Severe Storm Brings Tornadoes, Wildfires, and Blizzards

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Severe Storm Brings Tornadoes, Wildfires, and Blizzards \ Newslooks \ Washington DC \ Mary Sidiqi \ Evening Edition \ A powerful storm system is wreaking havoc across the United States, causing tornadoes, wildfires, and blizzard conditions. Strong winds up to 100 mph overturned semis on highways, fueled fast-moving wildfires in Texas and Oklahoma, and knocked out power to over 220,000 homes. The system is expected to bring severe tornado outbreaks in the Deep South on Saturday, while the Northern Plains brace for blizzard conditions with whiteout travel hazards.

Nationwide Storm System – Quick Looks

Storm system spans from the Canadian border to Texas, impacting over 100 million people.
Powerful winds up to 100 mph toppled semis on highways in Oklahoma and Texas.
Wildfires forced evacuations in Leedey, Oklahoma, and parts of Texas and Kansas.
Tornadoes expected across Mississippi, Alabama, Tennessee, and Louisiana on Saturday.
Heavy rain and flash flooding predicted for the East Coast on Sunday.
Blizzard warnings issued for Minnesota and South Dakota, with up to a foot of snow expected.
Power outages affecting over 220,000 homes in Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, and Missouri.
Meteorologists warn of a tornado outbreak, with Jackson, Birmingham, and Tuscaloosa at high risk.
Highway accidents caused by dust storms and low visibility reported in the Southern Plains.

Deep Look

A powerful and sprawling storm system is sweeping across the United States, bringing tornado threats, destructive winds, raging wildfires, and blizzard conditions. The storm has already overturned semitrucks, fueled out-of-control wildfires, knocked out power to hundreds of thousands, and left millions bracing for severe weather through the weekend.

The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued multiple high-impact weather alerts as this system stretches from the Canadian border to Texas, affecting over 100 million people. With winds exceeding 100 mph (160 kph), forecasters are warning of a major tornado outbreak in the Deep South on Saturday, while blizzard warnings remain in effect for the Northern Plains.

“What’s unique about this storm is its sheer size and intensity,” said Bill Bunting, a meteorologist at the Storm Prediction Center in Norman, Oklahoma. “We’re seeing extreme impacts over a vast area, with multiple states under different types of severe weather alerts.”

From the Great Plains to the Southeast, this storm is bringing dangerous conditions, forcing evacuations, shutting down highways, and posing a significant threat to lives and property.

Tornado Outbreak Expected as Storm Intensifies

Forecasters are warning of a potential tornado outbreak, with the worst conditions expected on Saturday in Mississippi and Alabama.

The Storm Prediction Center (SPC) has issued a tornado watch covering parts of Missouri, Illinois, and Arkansas until 11 p.m. Friday.
By Saturday, the highest risk will shift southward, affecting Mississippi, Alabama, Louisiana, and parts of Tennessee and Georgia.
Meteorologists say the storm’s speed and instability make it highly likely to produce strong tornadoes, along with hail as large as baseballs.
Straight-line winds could exceed hurricane force, with gusts possibly reaching 100 mph (160 kph).

“We have high confidence that we will see a tornado outbreak tomorrow,” said Evan Bentley, a meteorologist with the SPC. “We urge residents to have a safety plan in place.”

Some of the most at-risk cities include:

Jackson and Hattiesburg, Mississippi
Birmingham and Tuscaloosa, Alabama
Memphis and Nashville, Tennessee
Western Florida Panhandle and Eastern Louisiana

Officials are urging residents in these areas to prepare emergency kits, identify safe shelters, and stay tuned to weather alerts as the storm develops overnight and into Saturday.

Wildfires Explode in Texas and Oklahoma as Winds Fuel Flames

As the storm system brings destructive winds, wildfires are rapidly spreading across the Southern Plains, forcing emergency evacuations and road closures.

In Roberts County, Texas, northeast of Amarillo, a fire exploded from less than one square mile to over 12.5 square miles (32 square km) in a matter of hours.
In Oklahoma, the town of Leedey (population 400) was evacuated as wildfires spread dangerously close to homes.
Cowley County, Kansas, saw evacuations as a fast-moving fire threatened a rural community of about 30 people.
Strong winds created dangerous dust storms, reducing visibility and causing highway crashes in Oklahoma and Texas.

Truck drivers along Interstate 40 in Oklahoma struggled against powerful gusts, which toppled tractor-trailers and created near-zero visibility from blowing dust and smoke.

“This is terrible out here,” said truck driver Charles Daniel, who was hauling a 48-foot trailer through western Oklahoma. “The winds are whipping up so much dirt, I’m scared my truck will blow over if I go over 55 mph.”

Fire crews are working against extreme conditions to contain the blazes, but with winds topping 80 mph (130 kph), containment efforts remain challenging.

Blizzard Conditions Threaten Northern Plains with Whiteout Travel Hazards

While the South faces tornadoes and wildfires, the Northern Plains are bracing for a major winter storm.

The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued blizzard warnings for:

Western Minnesota
Eastern South Dakota

Forecasters warn of treacherous travel conditions, with:

Snowfall accumulations of 3 to 12 inches, with localized totals up to a foot (30 cm).
Winds gusting up to 60 mph, creating whiteout conditions.
Freezing rain and ice accumulation, making roads extremely hazardous.

“This storm will bring dangerous winter conditions, particularly for travelers,” the NWS said in a statement.

With temperatures plummeting, road conditions are expected to deteriorate rapidly on Saturday and Sunday, with officials urging drivers to avoid unnecessary travel.

Widespread Power Outages and Travel Disruptions

The storm has already knocked out power to over 220,000 homes and businesses across Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, and Missouri, as high winds toppled power lines and caused infrastructure damage.

Low visibility and high winds have also led to:

Multiple traffic accidents on major highways due to dust storms.
Flight cancellations and delays at several airports across the Midwest and South.
Stranded travelers as blizzard conditions in the North create impassable roads.

Emergency officials are working around the clock to restore power and respond to storm-related incidents, but with the system still strengthening, more outages and disruptions are expected.

Storm System Moves East: Flash Flooding and Heavy Rain Expected on Sunday

By Sunday, the storm system will move toward the East Coast, bringing:

Heavy rain and potential flash flooding in the Appalachians and mid-Atlantic states.
Strong winds and isolated tornado risks for parts of the Carolinas and Georgia.
Coastal flooding concerns along the Eastern Seaboard.

“This is one of the most powerful and widespread storms we’ve seen this season,” said Bentley. “Even as the tornado threat diminishes, heavy rain and flooding could create significant problems in the East.”

Residents across the impacted regions are urged to prepare for severe weather conditions through the weekend and to heed all evacuation orders and weather alerts.

What’s Next? Preparing for Extreme Weather

With tornadoes, wildfires, blizzards, and flooding, this historic storm system is delivering some of the most extreme weather seen in the U.S. in recent months.

Officials advise the public to:

Have emergency kits ready (including flashlights, batteries, and first-aid supplies).
Monitor local weather alerts for tornado warnings and evacuation notices.
Avoid unnecessary travel, especially in blizzard-prone areas.
Stay inside during high winds and wildfires to avoid injury.

“This storm will continue to bring extreme impacts through the weekend,” warned the National Weather Service. “Stay informed and take precautions.”