'Bless their hearts': Internet prays for safety as severe storms and tornadoes cause destruction across central US states

UNITED STATES: Nearly twenty million Americans, spanning from Texas to Iowa, are on high alert this Friday, April 26, as severe weather threatens the Heartland with tornadoes, large hail, and damaging winds through the weekend, as per Forbes. 

Several tornadoes tore through the heartland of America, leaving a trail of catastrophic destruction that impacted millions of residents.

Tornadoes tear across Central America 

As of 7 pm ET, at least 59 tornadoes were reported across Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, Nebraska, and Iowa, according to the National Weather Service. 

Images circulating on social media depicted heavily damaged homes and shredded trees. One user on X wrote, "A series of devastating tornadoes struck Nebraska and Iowa, causing significant damage to homes, buildings, and neighborhoods. The severe weather outbreak impacted various locations, including Omaha, Nebraska, and Minden, Iowa, with reports indicating a significant impact on the affected communities."

The Storm Prediction Center of the National Weather Service reported an enhanced risk for severe weather covering Kansas City, Missouri; Omaha and Lincoln, Nebraska; and parts of Iowa. Additionally, slight to marginal risks were reported over various areas of Texas and the vicinity of Shreveport, Louisiana.

"Tornadoes, including a couple of strong tornadoes, very large hail (some greater than 2 inches in diameter), and wind damage remains possible this afternoon/evening from eastern Kansas/Nebraska into Iowa, western Missouri, eastern Oklahoma, western Arkansas, and northeast Texas," the agency said.

According to Fox Weather, the Lancaster County Sheriff's Office reported that sections of a large manufacturing facility collapsed, leaving at least 70 workers trapped.

Omaha Police Lt Neal Bonacci stated that hundreds of houses in Omaha, Nebraska, particularly in the Elkhorn area in the western part of the city, suffered damage.

"We are receiving 911 calls from people trapped in debris in their basements," Bonacci said, emphasizing, "We are working diligently to assist everyone in need as quickly as possible."

According to the Storm Prediction Center, over 4.8 million people reside in areas designated as having an "enhanced risk" of severe weather on Friday. Additionally, more than 32 million people are under "marginal" and "slight" risk categories.

Internet prays for safety amid Tornadoes

Amid the tornadoes, numerous social media users are sending prayers for the safety and well-being of everyone affected by the severe weather.

A Facebook user wrote, "Very intense and sad day for so many. Hoping injuries were minimal and no deaths." 

Another user wrote, "Praying for no fatalities." The next user said, "How frightening! Hope everyone survived ok." 

Another user wrote, "It was the scariest thing I've experienced. Praying for all." 

The next user wrote, "That is enormous. Hope no one was killed."

A user wrote, "Oh Bless their hearts." Another said, "Prayers for all affected." 

One more user said, "Looks very scary! Praying for everyone."

While another user said, "Very sad day for those that were affected."

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.