Severe Weather Chaos: Tornadoes and Wildfires Impact Midwest and South

GILLESPIE COUNTY, Texas — Severe weather, including tornadoes and wildfires, has wreaked havoc across the Midwest and Southern United States, resulting in multiple fatalities and significant property damage. As of Sunday, March 16, 2025, the Crabapple Fire in Gillespie County has consumed approximately 8,640 acres and is currently 40% contained, according to the Texas A&M Forest Service. Strong winds have exacerbated fire conditions throughout the region.

Wildfires have affected large areas across Texas, Oklahoma, and neighboring states, with officials issuing red flag warnings due to critical fire weather conditions. The Windmill Fire in Roberts County is the largest active fire in Texas, stretching over 23,000 acres with a containment of 65%.

The National Weather Service reported that thunderstorms capable of producing damaging winds and tornadoes have entered west-central Georgia. In Tennessee, over 76,000 residents are without power as a result of the storm’s impact, which has been particularly severe in Nashville, where 3.57 inches of rain fell, breaking a record set in 1875.

Emergency crews have been dispatched to assess damage in affected areas. Video footage showed significant destruction in Cave City, Arkansas, including a damaged church and scattered debris throughout the community. “It’s hard to look at this level of devastation and not be heartbroken,” said Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders during a visit to the city.

In Alabama, a tornado touched down near Cusseta around midnight, prompting emergency alerts and the deployment of storm spotters to assess the damage. Radar confirmed the tornado, and residents were advised to take immediate shelter.

As the storm system moved eastward, approximately 185,000 utility customers were reported without power across six states by Sunday night, with Missouri experiencing the highest number of outages at over 68,000 customers. Alabama and Georgia also reported significant disruptions.

Governor Tate Reeves of Mississippi confirmed five new weather-related fatalities, raising the total to at least six in the state, while the overall death toll across six states reached 34. “Please pray for those who lost their life, those who are missing, and those who are leading the search efforts,” Reeves remarked in a news conference.

The Oklahoma wildfires have destroyed numerous structures, with Governor Kevin Stitt declaring a state of emergency in 12 counties affected by the ‘perfect storm’ of weather conditions. He reported that at least one person has died due to the fires, with hundreds of others being treated for smoke inhalation and dehydration.

In Missouri, tornadoes have caused at least 12 fatalities as rescue efforts continue in the aftermath of multiple large storms. Severe weather warnings remain in effect across the region as the system progresses toward the Eastern Seaboard, where the National Weather Service has cautioned residents of impending storms capable of producing further tornadoes and severe conditions.

As recovery efforts begin, residents are reminded to remain vigilant and heed ongoing emergency alerts. The National Weather Service states that extensive storm surveys will continue to assess the full extent of damage and verify incidents of tornado touchdowns across the affected areas.