Remnants of tropical storm Erin floods the Midwest USA by Rob McElwee
Hundreds of people across the Midwest of the USA have been evacuated as the remnants of tropical storm Erin lash the region with torrential rain. Authorities claim at least 13 people have been killed.
According to the National Weather Service, more than 229 mm (9 inches) of rain fell in some parts of central Oklahoma, swelling rivers and washing away roads and houses. In Kingfisher, Oklahoma, 100 people were evacuated from their homes after the nearby Cimarron River burst its banks. Tornado warnings were issued across parts of the state as the storms moved through.
Torrential rain also lashed other states including Minnesota, where nearly 279mm (11 inches) of rain caused violent flooding that washed away bridges and roads, killing six people.
In Wisconsin up to 305mm (12 inches) of rain fell in some parts triggering mudslides. In Chicago the severe weather saw the cancellation of more than 200 flights at the O’Hare International Airport.
The remnants of the tropical storm Erin made landfall over Texas last week lashing many parts of the state with torrential rain. The system then moved further inland affecting many more states with heavy rain and flooding. Further heavy rain is expected across central parts of the USA over the coming few days.
