Tornado Update: Five States in Danger Zone After Deadly Storms

Multiple states faced the risk of severe weather on Sunday, after more than 25 people were killed after a tornado-spawning storm system swept through parts of the U.S.

Why It Matters

The forecast comes after a powerful storm system swept through parts of the U.S. over the weekend, leaving at least 25 dead in its wake, according to CNN.

Eighteen deaths were reported in Kentucky alone. Reuters reported that multiple people were killed and at least 5,000 properties were damaged in neighboring Missouri in the storm, which also triggered widespread power outages.

KY tornado damage — Destroyed homes after a severe storm passed through the area on Saturday, May 17, 2025, in London, Kentucky.

Carolyn Kaster/Associated Press

What To Know

According to the National Weather Service Storm Prediction Center, the states facing the highest chances of a tornado outbreak on Sunday included Oklahoma and Kansas. Parts of Texas, Nebraska, and Colorado also had a chance of outbreaks.

SPC forecast — A tornado outlook from the Storm Prediction Center shows which areas face the greatest risk.

Storm Prediction Center

AccuWeather forecast severe thunderstorms to redevelop Sunday through the night across portions of Texas, Oklahoma, and Kansas.

These storms could bring damaging wind gusts, large hail, localized flash flooding, and the potential for tornadoes in areas experiencing repeated storms, the outlet said.

Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear said that, as of 1 p.m. ET Saturday, there were 18 confirmed deaths connected to the severe weather. This included 17 people in Laurel County and one in Pulaski County.

Missouri Governor Mike Kehoe described the loss and destruction in his state as “truly devastating.”

CNN reported that on Saturday, nearly half a million were without power across a dozen states. Missouri, Kentucky and Michigan were among the hardest hit, according to the outlet.

At the time of writing, some 50,000 were still without power in Missouri, according to PowerOutage.us, a service that tracks disruptions. An additional 29,000 outages were reported in Kentucky, according to the website.

What People Are Saying

The National Weather Service’s Storm Prediction Center said in a forecast: “There is an enhanced risk of severe thunderstorms across portion of Kansas and Oklahoma.

It added: “Severe thunderstorms capable of all severe hazards are expected later today [Sunday] across portions of the central and southern Plains. The potential for a few strong tornadoes exists across parts of Kansas and Oklahoma.”

Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear said on Saturday:”Kentucky, we’re starting today with the tough news that we lost at least 14 of our people to last night’s storms, but sadly, this number is expected to grow as we receive more information. Please pray for all of our affected families.”

St. Louis Mayor Cara Spencer told reporters, according to Reuters: “Our city is grieving tonight…The loss of life and the destruction is truly, truly horrendous.”