Dozens killed in US as volatile weather spreads

A dynamic storm that prompted foreboding predictions of dangerous weekend weather spawned tornadoes, dust storms and wildfires that has so far killed at least 39 people and destroyed hundreds of homes and businesses.

The weakening but still volatile weather system was moving yesterday into the US Southeast and Mid-Atlantic, bringing thunderstorms, hail, damaging winds and the potential for more tornadoes.

Forecasters warned of dangerous winds from Florida all the way north to New Jersey, while heavy rain was likely across New York and New England.

A tornado watch was in effect until early yesterday for a large swath of North Carolina and Virginia, with gusts potentially reaching 112 kilometers per hour and possible hail the size of ping pong balls, according to the National Weather Service office in Blacksburg, Virginia.

The massive storm that began on Friday last week earned an unusual "high risk" designation from meteorologists.

In Mississippi, tornadoes ripped tall trees in half and wiped out entire neighborhoods. Six people were killed and more than 200 were displaced, said authorities.

"It was a bad dream come true," said a couple from the area, who escaped with only scratches. But a twister did rip apart their home and cause the car they were taking shelter in to roll onto its side.

A resident in Missouri described the home where one man was killed as "a debris field...The floor was upside down. We were walking on walls."

Wind-driven wildfires caused extensive damage in Texas and Oklahoma and officials warned that parts of both states would again face an increased risk of fire danger in the coming week.

More than 130 fires were reported across Oklahoma and nearly 400 homes were damaged or destroyed, officials said, adding at least two people were killed as a result of the weather.

Meanwhile, dust storms spurred by high winds claimed almost a dozen lives on Friday last week in Kansas, as at least 50 vehicles puled up on a highway.

Associated Press