At least 31 dead as tornadoes devastate southern U.S. this weekend

VILLA RIDGE, Mo. — At least 31 people have died across six southern states following a severe storm system that unleashed tornadoes, high winds, and wildfires over the weekend. The storm, which formed on Friday, caused widespread destruction as it moved eastward through the Mississippi Valley.

In Missouri, where 12 fatalities were confirmed, Governor Mike Kehoe described the situation as devastating. “We have worked tirelessly responding to a series of severe storms and tornadoes,” Kehoe said, emphasizing the continued danger from the severe weather system.

The National Weather Service (NWS) reported that tornado watches were issued in states including Mississippi, Louisiana, Alabama, and Georgia, as conditions prompted concerns of more severe weather. Mississippi’s Governor, Tate Reeves, confirmed multiple tornadoes had swept through several counties, resulting in at least three deaths in Tylertown.

In addition to Missouri, fatalities were reported in Oklahoma, Arkansas, and Texas, where severe dust storms led to car crashes adding to the death toll. “It’s the worst I’ve ever seen,” said Texas Department of Public Safety Sgt. Cindy Barkley, referring to the severe visibility conditions that contributed to multi-vehicle collisions.

Severe weather conditions also fueled numerous wildfires across Texas and Oklahoma, with reports indicating over 130 fires in those states. In Oklahoma, Governor Kevin Stitt confirmed nearly 170,000 acres had burned, with over 290 homes destroyed.

As of Saturday afternoon, PowerOutage.us reported more than 240,000 properties were without power throughout affected states, including more than 120,000 in Missouri alone.

Several areas are now facing flash flood warnings, and meteorologists predict continued severe weather through the weekend. Heavy rain is expected to bring flooding risks as the system progresses east.

Experts have noted that March is known for unpredictable weather extremes, with this storm’s scale being notably large. “What’s unique about this one is its large size and intensity,” said Bill Bunting of the National Weather Service’s Storm Prediction Center.

Emergency response teams are currently working in affected areas to assist survivors and mitigate ongoing risks from further storms and flooding. “We are prepared to help every single step of the way,” Governor Huckabee Sanders of Arkansas stated, pledging state resources for recovery efforts.