A powerful storm system swept across the US on Friday and Saturday, bringing tornadoes, wildfires, dust storms, and blizzard conditions to multiple states. The extreme weather has already claimed lives, forced evacuations, and caused significant damage. Here’s what you need to know:
- Tornadoes tear through Missouri: At least five tornadoes were reported in Missouri on Friday, including one near St. Louis. A strip mall in Rolla suffered severe damage, and multiple buildings were destroyed.
- The south faces a high tornado threat: The National Weather Service (NWS) warned of “potentially violent” tornadoes in Mississippi, Alabama, and parts of Tennessee and Louisiana. Cities like Jackson, Birmingham, and Tuscaloosa remain on high alert.
- Dust storm causes deadly pileup in Texas: A dust storm near Amarillo led to a massive pileup involving 38 vehicles, killing three people. Authorities described near-zero visibility as a major factor.
- 130+ wildfires blaze across the plains: Dry, windy conditions fueled over 130 wildfires in Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, and Missouri. Evacuations were ordered in several communities, including Leedey, Oklahoma.
- Firefighters struggle with poor visibility: Firefighting aircraft were deployed but struggled to operate due to thick smoke and dust, according to Oklahoma Forestry Services. Some fires spread rapidly, consuming tens of thousands of acres.
- Winds reach hurricane force levels: Wind gusts of up to 100 mph (160 kph) were reported in some areas, knocking over semi-trucks and toppling trees. More than 216,000 people lost power in Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, and Missouri.
- Blizzard warnings issued in northern plains: The storm brought blizzard conditions to western Minnesota and eastern South Dakota, with snow accumulations of up to a foot and wind gusts of 60 mph (97 kph).
- East coast faces flood risk: As the storm system moves east, heavy rain threatens to trigger flash flooding along parts of the East Coast on Sunday.
- Experts call it an unusual but powerful system: While March often sees volatile weather, meteorologists say this system’s massive scale and intensity set it apart. “It’s impacting millions across different climates simultaneously,” said Bill Bunting of the NWS Storm Prediction Center.
- What’s next? The storm is expected to continue moving eastward, bringing severe weather risks into Sunday. Authorities urge residents in affected areas to stay alert and follow evacuation orders if necessary.