A powerful storm system has wreaked havoc across the southern United States, leading to the deaths of at least 35 people as tornadoes and severe weather continue to threaten the region. In Kansas, a dust storm claimed eight lives when strong winds caused a massive pileup involving over 71 vehicles on Interstate 70. Missouri suffered the highest toll, with 12 fatalities reported due to scattered tornadoes. The Missouri State Highway Patrol confirmed deaths in several counties, including Ozark, Butler, Wayne, Jefferson, and St. Louis, where a tornado destroyed a man's home.
Butler County Coroner Jim Akers described the devastation as a "debris field," noting that the house was so damaged it was unrecognizable. In Arkansas, three people died and 29 were injured across eight counties, according to the state's emergency management division. Texas also experienced tragedy, with three fatalities in Amarillo County due to a dust storm that caused a 38-car pileup. Sgt. Cindy Barkley of the Texas Department of Public Safety described the scene as a nightmare with near-zero visibility.
Mississippi Governor Tate Reeves reported six deaths in the state, with additional injuries and missing persons. Alabama Governor Kay Ivey confirmed two fatalities and damage across 52 counties. In Oklahoma, Governor Kevin Stitt reported one death from a vehicle accident caused by smoke and noted that wildfires had burned approximately 170,000 acres.
The National Weather Service issued multiple warnings for tornadoes and severe thunderstorms across several states, advising residents to avoid seeking shelter in vehicles or under overpasses. Instead, people were urged to find safety in designated shelters or sturdy buildings.
Oklahoma communities faced evacuations as over 130 fires were reported, with strong winds toppling tractor-trailers. The National Weather Service's Storm Prediction Center highlighted the storm's unusual size and intensity, which has caused widespread impact. Missouri experienced at least five tornadoes, including one near St. Louis, damaging several buildings.
The Storm Prediction Center warned of potential tornadoes and large hail, with the most significant threat from hurricane-force winds. Severe weather was expected to continue in parts of the central Gulf Coast, Deep South, and Tennessee Valley. Wildfires in the southern plains prompted evacuations in Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, Missouri, and New Mexico. In Texas, a fire in Roberts County expanded rapidly before being contained.
High winds left over 300,000 homes and businesses without power across several states. Blizzard warnings were issued for parts of Minnesota and South Dakota, with significant snow and high winds expected to create whiteout conditions.