Severe Storms Cause Widespread Flooding, Power Outages Across Midwest

Severe thunderstorms across multiple states in the central U.S. have caused widespread damage, flooding, and power outages. In Texas, around 1,200 homes near Wichita Falls lost electricity due to storms packing heavy rain, hail, lightning, and winds over 60 mph, with rainfall well above normal for 2025. Missouri experienced extensive wind damage with gusts up to 68 mph, resulting in downed trees, power lines, and flooding affecting numerous counties including Independence, Lexington, and Sedalia. The Kansas City metro area saw tornado warnings and flash flooding, with heavy damage reported especially near the Interstate 70 corridor and neighborhoods in Independence, Missouri, while Kansas dealt primarily with flooding and road closures; Kansas Governor Laura Kelly declared a state of disaster emergency. Additionally, semi-trucks were overturned in both Missouri and Kansas due to high winds, contributing to transportation disruptions. Emergency crews continue to respond to outages and damage as more storms and rain are forecasted through next week.