Severe Storms Cause Devastation Across Central U.S. with Widespread Tornado Activity

SYRACUSE, N.Y. — A tornado warning for the Syracuse area expired Sunday afternoon as severe storms moved northeast at 70 mph, according to the National Weather Service. The warning followed a dynamic storm system that caused devastation, leaving at least 33 confirmed dead across the central and southern U.S.

The severe thunderstorm, which was capable of producing tornadoes, prompted local authorities to advise residents to seek shelter in basements or interior rooms and to stay away from windows. While the tornado warning ended at 5 p.m., much of Central New York remained under a severe thunderstorm warning until 6 p.m., with winds reaching up to 60 mph and potential for pea-sized hail.

The storm wreaked havoc from Missouri down to Alabama, where Gov. Tate Reeves reported six fatalities across three counties. Meanwhile, Mississippi confirmed three deaths, as authorities continue recovery efforts throughout the region. “It’s really disturbing for what happened to the people, the casualties last night,” said Missouri resident Dakota Henderson, who encountered extensive damage in Wayne County where five bodies were recovered from the debris.

The Storm Prediction Center had labeled the storm system with a “high risk” designation, linking it to several weather phenomena including icy conditions, dust storms, and severe thunderstorms on the West Coast. Additionally, the ongoing storm prompted the issuance of tornado watches and warnings for numerous areas from northern Arkansas to southern Alabama.

In Oklahoma, more than 130 wildfires were reported as dry conditions and strong winds exacerbated the potential for fire spread. The state activated its emergency operations center to address rapidly spreading blazes, according to the Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management.

“This is terrible out here,” expressed truck driver Charles Daniel, who experienced the harsh conditions firsthand while driving through western Oklahoma. “I’m scared it will blow over if I do.”

As officials continued their assessment of the extensive damage, blizzard warnings were also issued for parts of western Minnesota and eastern South Dakota, where snow accumulations of up to a foot were expected, creating hazardous travel conditions.

Bill Bunting of the Storm Prediction Center noted, “What’s unique about this one is its large size and intensity, producing substantial impacts over a very large area.”

Residents were left to survey the destruction, with visuals of leveled homes, overturned vehicles, and snapped trees circulating widely on social media.

“The amount of damage was catastrophic,” reported Bailey Dillon, a Mississippi resident who witnessed the aftermath of a significant tornado near Paradise Ranch RV Park. “Homes and everything were destroyed all around it.”

Authorities are urging continued vigilance as dangerous weather systems are expected to persist, with millions across the U.S. already facing severe weather threats from tornadoes and gusty winds.