Tornadoes kill 12, cause widespread property damage in southern United States

An estimated 30 tornadoes tore through six Midwest states on Feb. 28 and 29, killing at least 12 people and causing widespread property damage, Guy Carpenter reported.

Nebraska, Kansas, Missouri, Illinois, Indiana and Kentucky were all affected by the severe weather that also included strong winds, heavy rain and large hail. 

“The resulting damage and disruption prompted disaster declarations in Illinois, Kansas and Missouri,” Guy Carpenter reported in its Capital Ideas. “Reports suggest the damage and disruption has been localized but severe, with the counties of Saline (Illinois), Wabaunsee (Kansas) and Taney (Missouri) particularly bad hit.”

An unconfirmed tornado a half-mile wide reportedly damaged more than 50 homes in Southern Indiana and property damage was reported in Muhlenberg County, Kentucky.

“The U.S. Storm Prediction Center said the latest tornado outbreak was generated by a cold storm moving down from the Rocky Mountains and colliding with a warm front as it moved east,” Guy Carpenter said.

“Although the Center has since downgraded its outlook for severe weather, it said a moderate risk remains in the region over the next 48 hours.”