Deadly Tornadoes, Storms Ravage Midwest; Concert Hall’s Roof Collapses During Show

Dozens of tornadoes and severe storms hit the Midwest and South on Friday night and Saturday morning, with one tornado causing the roof of an Illinois concert hall to collapse while hundreds of people were inside watching a performance. The weather caused at least five deaths and dozens of injuries as it tore through states including Illinois, Iowa, Tennessee, Wisconsin, and Mississippi. The incident occurred just one week after 26 people were killed by tornadoes and storms in the South. The National Weather Service claimed that almost 25 tornadoes were reported during the time of the incident. 

Near Ollie, IA today. Will publish video a bit later. Saw a few different tornadoes including 2 at the same time. pic.twitter.com/4S5ai5luAh

— Darin Brunin (@Tornaduhs) March 31, 2023

During the concert at the Apollo Theatre, which featured bands Revocation, Morbid Angel, and Skeletal Remains, the roof of the building collapsed half an hour into the show. One person was killed and 28 others were injured, according to the city’s fire chief. The National Weather Service attributed the collapse to strong winds and hail. 

🚨#BREAKING: An Extremely dangerous and life threatening tornado outbreak will likely take place today⁰⁰📌#Unitedstates | #USA⁰⁰The Storm Prediction Center has issued a historic Rare double High Risk for Numbers Long track and extremely violent dangerous tornados that covers… pic.twitter.com/8eMqZ9AJlz

— R A W S A L E R T S (@rawsalerts) March 31, 2023

The City of Belvidere in Illinois was hit by a powerful storm causing the death of one person and injuring 28 concert-goers. The regions most affected by the severe weather were Arkansas and Indiana where three people in Arkansas and two in Indiana lost their lives. Arkansas alone recorded at least 12 tornadoes, with Mayor Jennifer Hobbs calling the damage “heartbreaking”. More storms were expected over the weekend. 

Last week, more than two dozen people were killed in deadly storms that struck Mississippi and Arkansas. The recent spate of severe weather has affected many towns and cities, with Rolling Fork in Mississippi being one of the worst hit with 170 mph winds.

Further tornadoes were expected in Kentucky, Ohio and Indiana at the weekend, according to the US’s Storm Prediction Center. 

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