Tornadoes and severe storms swept through parts of the U.S. on Saturday, causing at least 19 deaths across four states and leaving behind widespread destruction.
The storms moved east into the Mississippi Valley and Deep South, bringing dangerous winds and more severe weather threats.
Mississippi Gov. Tate Reeves confirmed that tornadoes had hit six counties overnight, leading to three hospitalizations, with that number expected to rise.
He warned that more severe weather could hit the state later in the day.
More than 100 million people were at risk from extreme weather conditions, including hurricane-force winds up to 80 mph.
The threat stretched from the Canadian border to Texas, with blizzard conditions expected in colder northern areas and wildfire risks in the warmer, drier South.
The National Weather Service (NWS) highlighted the highest tornado risks in eastern Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and parts of Georgia and the Florida Panhandle.
Missouri Hit Hardest
Missouri reported at least 11 deaths, according to the Missouri State Emergency Management Agency. Gov. Mike Kehoe praised the efforts of first responders and volunteers working through the night.
“Our thoughts and prayers go out to the families grieving loved ones,” Kehoe said.
Damage Across Multiple States
In Oklahoma, one person died on the road, likely due to smoke from nearby fires.
The state reported more than 130 fires, leading to evacuations in several communities. Strong winds toppled multiple tractor-trailers, making travel hazardous.
Arkansas officials reported three deaths in Independence County and 29 injuries across eight counties.
The Arkansas Division of Emergency Management (ADEM) responded to extensive storm damage statewide.
Texas reported four weather-related deaths, including fatalities from car crashes caused by near-zero visibility in dust storms.
Sgt. Cindy Barkley of the Texas Department of Public Safety described the scene as a “nightmare.”
Severe Weather Threat Continues
The NWS predicted continued severe weather through the weekend, with a high chance of tornadoes and damaging winds in Mississippi and Alabama.
Heavy rain could cause flash flooding along parts of the East Coast on Sunday.
Bill Bunting of the NWS Storm Prediction Center called the storm system’s size and intensity unusual.
“What’s unique about this one is its large size and intensity, producing really substantial impacts over a very large area,” he said.
Tornado Outbreak
At least five tornadoes were reported in Missouri on Friday, including one near Saint Louis that damaged several buildings, including a strip mall in Rolla.
The Storm Prediction Center warned that some storms could bring baseball-sized hail and winds over 100 mph.
Parts of Mississippi and Alabama, including Jackson, Hattiesburg, Birmingham, and Tuscaloosa, were identified as high-risk areas.
Tornado threats extended to eastern Louisiana, western Georgia, central Tennessee, and the western Florida Panhandle.
Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp declared a state of emergency as severe weather was expected to hit overnight. He urged residents to stay alert and prepare for the worst.
Wildfires and High Winds
Wildfires broke out across the Southern Plains due to warm, dry weather and strong winds. Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, Missouri, and New Mexico issued evacuation orders.
In Texas, a fire in Roberts County grew from less than a square mile to nearly 33 square miles before crews stopped its advance.
Another fire about 60 miles away spread to nearly 4 square miles before being contained.
Oklahoma reported nearly 150 fires, with 70,000 acres burned and 293 homes and structures destroyed.
Gov. Kevin Stitt said his farmhouse was among the losses. Low visibility from smoke and dust made it difficult for firefighting aircraft to operate.
Missouri’s Camden County issued evacuation orders as fires neared homes and businesses. High winds also shut down about 120 miles of Interstate 70 in Kansas due to blowing dust and poor visibility.
Power Outages and Blizzard Warnings
Over 216,000 homes and businesses lost power across Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, and Missouri.
The NWS issued blizzard warnings for parts of Minnesota and South Dakota, predicting up to a foot of snow and winds up to 60 mph, creating dangerous whiteout conditions.
The storm’s widespread impact and intensity made it one of the most dangerous weather events of the season.
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