damage as it traveled across the suburb of Aroma Park. At least nine people were injured, but no deaths were reported. Cassidy Sinwelski, 23, described the storm’s impact, saying she and her husband took shelter in their home’s bathroom before the lights flickered and the sound of shattering glass filled the air.

The latest round of extreme weather follows a previous incident that resulted in eight fatalities from tornadoes in Michigan and Oklahoma last week. The affected areas remain under a tornado watch until further notice, with parts of Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, and Ohio still experiencing severe weather conditions.

Source: Al Jazeera