At least 18 dead after devastating tornadoes in central USA; Jack Harlow’s 1st Gazebo Festival in Kentucky canceled

At least 18 people in four states have reportedly succumbed to the devastating tornadoes and storms that have hit the central United States hard. Immediate weather threats dominated the Memorial Day weekend as high winds picked up Sunday, battering the middle Mississippi, Ohio and Tennessee River valleys.

The Storm Prediction Center issued a warning of “violent tornadoes, extreme hail and widespread storm damage.” The SPC also warned of “multiple and some intense tornadoes” and declared the tornado warning a “particularly dangerous situation.” The storm warning covers parts of Arkansas, Illinois, Kentucky, Missouri and Tennessee and is expected to affect 4.7 million people.

According to CNN, at least 18 people, including four children, have already fallen victim to the adverse weather conditions in four states.

The Storm Prediction Center also stressed that “severe supercell thunderstorms will continue to develop throughout the observation area through this evening.” The SPC noted that several tornadoes are likely, some more severe than others. The SPC also said that “very large hail” is likely, “along with the risk of potentially significant destructive wind gusts.”

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Gazebo Festival in Kentucky canceled due to tornado warning

Meanwhile, American singer Jack Harlow’s first Gazebo Festival continued to be canceled on Sunday, May 26. The music festival in Louisville, Kentucky, was scheduled to be headlined by the Lovin on Me rapper.

Officials canceled the event and released a statement on social media early Sunday afternoon: “The safety of our guests, artists and staff is our highest priority. Due to ongoing dangerous conditions early this afternoon and a second wave of weather expected this evening, we have made the very difficult decision to cancel the remainder of the Gazebo Festival.”

Gazebo Festival authorities also said that Sunday ticket holders would receive a full refund and all weekend ticket holders would receive a 50% refund of their purchase price, with processing taking place within 30 days.

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Harlow finally addressed the show’s cancellation on his Instagram stories. “We currently have a tornado warning in place. I know things have cleared up a bit, but the inclement weather has damaged the grounds and more storms and dangerous winds are on the way… I’m trying to focus on the positive because yesterday I felt nothing but happiness. I’m grateful for our flawless first day and how this city came together. Thank you. I’m sorry.”

The lineup for the second day of the Kentucky Festival originally included Coop Le Moderne, Malcolm Todd, Amaarae, Channel Tres, Omar Apollo, Pinkpatheress, Jack Harlow, Ace Pro, James Savage, Dahi, Slum Village, Bnyx and Veeze. In contrast, the first day, which concluded successfully on Saturday May 25, welcomed stars such as Dom Haley, Paris Texas, Ravyn Lenae, Jordan Ward, James Blake, Vince Staples, SZA, Shy!!!, Karri, Karrahbooo, Larry June, Rich Homie Quan and Majid Jordan.