Latest news with #EF-4
Yahoo
13-06-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Latest tornado tallies for the active 2025 season
ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — Have you been thinking to yourself, it's been a busy severe weather season? That's because it has been, especially when it comes to tornadoes. Missouri's tornado season has been unusually active, with 115 confirmed tornadoes so far. On average, Missouri sees 45 tornadoes each year, according to NOAA data from 1991 to 2020. Kansas records nearly twice that number, averaging 87 annually. But so far in 2025, Missouri ranks second in the nation for the most confirmed tornadoes, trailing only Texas, which leads with 137. In third place is Illinois with 110 confirmed tornadoes in 2025, including the strongest tornado of the year so far, an EF-4 that struck near the town of Marion with maximum winds of 190 mph. The Sunflower State, meanwhile, has recorded just 40 tornadoes so far this year. Tornadoes can happen at any time of year given the right conditions. For parts of America's heartland, the classic spring and summer tornado season has yet to peak, typically ramping up in June and July for the Upper Midwest and Northern Plains. While late April, May, and early June historically tally the highest number of tornadoes across Northwest Missouri and Northeast Kansas, neighboring states to the north often see the most activity later into the warm season. For example, Iowa and Nebraska historically see the most tornadoes in June, with Minnesota and North Dakota are known to see the most tornadoes in July. As the classic 'tornado season' starts to wind down locally over the next month, powerful thunderstorm complexes known as mesoscale convective systems (MCSs) will provide the biggest threat for severe weather. While an MCS can occasionally produce a brief tornado, the biggest hazard they pose is straight-line winds and very heavy rainfall. Several MCSs traverse the Mid-Missouri River Valley every year, usually during the summer. While these powerful storm systems can be problematic, they are also essential, providing inches of beneficial rainfall to area crops between spells of scorching heat.
Yahoo
11-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
The Cupps, Gary Dugger perform in tornado-affected community
Residents of Finley Trailer Park gathered last Wednesday evening for a musical performance aimed at bringing the community together after the May 16 tornado. A flatbed trailer was transformed into a stage for a special performance by The Cupps, a Christian-based band from Williamsburg, and local singer Gary Dugger. The gathering was partially organized by Monroe Murphy, a resident of the trailer park who wanted to do something in response to the devastation that struck the area. YouTube personality John Ward of La Follette, Tennessee, also played a role in making the event happen. Ward, known for his channel The Appalachian Channel with John Ward, helped facilitate the visit and documented the event for his audience. The event brought community members together to uplift one another as the area begins recovery efforts following the EF-4 tornado that left behind major structural damage in the park. Murphy was among those who had damages to his home. Recounting his experience, Murphy said that at about 11:45 p.m. May 16, he stepped out on his porch because he'd heard a sound on the roof, which he said ended up being hail. 'The wind started picking up so I immediately closed the door and by that time, I knew something bad was coming so I laid down in my kitchen floor,' Murphy recounted. 'Next thing I know, my trailer felt like it was up in the air, turned upside down, and slammed on the roof.' Murphy said he must have blacked out during the experience, saying it only spanned 30 to 45 seconds. He shared that while he did not acquire any broken bones, it did hurt his head and back. Murphy went on to spend the night in his brother's truck, awaking there at daylight. 'I went back to where I knew I got up from and there was a Bible laying there... It had embroidery on it and it was Psalms 93:11. It said, 'The Lord will give charge over his angels to protect you in all your ways,' and that was laying right beside where I was at,' said Murphy. Now, Murphy temporarily resides in a mobile home loaned by Still Water Baptist Church. Ward has driven from Tennessee four times to provide assistance where he can. 'When this happened, I had supplies in stock already as I was giving stuff to the homeless,' Ward stated. 'When I came here, this was the first place I found really that needed some stuff.' Ward said it's been 'inspiring' to see both community members and other outsiders band together to provide aid to those in need. 'I'm just thankful for all the people that's donated and come to volunteer here,' he said. As attendees enjoyed the show, they were also treated to free hotdogs, chips, and water from Bobby and Angela Nelson. Wednesday's event came to a close following the two performances.
Yahoo
11-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
The Cupps, Gary Dugger perform in tornado-affected community
Residents of Finley Trailer Park gathered last Wednesday evening for a musical performance aimed at bringing the community together after the May 16 tornado. A flatbed trailer was transformed into a stage for a special performance by The Cupps, a Christian-based band from Williamsburg, and local singer Gary Dugger. The gathering was partially organized by Monroe Murphy, a resident of the trailer park who wanted to do something in response to the devastation that struck the area. YouTube personality John Ward of La Follette, Tennessee, also played a role in making the event happen. Ward, known for his channel The Appalachian Channel with John Ward, helped facilitate the visit and documented the event for his audience. The event brought community members together to uplift one another as the area begins recovery efforts following the EF-4 tornado that left behind major structural damage in the park. Murphy was among those who had damages to his home. Recounting his experience, Murphy said that at about 11:45 p.m. May 16, he stepped out on his porch because he'd heard a sound on the roof, which he said ended up being hail. 'The wind started picking up so I immediately closed the door and by that time, I knew something bad was coming so I laid down in my kitchen floor,' Murphy recounted. 'Next thing I know, my trailer felt like it was up in the air, turned upside down, and slammed on the roof.' Murphy said he must have blacked out during the experience, saying it only spanned 30 to 45 seconds. He shared that while he did not acquire any broken bones, it did hurt his head and back. Murphy went on to spend the night in his brother's truck, awaking there at daylight. 'I went back to where I knew I got up from and there was a Bible laying there... It had embroidery on it and it was Psalms 93:11. It said, 'The Lord will give charge over his angels to protect you in all your ways,' and that was laying right beside where I was at,' said Murphy. Now, Murphy temporarily resides in a mobile home loaned by Still Water Baptist Church. Ward has driven from Tennessee four times to provide assistance where he can. 'When this happened, I had supplies in stock already as I was giving stuff to the homeless,' Ward stated. 'When I came here, this was the first place I found really that needed some stuff.' Ward said it's been 'inspiring' to see both community members and other outsiders band together to provide aid to those in need. 'I'm just thankful for all the people that's donated and come to volunteer here,' he said. As attendees enjoyed the show, they were also treated to free hotdogs, chips, and water from Bobby and Angela Nelson. Wednesday's event came to a close following the two performances.
Yahoo
10-06-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Veteran known as ‘Cowboy Dave' brings hope to tornado survivors
LAUREL COUNTY, Ky. (FOX 56) — When disaster strikes, most people run from the chaos. Cowboy Dave runs toward it. Dave Graham, better known as 'Cowboy Dave,' is a military veteran on a mission — traveling across the country in a pickup truck and camper, bringing comfort to communities hit by crisis. His latest stop: London, Kentucky, where an EF-4 tornado tore through homes, lives, and livelihoods just weeks ago. Investigation underway after KSP trooper shoots, kills man Veteran known as 'Cowboy Dave' brings hope to tornado survivors Lancaster native hopes to put an end to 'period poverty' in Kentucky 'I move in with the community — as close to the disaster as I can,' Dave said. 'I live with them. I feel it. And they sense that. They know it's genuine.' With his trademark cowboy hat and ever-open camper door, Dave stands out. But it's his presence, not his appearance, that leaves the biggest impact. Through his nonprofit, Hearts Hurt, Cowboy Dave has responded to more than 30 major disasters, including 9/11, Hurricane Katrina, the Maui fires, and flooding in Eastern Kentucky. What sets him apart? He does it all on his own dime, using his military pension to fund the mission. 'People knock on my camper and say, 'Cowboy, you want to talk?' I'm like, 'Absolutely,'' he said. 'It's a military thing — you do what it takes, for as long as it takes.' Airbnb generates an estimated $590 million in Kentucky in 2024 Study shows Kentucky among the poorest states Kentucky's most misspelled word, according to study Local residents say his arrival brought an unexpected sense of calm. 'Oh, he's a character,' said Matthew Cawood, who survived the recent tornado. 'It can be pouring rain and he's out there, waving at cars and talking to everyone, saying, 'Bring your Bible or bring your beer, I'll take you either way.' He just gets people.' Cowboy Dave's work isn't about recognition. It's about restoration — of hope, of humanity, and of hearts that hurt. 'When you create life in the middle of death and disaster, people are drawn to it,' he said. 'It's been a blessing for me. But it's not about me — it's about them.' Latest central Kentucky weather forecast As long as there's a need, Cowboy Dave said he'll keep showing up. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
07-06-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
National Weather Service warns strong storms could roll through Kentucky. What to know
Coming off the heels of a round of deadly tornadoes in May, the National Weather Service anticipates a round of severe storms could hit the southern portion of Kentucky on June 7. "We'll see generally quiet weather across the region this morning. However, another round of strong to severe storms is forecast to move into the region this afternoon and continue through the evening," a spokesperson for the National Weather Service Louisville office said in an email. The worst of the storms is expected to hit southern Kentucky. Here is what to know about the severe weather heading to Kentucky: The main threats for June 7 consist of heavy rainfall, isolated flash flooding, and the potential for isolated damaging winds. The slight chance for severe weather is expected to hit southern Kentucky. Showers and thunderstorms are expected across the state into the afternoon and evening. More: Is Kentucky becoming more tornado-prone? Well, it's complicated Tornadoes in May, including an EF-4, were responsible for killing 19 people in Eastern Kentucky. Two weeks later, a small tornado hit Washington County, killing another person. As of May 23, President Donald Trump approved a major disaster declaration for Kentucky related to the tornadoes, severe storms and straight-line winds that decimated parts of the state from May 16-17, including the EF-4 tornado that tore through Russell, Pulaski and Laurel counties, The Courier Journal previously reported. This marked the third major disaster declaration issued for the state for 2025, following historic flooding in April and February. Reporters Connor Giffin and Stephanie Kuzydym contributed to this report. Contact business reporter Olivia Evans at oevans@ or on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter at @oliviamevans_. This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: National Weather Service forecast strong to severe storms in Kentucky
