Washington: A powerful storm system has swept across the United States, leaving at least 32 people dead and causing widespread destruction. The violent weather, which included tornadoes, dust storms, and wildfires, has impacted multiple states, with Missouri recording the highest number of fatalities.
Officials confirmed that 12 people lost their lives in Missouri, including a man whose home was destroyed by a tornado. In Kansas, a dust storm triggered a massive pile-up involving at least 50 vehicles, resulting in eight deaths. Meanwhile, in Texas, three people were killed in car crashes caused by strong winds and low visibility.
The National Weather Service reported at least 26 possible tornadoes late Friday into early Saturday, striking parts of Arkansas, Illinois, Mississippi, and Missouri. Meteorologist David Roth warned that Alabama and Mississippi remain at high risk, with a 30% chance of more tornadoes forming.
Arkansas was also hit hard, with three people killed in Independence County and 29 others injured across eight counties. Texas, Oklahoma, and other Southern Plains states faced severe wildfire threats, leading to evacuations in some communities. Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt revealed that over 689 square kilometers had burned, destroying or damaging nearly 300 homes.
Extreme winds, some reaching 130 km/h, caused chaos across the region, overturning trucks and knocking out power to over 200,000 homes and businesses. The National Weather Service issued blizzard warnings for parts of Minnesota and South Dakota, where snowfall up to 30 centimeters and whiteout conditions were expected.
Authorities continue to assess the damage as emergency crews work to contain wildfires and restore power. Weather experts note that extreme weather events like these are common in March, though the intensity of this storm system has been particularly devastating.
