A deadly tornado outbreak leaves 42 dead, including two young brothers crushed in their sleep
At least 42 people have died as violent tornadoes ripped through nine U.S. states, leaving behind obliterated homes, uprooted trees, and entire towns in ruins. Among the victims were 11-year-old Joshua Leviskia and his 13-year-old brother, Josiah, who were crushed to death in their sleep when a tree crashed through their bedroom in Brevard, North Carolina.
The storms, which generated 970 severe weather reports, tore through communities across Missouri, Kansas, Mississippi, Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Alabama, and North Carolina. Entire neighbourhoods were levelled, with families picking through the wreckage to salvage what little remains.
The Leviskia brothers’ mobile home was no match for the storm’s force. The tornado uprooted a massive tree, sending it crashing down on their bedroom while they slept. Firefighters arrived to find the boys trapped under debris, their family members standing helplessly outside.
“The surviving members of the family told us two children were trapped inside,” said Connestee Fire Rescue Chief Matthew C. Owen.
By the time rescuers reached them, both boys were dead.
Elsewhere, the destruction continued. Missouri suffered 12 fatalities, Kansas lost eight lives, and Mississippi reported six storm-related deaths, including three in Tylertown, where an EF-2 tornado with 111 mph winds tore through homes and businesses.
In Plantersville, Alabama, an EF-3 tornado packing winds up to 165 mph turned pine trees into deadly missiles, destroying homes and killing several residents. One victim’s body was found 350 yards away from her destroyed home.
In Winterboro, Alabama, an EF-2 tornado lifted a school bus and hurled it into a gymnasium, leaving behind twisted wreckage. Harry Leon Fain, 83, who had helped open storm shelters for his community, was killed when the storm obliterated his mobile home before he could take cover.
Beyond the tornadoes, winds reaching 80 mph fanned deadly wildfires in Oklahoma, destroying 400 homes near Norman and killing four people. Over 140 injuries were reported as flames spread across the region, forcing thousands to evacuate.
As emergency responders continue searching for survivors, authorities warn that the death toll may rise. Entire communities have been reduced to rubble, and thousands remain without power, shelter, or basic supplies.
The storm system has passed, but Red Flag Warnings remain in place for parts of Texas, Oklahoma, and New Mexico, where fire danger remains extreme. Officials are urging residents to stay alert as recovery efforts begin in the wake of one of the deadliest tornado outbreaks in recent years.
