Violent tornadoes have caused devastation across parts of the US, with at least 17 fatalities and numerous homes destroyed. Missouri experienced the highest death toll, with 11 people losing their lives due to overnight twisters.
The Missouri State Highway Patrol also reported several injuries. A man was killed when a tornado demolished his home, leaving only debris behind.
Severe Weather Warnings and Emergency Declarations
Arkansas officials confirmed three deaths in Independence County and 29 injuries across eight counties as storms swept through the state. “We have teams out surveying the damage from last night’s tornadoes and have first responders on the ground to assist,” Arkansas Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders stated on X. Both she and Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp declared states of emergency in anticipation of further severe weather.
In Texas, three individuals died in car accidents during a dust storm in Amarillo. This occurred as a massive storm system moved across the country, causing deadly dust storms and fueling over 100 wildfires. Winds reaching up to 80 mph (130 kph) were predicted from the Canadian border to Texas, posing blizzard risks in colder areas and wildfire threats in warmer regions.
Wildfire Threats Across Southern Plains
Oklahoma communities faced evacuations as more than 130 fires were reported statewide. Nearly 300 homes suffered damage or destruction due to these fires. Gov. Kevin Stitt noted that approximately 266 square miles (689 square kilometers) had burned in Oklahoma so far. Strong winds even toppled several tractor-trailers, highlighting the severity of conditions.
Truck driver Charles Daniel expressed concern while driving along Interstate 40 in western Oklahoma, stating, “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.” Experts indicate that such extreme weather is not uncommon for March.
Tornadoes and Storm Outbreaks
The Storm Prediction Center warned that fast-moving storms could produce tornadoes and hail as large as baseballs on Saturday. However, the primary threat was expected from straight-line winds near or exceeding hurricane force, with gusts potentially reaching 100 mph (160 kph). Significant tornadoes, some long-track and violent, were anticipated Saturday afternoon and evening.
The highest risk region extended from eastern Louisiana and Mississippi in the afternoon to Alabama and western Georgia and the Florida panhandle by evening. Meanwhile, wildfires in Texas, Kansas, Missouri, and New Mexico threatened rapid spread due to warm, dry weather combined with strong winds.
Blizzard Conditions in Northern Plains
The National Weather Service issued blizzard warnings for parts of western Minnesota and eastern South Dakota starting early Saturday. Snow accumulations between 3 to 6 inches (7.6 to 15.2 centimeters) were expected, with up to a foot (30 centimeters) possible in some areas. Winds gusting to 60 mph (97 kph) were likely to create whiteout conditions.
A blaze in Roberts County, Texas, northeast of Amarillo, expanded rapidly from less than a square mile (about 2 square kilometers) to an estimated 32.8 square miles (85 square kilometers). Crews managed to halt its advance by Friday evening. Another fire about 60 miles (90 kilometers) south grew to approximately 3.9 square miles (10 square kilometers) before being contained.
High winds disrupted power for over 260,000 homes and businesses across Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri, Illinois, and Indiana according to poweroutage.us.
