PIEDMONT, Mo. — A catastrophic storm system has wreaked havoc across central and southern U.S., resulting in violent tornadoes, high winds, extensive property damage, and at least 32 confirmed fatalities.
Dakota Henderson, involved in the rescue efforts, reported discovering five bodies amidst the wreckage outside his aunt’s home in severely impacted Wayne County, Missouri. Authorities reported multiple tornadoes in the state, causing extensive casualties.
“It was a very rough deal last night,” Henderson stated while salvaging belongings from what was left of his aunt’s residence. “It’s really disturbing for what happened to the people and the casualties last night.”
In Butler County, Coroner Jim Akers labeled one property where a fatality occurred as “just a debris field,” illustrating the severe destruction.
Mississippi’s Governor confirmed six deaths across three counties, along with three individuals reported missing as the storm advanced into Alabama, where many homes were damaged, and roads became inaccessible.
Arkansas reported three fatalities, prompting the Governor to declare a state of emergency. In anticipation of the storm’s effects, Georgia’s Governor has also declared a similar state of emergency.
In a tragic consequence, dust storms provoked by strong winds were linked to nearly a dozen deaths on Friday, including eight individuals in a major highway pileup in Kansas that involved over 50 vehicles. Moreover, three drivers lost their lives due to accidents in a dust storm in Amarillo, Texas.
The extreme weather conditions are projected to impact more than 100 million residents, with northern areas facing potential blizzard-like conditions and southern regions experiencing heightened wildfire risks.
Oklahoma has reported over 130 active fires, with officials ordering evacuations in certain communities. In a news conference, the Governor noted that nearly 300 homes had either been damaged or completely destroyed, highlighting that 266 square miles had burned, including his own ranch property.
The National Weather Service has issued blizzard warnings for parts of western Minnesota and eastern South Dakota, with expected snow accumulations ranging from 3 to 6 inches, and possible totals of up to a foot in some areas, leading to whiteout situations.
As of late Saturday, tornado activity persisted in regions at risk, particularly from eastern Louisiana and Mississippi through Alabama, western Georgia, and the Florida panhandle, according to the Storm Prediction Center.
Bailey Dillon and her fiancé witnessed the devastating tornado destruction near Paradise Ranch RV Park in Mississippi, which leveled numerous structures. “The amount of damage was catastrophic,” Dillon remarked, describing the loss of cabins and vehicles.
Despite the devastation, Paradise Ranch reported that all staff and guests were safe, although the destruction extended significantly beyond the park’s boundaries.
Images capturing the extreme weather have gained widespread attention online. In Missouri, Tad Peters and his father documented their close encounter with the tornado while fueling their truck.
As they attempted to reach a weightlifting competition in Indiana, they opted to return to their home in Oklahoma, where they encountered further wildfire threats.
