By now you would have heard about the devastating tornadoes that have ripped through Arkansas and Texas in the US. I think we can all give a small moment of thanks that we do not get this kind of weather in SA – those wintery South Easters have nothing on these babies.

There are still eight people missing in Texas, with five confirmed dead. A couple in Arkansas are also confirmed dead, leaving behind their 18-month old baby. Rescuers are going from house to house to check on people and help the injured.

Damage appeared to be widespread, with trees uprooted and numerous homes and buildings flattened or ripped apart.

Van, TX., saw the worst damage as one tornado went straight through it, lifting mobile homes and doing huge damage to the elementary and intermediate schools. Between 50 and 100 homes are badly damaged, many with their fronts “sheared off, revealing living room furniture tossed in a jumble”.

South Dakota was also hit by tornadoes, with much of the regions affected experiencing wintery weather.

Thoughts and prayers go out to everyone affected, and let’s hope they don’t get hit again this season.

[Source: The Huffington Post]