Tornadoes hit Indiana, Illinois as destructive storms blast through parts of Midwest
Destructive storms blasting through parts of the Midwest spawned tornadoes that hit Indiana and Illinois, as near-hurricane force winds swept parts of the region.
A violent tornado ripped through southeastern Illinois on Thursday, shredding homes, overturning cars and leaving a trail of destruction that stretched at least six miles long. At least a dozen buildings were destroyed.
Powerful wind mangled mobile homes and flipped them upside down. One woman was trapped inside until rescue crews could reach her..
Read More Here: https://www.cbsnews.com/news/tornadoes-indiana-illinois-storms-midwest/
8 Skiers Are Dead in Sierra Nevada Avalanche
A final missing skier was also presumed dead, the authorities said. Six survivors were rescued. The avalanche is the deadliest in modern California history.
Read More Here: www.nytimes.com/live/2026/02/18/us/lake-tahoe-avalanche-missing-skiers
Wildfire status: What's burning, where?
Oklahoma Panhandle, Kansas & Colorado:
The Ranger Road Fire continues as a large, active wildfire in the Oklahoma Panhandle and has spread into southern Kansas. It’s burning hundreds of acres
Texas: The Lavender Fire and 8 Ball Fire are actively burning in the Texas Panhandle and adjoining Oklahoma areas,
Colorado Eastern Plains:
Wind-driven wildfires are currently burning and have prompted evacuation orders in parts of eastern Colorado.