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CNN Live Today

Severe Storms Rake Much of Midwest

Aired April 25, 2002 - 10:05   ET

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
LEON HARRIS, CNN ANCHOR: Storms aren't that unusual in April, but there were severe ones yesterday that raked much of the Midwest, spinning-off tornadoes and leaving a trail of injuries and damage behind as well.

The most fearsome tornado yesterday took aim at a subdivision about 10 miles north of Poplar Bluff. We get the details now from Chris Regnier of CNN's St. Louis affiliate, KTVL.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

CHRIS REGNIER, CNN AFFILIATE KTVL REPORTER (on camera): Authorities tell us the massive tornado cut a path of destruction a mile wide through the pine cone of states here outside of Poplar Bluff. This used to be an upscale subdivision, but now many of the homes, as you can see, are damaged or totally destroyed. Trees everywhere are uprooted and debris is all over the place. Some of the debris is wrapped around trees, another sign of the force of this storm.

We spoke with one man who rode out the storm inside his home behind me.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: I have been through a lot, never nothing like this. It's just -- I'm just glad to be alive, really. And I just don't really know what to say anymore. It goes to show you how strong God and mother nature is.

REGNIER: A total of 26 people in this area were hurt. Four of them were injured seriously enough that they had to be life-flighted to a Cape Girardeau hospital, where they are recovering.

That's the latest from here. I am Chris Regnier -- back to you.

HARRIS: All right. Chris Regnier, thank you very much. Chris is with our affiliate in Saint Louis, KTVI.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

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