Photos: Central, southern US communities face devastating aftermath of deadly tornadoes, flooding
Severe thunderstorms and flooding left a trail of damage across the central and southern United States during the final days of April.
The National Weather Service Storm Prediction Center stated there were over 500 preliminary tornado, damaging wind and hail reports from the central and southern Plains to the Ohio Valley and Southeast, spanning Friday night to Sunday.
Four confirmed tornadoes touched down in northeastern Texas during the late afternoon and evening of Saturday. At least four people were killed and dozens more injured.
One of the tornadoes crossed Interstate 20 in Van Zandt County, about 65 miles east of Dallas. Local media reported the tornado flipped dozens of cars, resulting in widespread injuries.
The city of Canton, Texas, was among the hardest hit areas as extensive damage from two large, long-track tornadoes was reported in and around the city.
Extensive damage was reported around Canton, Texas, following multiple tornadoes on Saturday. (Photo/NWS Fort Worth)
"Today is a difficult day for the people of Canton and the surrounding region," Texas Gov. Greg Abbott said on Sunday. "In response to the devastation, I'm confident Texans will come together to rebuild and help their neighbors in need."
On Monday afternoon, the National Weather Service determined that one of the tornadoes that tracked near Canton was an EF-4 with estimated winds of 175 mph to 185 mph.
Even more tornadoes touched down across Louisiana and Mississippi on Sunday, with at least 15 preliminary tornado reports.
At least 12 other deaths occurred in Arkansas, Missouri, Mississippi and Tennessee due to the severe weather, according to the Associated Press.
An abundant amount of rainfall was unleashed across some of the same areas that were affected by severe weather.
Over half a foot of rain fell in portions of Arkansas, Missouri, Illinois and Indiana, which quickly overwhelmed streams, rivers and storm drains. Widespread flooding overtook many communities throughout the area.
Missouri Gov. Eric Greitens declared a state of emergency as a result of the flooding. At least 33 water rescues and 93 evacuations were ordered.
Despite the storms moving away from the area, significant flooding will persist as runoff continues to spill into major rivers.
During the middle of this week, another round of heavy rain and severe thunderstorms will target some of the same areas hit this past weekend.
Crews prepare to repair damaged power lines in Oklahoma City, Saturday, April 29, 2017. Severe thunderstorms have toppled tree limbs and power lines and caused minor flooding across Oklahoma. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki)
A man walks by the toppled iconic structural arch that welcomed visitors to the annual Oklahoma State Fair in Oklahoma City, Saturday, April 29, 2017. Severe thunderstorms have toppled tree limbs and power lines and caused minor flooding across Oklahoma. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki)
Damaged power lines are pictured in Oklahoma City, Saturday, April 29, 2017. Severe thunderstorms have toppled tree limbs and power lines and caused minor flooding across Oklahoma. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki)
Roads turned into rivers in Blytheville, Arkansas. (Image via twitter @MissCoOEM)
Storm chaser Reed Timmer recorded this incredible footage of a damaging wedge tornado just outside of Canton, Texas. At least 4 people were killed after severe weather in Texas, more than 45 injured.
This photograph provided by the Warren County Emergency Management Agency shows what looks like a tornado that approached Vicksburg, Miss., Sunday, April 30, 2017. The tornado did not affect Vicksburg, but was part of system of severe weather that was statewide and caused tree damage, downed power lines and property damage. (Jerry Briggs/Warren County Fire Department via Warren County EMA via AP)
A tree was found on top of a car and its garage in Blytheville, Arkansas, following severe weather on April 30, 2017. (Photo/Twitter/@MissCoOEM)
