Deadly tornadoes ravage nursing home, Amazon warehouse (VIDEOS)
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At least five people were killed and several more injured in a series of tornadoes that tore through multiple US states, demolishing an elderly care facility as well as an Amazon warehouse, with workers trapped inside.
Violent twisters touched down in Arkansas, Illinois, Missouri, and Kentucky on Friday night, prompting widespread tornado warnings. The remnants of a nursing home in Monette, Arkansas – where two were killed and another five wounded – were seen in photos shared on social media, showing a massive emergency response in the area.
Another nursing home around 20 miles away was also hit by a tornado. Thankfully, no injuries were reported there.
Just a heartbreaking scene at Monette Manor Nursing Home. Prayers that somehow everyone is ok. #arwxpic.twitter.com/kRNcpznNo2
— Brian Emfinger (@brianemfinger) December 11, 2021
Large funnels elsewhere in the state were captured in other images making the rounds online.
TORNADO ON GROUND: This picture was shared to FOX13 News from Bay, Arkansas, which appears to show two tornadoes. Credit to Angie Burgess https://t.co/2prUw4qLNzpic.twitter.com/l1rLzY1aho
— FOX13 Memphis (@FOX13Memphis) December 11, 2021
Large Cone #tornado crossed the road right in front of us just south of Jonesborow #arwx@severestudiospic.twitter.com/yv1ONu3vRF
— Jordan Hall (@JordanHallWX) December 11, 2021
Fire officials in Edwardsville, Illinois made a mass casualty declaration after a wall, approximately the length of a football field, caved in along with the roof at an Amazon warehouse, leaving up to 100 workers trapped in the rubble, according to media reports.
#UPDATE Sources telling me there are injuries and possible deaths inside Amazon Warehouse. Right now, our crew is taking shelter as another line of storms is heading our way. @KMOVpic.twitter.com/HDscWTMUHs
— Jenna Rae (@journalismjenna) December 11, 2021
One reporter on the ground noted that the collapse may have caused deaths as well, though officials have yet to provide details on casualties. At least one rescued worker had to be rushed to the hospital by helicopter. The emergency services continued to wade through the rubble into early Saturday.
#BREAKING Several dozen emergency crews at the Amazon Warehouse on Gateway Commerce Center Drive. About a third of the warehouse is torn down and damaged from either straight by line winds or tornado. People Who have family members inside say people are trapped@KMOVpic.twitter.com/hszi8YQ339
— Jenna Rae (@journalismjenna) December 11, 2021
In the state of Tennessee, the storm claimed two lives in Obion County, with no details forthcoming regarding the circumstances.
Missouri saw its own inclement weather on Friday, with footage showing jet-black twisters as they swept through the state – only visible after dark thanks to periodic flashes of lightning. Employees at a weather service office in Weldon Spring were forced to take cover as a tornado passed dangerously close to the building, while one person lost their life and two more sustained injuries in the twister’s path just a few miles away.
Doesn’t get any more dangerous than this deadly nighttime tornado near Caruthersville, Missouri. Tornado likely peaked at EF4/EF5 strength. #ARwx#MOwxpic.twitter.com/AWa0OggrZk
— US StormWatch (@US_Stormwatch) December 11, 2021
My view of the large wedge tornado as it approached us on I-55 near mile marker 16 south of Hayti, Missouri. #mowx@NWSMemphispic.twitter.com/VBTIfNLHZ8
— ☈ Chris Jackson ☈ (@ChrisJacksonSC) December 11, 2021
A tornado that first touched down in Arkansas later moved into Kentucky, and at one point was reportedly one mile wide, prompting calls from officials for residents to take cover, while one local meteorologist even suggested they “put on a helmet.” Among the buildings that collapsed in the state was a candle factory in Mayfield. Sarah Burgess, a trooper with the Kentucky State Police, said that the building, where a shift was underway at the time the tornado struck, was “essentially leveled,” with several people believed to be under the rubble. Governor Andy Beshear has declared a state of emergency and called in the National Guard to deal with the aftermath.
Reports are saying this Tornado could be over 1 mile wide, as a wedge.......Yikes! https://t.co/IBjGz6i8Nr
— Big Rick Radio (@OnAirWithRick) December 11, 2021
In addition to the spate of twisters, winter storm warnings were also declared across a large swath of the Midwest on Friday, with heavy snows expected to blow westward toward Colorado, Wyoming, Iowa, and Nebraska, among other states.