Extreme weather: Several dead after storm in US state of Missouri

A severe storm in the US state of Missouri has claimed several lives, according to consistent media reports. At least four deaths have been confirmed in the city of St. Louis, according to local authorities, including the New York Times and CNN. According to CNN, at least ten people were injured, one of them seriously.

The storm swept across the area on Friday afternoon (local time), causing severe damage. Hail also fell. Storms had already hit parts of Wisconsin, Michigan, and Illinois the day before. The National Weather Service continues to warn of extreme weather conditions in several states in the Midwest and Eastern United States.

Photos and videos depicting the destruction in St. Louis circulated on social media. Rescue workers were working continuously. According to the website poweroutage.us, more than 100,000 households in Missouri were without power on Friday evening (local time). Hundreds of thousands of customers also lost power in several other states.

Scientists blame climate change—primarily caused by the burning of fossil fuels—for the increase in extreme weather events. Higher ocean temperatures can intensify storms by providing more energy and moisture. Rising sea levels also contribute to more severe flooding.