OKLAHOMA CITY — The threat of tornadoes has propelled eastward into the Mississippi Valley and Deep South, following a powerful storm system that impacted several central states. This extreme weather has caused significant winds, resulting in building damages, dust storms leading to fatal accidents, and over 100 wildfires.
On Friday, Missouri experienced multiple tornadoes, contributing to a weather emergency affecting more than 100 million people nationwide. Forecasts indicated wind gusts reaching 80 mph, potentially leading to urban blizzards in northern regions and raising wildfire risks in the south.
Tragically, three deaths in car crashes during a dust storm in Amarillo County, Texas, were reported, with one collision involving approximately 38 vehicles. “It’s the worst I’ve ever seen,” remarked a state public safety officer, citing the harrowing low visibility conditions.
In Oklahoma, more than 130 fires ignited, prompting evacuations in several communities as violent winds overturned tractor-trailers. One impacted truck driver expressed concern for safety on the highways due to the hazardous conditions.
Weather forecasts maintained warnings of severe storms into the weekend, with Mississippi and Alabama facing significant threats of tornadoes and strong winds. Flash flooding is also expected in parts of the East Coast on Sunday.
Meteorological experts clarified that such weather extremes, while typical for March, are amplified this season due to their unprecedented size and intensity, resulting in widespread consequences.
Five tornadoes were confirmed in Missouri alone on Friday, including one near St. Louis, with substantial damage reported such as a strip mall in Rolla affected by the storm.
Forecasts warned that fast-moving storms could spawn large hail and “potentially violent” tornadoes, with an additional focus on hurricane-force winds reaching 100 mph. Regions in Mississippi and Alabama have been identified as high-risk areas for severe weather, also expanding to parts of Louisiana, Georgia, Tennessee, and the Florida Panhandle.
Amid these challenges, wildfires across the Southern Plains are exacerbated by dry conditions and high winds, leading to emergency evacuations in Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, Missouri, and New Mexico. In Texas, a fire in Roberts County expanded dramatically, and firefighting resources were strained due to reduced visibility from smoke.
The Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management has activated its emergency operations center, responding quickly to the rapid development of fires that led to evacuations in the town of Leedey and surrounding rural regions.
As Friday evening approached, the National Weather Service highlighted significant fire risks near Stillwater, Oklahoma, urging residents to evacuate. Similarly, evacuation warnings were disseminated in parts of central Missouri’s Camden County due to threatening wildfires.
Roughly 120 miles of Interstate 70 in Kansas were temporarily closed due to blowing dust, further complicating rescue and recovery efforts. High winds also left over 216,000 homes and businesses without power across Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, and Missouri.
Blizzard warnings have been issued for regions in far western Minnesota and eastern South Dakota, with anticipated snow accumulations of 3 to 6 inches, and gusts up to 60 mph creating potential whiteout conditions.
Stay tuned for ongoing updates as the situation evolves.
