A swath of the Midwest braced for more deadly storms Sunday after two days of brutal weather blasted across the Plains, killing at least four in Oklahoma, destroying homes, and knocking out power to tens of thousands.
Another death was confirmed in Sulphur, some 80 miles southeast of Oklahoma City, where 30 of the 100-plus tornado-related injuries in the state were registered. The fourth known fatality was reported in the Love County town of Marietta.
Almost 45,000 homes and es remained without power in Texas and Oklahoma by 6:30 p.m. CDT Sunday.
Thunderstorms could develop across the Mississippi Valley to the Gulf Coast on Sunday and into Monday, posing another risk of severe weather hazards such as hail, gusty winds, and flash flooding, AccuWeather said. Localized wind gusts of up to 65 mph will be possible with peak winds up to 75 mph.
"While much of the Plains catches their breath, the Mississippi Valley will become the focus for flooding downpours, strong winds and hail. A tornado or two still cannot be ruled out," Accuweather senior meteorologist Bill Deger said.
He added that torrential rain is the biggest concern from the system approaching the lower Mississippi Valley and southern states, possibly affecting population centers such as Jackson, Mississippi; New Orleans; and Mobile, Alabama.
In Nebraska, the National Weather Service office in Omaha said more storms could develop by Sunday morning and that the worst weather was expected Sunday afternoon. A hazardous weather statement for parts of Nebraska and Iowa warned that strong to severe thunderstorms may develop with wind gusts to 60 mph, hail up to the size of quarters "and a tornado or two."
"We have yet another risk for severe weather today," the weather service in Omaha posted on social media. "Keep an eye on the weather, especially if you'll be outdoors."
The National Weather Service in Des Moines said preliminary reports indicate at least 10 tornadoes struck central Iowa during Friday's storm front, based on initial damage information. More damage could come on Sunday.
"A tornado of this size hits major urban area causes major damage with no confirmed deaths or serious injuries, thousands of turn out to help," he said in a social media post. "Is this God reminding us that we need to be kinder to one another?"
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