The Midwest has been hit by some of the wildest weather in recent memory.
A huge, almost apocalyptic dust storm swept into Chicago, turning the sky an eerie shade and choking the city’s streets with a thick cloud of dust.
At the same time, fierce storms ripped through several states, leaving tragic destruction in their wake.
Chicago’s Rare and Terrifying Dust Wall
Imagine stepping outside and suddenly being swallowed by a wall of dust so thick it blocks out the sun.
That’s exactly what happened in Chicago when a massive dust storm rolled in, stretching over 100 miles from southwest Chicago all the way to northern Indiana.
Locals were stunned and caught off guard, describing the scene as something they had never seen before.
Thomas Jean-Mastej, a Chicago resident, told CBS News how it looked like a thunderstorm at first but quickly realized it was pure dust filling the air.
Visibility dropped to nearly zero, and people were urged to stay indoors unless absolutely necessary.
Photographer Brian Siegel captured footage of the dust cloud swallowing the city skyline, with trees bending under fierce 70 mph winds.
He described the experience as surreal, with dust filling his eyes and throat.
Deadly Tornadoes and Destruction Across the Midwest
The storms were not just dusty but deadly. Kentucky faced one of the worst hits, with a tornado ripping through the southeastern part of the state and killing at least 14 people.
Laurel County officials have been searching for survivors amid widespread damage, and Governor Andy Beshear warned that the death toll could rise.
Virginia also suffered losses, with two fatalities caused by storm-related crashes.
Meanwhile, Missouri saw seven confirmed deaths as storms tore roofs off buildings, uprooted trees, and left thousands without power. St. Louis Mayor Cara Spencer described the damage as devastating, with emergency declarations underway and hospitals receiving dozens of storm victims.
One heartbreaking story came from Stacy Clark, whose mother-in-law died when a church collapsed during the storms.
The loss deeply affected the local community, highlighting the human toll of the disaster.
Tornado Damage and Uncertainty in Illinois and Beyond
Illinois wasn’t spared either. Videos from Marion showed dark, swirling tornado clouds, with officials labeling the weather as life-threatening.
Thankfully, no injuries were reported there yet, but the damage was significant.
Sheriff Derick Wheetley of Scott County, Kentucky, confirmed that a tornado devastated rural areas, destroying homes and leaving parts of the county unrecognizable.
First responders risked their lives to help victims even while the storms were ongoing.
Warnings Continue as Midwest and Appalachia Brace for More
The National Weather Service isn’t done issuing warnings yet.
Middle Tennessee and other parts of the Midwest and Appalachia are bracing for more severe weather, including possible tornadoes, hail up to baseball size, and hurricane-force winds.
Meteorologists are urging residents to prepare for anything.
In addition to the violent storms, Texas is experiencing a heat wave with temperatures soaring between 95 and 105 degrees Fahrenheit, making conditions even tougher for those outdoors.
Heat exhaustion concerns have been raised as humidity makes the heat feel even worse.
Power Outages and Disruptions Hit Millions
The storms have left a massive footprint, knocking out power for hundreds of thousands across Michigan, Missouri, and surrounding states.
Utility companies have called in thousands of extra workers to help restore electricity as fast as possible.
Even major events were disrupted, with Beyoncé’s concert in Chicago delayed by two hours due to the severe weather, reminding everyone just how widespread and impactful these storms have been.