On April 2, 2025, an outbreak of deadly storms cut a path across the southern and midwestern United States, leaving destruction in their wake.
In response, SDF-trained teams Adam Schaaf & Dodger and Mark Schroeder & Koda of Nebraska Task Force 1, and Jeremy DeMott & Chirp from Virginia Task Force 2, along with their teammates and members of Colorado Task Force 1, Maryland Task Force 1, Pennsylvania Task Force 1, and additional state resources traveled to affected areas to assist local authorities in their search and rescue efforts.
The storms brought unimaginable devastation to affected communities as cyclones and flash floods swept through the South and Midwest, leaving entire neighborhoods flattened, vehicles destroyed, and familiar landscapes transformed into fields of debris.
Millions experienced flooding across the region, and millions more remained under flood watches as this rare, “once-in-a-generation” weather event unfolded.
More than 40 tornadoes were reported and, tragically, at least 19 lives were lost due to the tornadoes and the floodwaters that followed. At its height, over 33 million people were under flood watches across 11 states, making the urgency of this mission unmistakable.
After assisting rescue and recovery efforts for several days in impacted areas, the search teams that responded to the storms—along with fellow rescuers from across the country—have completed their missions and safely returned home.
In the aftermath of these deadly storms, our thoughts are with all of those impacted by these devastating storms. We send our profound thanks to all those who answered the call to bring aid to those affected.
MEET THE BOOTS AND PAWS ON THE GROUND FOR THE MIDWEST STORMS:
