Severe Weather Threatens Millions on Easter Sunday, Causing Flooding and Fatalities

On Easter Sunday, over 45 million Americans faced the threat of severe weather. A series of dangerous thunderstorms moved across the southern and midwestern United States, bringing with them flooding and the potential for tornadoes. The affected area stretched from East Texas to southeastern Iowa and Illinois. In Oklahoma, residents prepared for more rain following a deadly deluge earlier in the weekend.

Tragically, two people, including a child, lost their lives on Saturday night due to flooding in Moore, Oklahoma, a suburb of Oklahoma City. The adult woman and a 12-year-old boy were in a vehicle that became trapped in high water. Heavy rainfall overwhelmed the area, causing water levels to rise significantly.

One vehicle was swept off the road and under a bridge. While the other occupants were rescued, the woman and boy were later found deceased. The Moore Police Department described the event as a "historical weather event" that caused numerous high-water incidents. Rescue efforts involved dive teams, ground crews, and drones searching a creek under the bridge. Dramatic video footage showed an emergency responder attempting to reach the submerged vehicle.

Multiple water rescues occurred in Moore on Saturday. Storms were predicted to continue in southern Oklahoma on Sunday, with the National Weather Service warning of flash flooding.

Severe weather was also anticipated in parts of East Texas, the Ozarks, and the mid-Mississippi Valley during the afternoon and evening. Arkansas and Missouri faced the threat of damaging winds, large hail, and the possibility of tornadoes. Tornado watches were issued for areas in these states, as well as eastern Oklahoma and various locations in Texas. In Montague County, Texas, boat crews rescued people from floodwaters. Fortunately, there were no reports of injuries or damage in that area. Forecasters anticipated the worst of the weekend's storms would subside by Monday.