A series of powerful storm systems has left a trail of destruction across the Midwest and South of the United States, claiming at least 40 lives in Missouri, Arkansas, Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, Alabama, and Mississippi.

The deadly storms, which battered the regions over the weekend, are now moving eastward, threatening further chaos.

Preliminary reports indicate that the storm systems spawned a staggering number of severe weather events, with at least 557 storms reported on Friday and an additional 135 on Saturday. Of these, at least 32 storms on Friday and 34 on Saturday were confirmed tornadoes, causing widespread devastation.

In Oklahoma, the storms triggered wildfires that contributed to the death toll, while injuring over 100 people. Arkansas also reported dozens of injuries, with emergency services stretched thin as they responded to the crisis. Across the affected states, hundreds of thousands of customers have been left without power, exacerbating the challenges faced by communities struggling to recover.

As the storm systems continue their eastward trajectory, authorities are urging residents in the path of the storms to remain vigilant and take necessary precautions. Emergency response teams are on high alert, and officials are working to restore power and provide aid to the hardest-hit areas. (ILKHA)