Tornado Threat Shifts to the Southern U.S. After Devastating Storms Kill at Least 34, Fueling High Winds and Wildfires

Tornado Threat Shifts to the Southern U.S. After Devastating Storms Kill at Least 34, Fueling High Winds and Wildfires

A series of violent tornadoes tore through multiple states, causing widespread destruction, toppling semi-trucks, and even leveling schools. The massive storm system has claimed at least 34 lives across six states.

In Kansas, a devastating dust storm led to a major crash involving more than 55 vehicles, leaving at least eight people dead and numerous others injured.

Mississippi Gov. Tate Reeves confirmed six fatalities across three counties as tornadoes swept through the region. Additionally, three individuals were reported missing.

Missouri was hit the hardest, with at least 12 fatalities recorded. Among the deceased was a man whose home was completely destroyed by a tornado.

"It was unrecognizable as a home. Just a debris field," said Butler County Coroner Jim Akers. "The floor was upside down. We were walking on walls."

Dakota Henderson, who participated in rescue efforts, described the harrowing scene in Wayne County, Missouri, where five bodies were found scattered outside the remains of his aunt’s house.

Missouri Gov. Mike Kehoe praised the relentless efforts of first responders, volunteers, and faith-based organizations who worked "tirelessly" to respond to the devastation caused by tornadoes, severe storms, and widespread fires.

In Oklahoma, the governor reported one fatality, believed to have occurred due to dense smoke.

Arkansas officials confirmed three deaths in Independence County, with 29 injuries reported across eight counties. The Arkansas Division of Emergency Management (ADEM) activated its State Emergency Operations Center (SEOC) in response to the significant storm damage.

Arkansas Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders revealed that she had spoken with President Trump regarding the storm's impact.

"[Trump] said to tell the people of Arkansas he loves them and he and his administration are here to help with whatever we need following last night's tornadoes," she posted on X.

Meanwhile, in Texas, officials reported four weather-related deaths, some occurring due to car crashes amid blinding dust storms.

"It's the worst I've ever seen," said Sgt. Cindy Barkley of the Texas Department of Public Safety, describing the near-zero visibility. "We couldn't tell that they were all together until the dust kind of settled."

Oklahoma communities faced mandatory evacuations as over 130 wildfires erupted across the state. The State Patrol reported that powerful winds overturned multiple tractor-trailers.

"This is terrible out here," said Charles Daniel, a truck driver hauling a 48-foot trailer along Interstate 40. "There's a lot of sand and dirt in the air. I'm not pushing it over 55 mph. I'm scared it will blow over if I do."

Tornadoes also touched down in Mississippi and Alabama, prompting multiple emergency alerts. The National Weather Service urged Alabama residents to "please seek shelter."

In Elrod, Alabama, many trees uprooted and at least one home damaged by a suspected tornado. Meanwhile, a 911 call center in Sipsey, Alabama, north of Birmingham, confirmed multiple injuries and home damages.

At one point, National Weather Service staff in Birmingham had to abandon operations and take shelter themselves.

"We're back. Much thanks to @NWSAtlanta for the help!" NWS Birmingham announced on social media.

Heavy rainfall is expected to bring flash flooding to portions of the East Coast on Sunday.

March is notorious for volatile weather patterns, but experts say this storm system stands out due to its massive scale and intensity.

"What's unique about this one is its large size and intensity," explained Bill Bunting from the National Weather Service's Storm Prediction Center. "And so what that is doing is producing really substantial impacts over a very large area."

This deadly system unleashed powerful winds, igniting dust storms and fueling over 100 wildfires.

More than 100 million people across the country are expected to be affected by extreme weather conditions. Winds reaching 80 mph are predicted from the Canadian border to Texas, increasing the risk of blizzards in the north and wildfires in the drier, southern regions.

Areas at Highest Risk

The Storm Prediction Center categorizes severe weather risks from marginal to high, with the most severe areas marked in magenta. On Saturday, parts of Mississippi and Alabama were identified as being at the highest risk.

A "high risk" warning indicates the potential for "numerous intense and long-tracked tornadoes" or destructive storms with hurricane-force winds.

Historical data suggests that when a "high risk" designation is issued, severe weather often follows.

Tornadoes Amid Storm Outbreak

At least five tornadoes were reported in Missouri on Friday, including one in the Saint Louis area. A tornado struck a strip mall in Rolla, Missouri, causing significant damage.

The Storm Prediction Center cautioned that fast-moving storms could produce tornadoes and baseball-sized hail, with the greatest threat coming from straight-line winds reaching or exceeding hurricane force. Gusts of up to 100 mph (160 kph) are possible.

The National Weather Service warned that "potentially violent" tornadoes could develop in parts of the central Gulf Coast, Deep South, and Tennessee Valley.

Mississippi cities such as Jackson and Hattiesburg, along with Alabama locations including Birmingham and Tuscaloosa, were designated as high-risk zones. Severe weather threats also extended to eastern Louisiana, western Georgia, central Tennessee, and the western Florida Panhandle.

In response, Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp declared a state of emergency due to the anticipated damaging weather, effective through Tuesday.

"This storm will hit at the worst possible time, as people are heading to or already in bed. Before they retire for the evening, I'm urging everyone to be prepared ahead of time and to remain weather aware as long as this system is in the state."

Wildfires Fueled by Dry, Windy Conditions

Extreme wildfire threats emerged across the Southern Plains as warm, dry weather and strong winds fueled rapid fire spread. Communities in Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, Missouri, and New Mexico were ordered to evacuate.

In Roberts County, Texas, a wildfire quickly expanded from less than one square mile to approximately 32.8 square miles. Another fire, located about 60 miles south, reached nearly 3.9 square miles before being contained.

Oklahoma officials reported a "complex of extremely dangerous fires" near Stillwater, prompting mandatory evacuations for homes, businesses, and hotels.

Nearly 150 fires were reported in Oklahoma alone, and Gov. Kevin Stitt confirmed that approximately 70,000 acres had burned. An estimated 293 homes and structures were destroyed—including his own farmhouse.

Officials deployed pre-positioned firefighting teams to quickly respond to flare-ups, but low visibility from smoke and dust hampered aerial firefighting efforts.

Missouri authorities issued evacuation orders for parts of Camden County as wildfires threatened homes and businesses. Meanwhile, western Kansas temporarily shut down about 120 miles of Interstate 70 due to hazardous dust storms.

High winds knocked out power to more than 250,000 homes and businesses across Texas, Arkansas, Missouri, Michigan, Illinois, Indiana, and Mississippi, according to poweroutage.us.

Blizzard Warnings in the Northern Plains

The National Weather Service issued blizzard warnings for western Minnesota and eastern South Dakota, forecasting snow accumulations of up to a foot, with 60 mph wind gusts causing whiteout conditions.