Severe Weather Leads to Deaths and Destruction Across Southern U.S.
OKLAHOMA CITY — A series of devastating tornadoes swept through several regions in the U.S. on Saturday, resulting in at least 17 fatalities and significant property damage as strong winds moved toward the Mississippi Valley and the Deep South.
Fatalities and Damage in Missouri
Missouri was notably impacted, reporting at least 11 deaths attributed to overnight tornado activity. The Missouri State Highway Patrol has also acknowledged numerous injuries among residents.
Coroner Jim Akers of Butler County provided a grim description of the aftermath, stating, “It was unrecognizable as a home. Just a debris field.” Rescuers managed to save one individual trapped within the wreckage.
Casualties in Arkansas
In Arkansas, officials confirmed the deaths of three individuals in Independence County, with additional injuries reported across eight counties. Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders has mobilized response teams to survey the destruction and provide assistance.
“We have teams out surveying the damage from last night’s tornadoes and have first responders on the ground to assist,” Governor Sanders stated on social media platform X.
Impact of Severe Weather System
The severe weather system not only spawned tornadoes but also caused three fatalities in car accidents related to a dust storm in Amarillo, Texas. This storm has been linked to extreme weather conditions affecting a population of over 100 million, with destructive winds also leading to over 100 wildfires in multiple states.
Forecasters predict winds reaching up to 80 mph, with some areas facing the potential for blizzard conditions in the north while wildfire risks loom in southern regions.
Emergency Declarations and Evacuations
Both Arkansas and Georgia have declared states of emergency due to the anticipated severe weather. Governor Brian Kemp of Georgia is preparing for further impacts later in the day. Evacuations were enacted in some Oklahoma communities, as more than 130 fires have been reported throughout the state.
In Oklahoma alone, approximately 300 homes have been either damaged or destroyed by fires as a result of the extreme conditions. Governor Kevin Stitt noted that around 266 square miles of land have burned.
Wildfire Concerns in the Southern Plains
The combination of dry conditions and strong winds has also raised concerns about wildfires in Texas, Kansas, Missouri, and New Mexico. A rapidly spreading fire in Roberts County, Texas, expanded from less than one square mile to an estimated 32.8 square miles before fire crews contained it.
Power outages have affected over 260,000 homes and businesses across Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri, Illinois, and Indiana due to the high winds associated with this storm system.
Blizzard Warnings in Northern Regions
As the storm system continues to move eastward, blizzard warnings have been issued for parts of western Minnesota and eastern South Dakota. Snow accumulations could reach between 3 to 6 inches, with wind gusts exceeding 60 mph likely causing hazardous conditions.
Reports on the unfolding situation are ongoing, as officials assess the full extent of the damage and continue to respond to affected communities.
This report includes contributions from AP reporters Shipkowski, Walker, and Reynolds, with coverage spanning multiple states.