Monster Storm Kills 17 as Tornadoes, Wildfires Ravage States/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ A massive storm system is wreaking havoc across the U.S., killing at least 17 people and causing widespread destruction. Missouri suffered the highest death toll from tornadoes, while wildfires in Oklahoma have destroyed over 200 homes. High winds, dust storms, and blizzards continue to pose extreme threats across multiple states, with millions under severe weather warnings.
U.S. Storm Crisis: Quick Looks
- Deadly Impact: At least 17 people have died, with Missouri hit hardest.
- Missouri Tornadoes: Twisters killed 11 people and left severe devastation.
- Arkansas Casualties: Three deaths and dozens injured across eight counties.
- Wildfire Emergency: Over 200 homes lost in Oklahoma as fires rage.
- Texas Dust Storm: Fatal crashes in Amarillo caused by extreme winds.
- Power Outages: Over 260,000 homes and businesses left without electricity.
- Blizzard Warnings: Heavy snow and strong winds affecting Northern Plains.
Monster Storm Kills 17 as Tornadoes, Wildfires Ravage States
Monster Storm Wreaks Havoc Across U.S.: Deep Look
A powerful storm system sweeping across the United States has left a trail of destruction, killing at least 17 people and triggering tornadoes, wildfires, and blizzards. The storm, which continues to move east, has caused widespread devastation from Missouri to Texas, with millions under severe weather warnings.
Missouri Hit Hardest by Tornadoes
Missouri has experienced the most fatalities, with at least 11 people killed after powerful tornadoes ripped through multiple communities overnight. The Missouri State Highway Patrol confirmed multiple injuries, and authorities are still assessing the full extent of the damage.
One of the most tragic incidents occurred when a tornado obliterated a home, leaving behind little but debris. “It was unrecognizable as a home. Just a debris field,” said Butler County Coroner Jim Akers. Rescuers managed to save a woman from the wreckage, but a man inside did not survive.
Arkansas Storm Casualties
Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders reported that at least three people died in Independence County, with 29 others injured across eight counties. The governor announced $250,000 in disaster relief funds to assist affected communities, as emergency teams work to assess storm damage.
Wildfires Devastate Oklahoma
Oklahoma is also facing a crisis, with more than 130 wildfires breaking out across the state due to extreme winds and dry conditions. Over 200 homes have been either damaged or completely destroyed, and approximately 266 square miles (69 hectares) have burned so far, according to Governor Kevin Stitt.
Evacuations have been ordered in several areas, as winds continue to fan the flames. In addition to the wildfires, the Oklahoma State Patrol reported several overturned tractor-trailers due to wind gusts exceeding 80 mph (130 kph).
Deadly Texas Dust Storm
In Texas, three people were killed in car crashes caused by a massive dust storm in the Amarillo region. High winds kicked up blinding dust, reducing visibility to near zero and making driving conditions deadly.
Truck driver Charles Daniel, who was hauling a 48-foot trailer on Interstate 40 in western Oklahoma, described the conditions as terrifying. “There’s a lot of sand and dirt in the air. I’m not pushing it over 55 mph. I’m scared it will blow over if I do.”
Extreme Weather Across the Country
Meteorologists warn that the worst may not be over. More than 100 million people remain at risk as the storm continues to move across the Mississippi Valley and Deep South. The National Weather Service (NWS) has warned of:
- Tornadoes & Hail: The Storm Prediction Center has issued high-risk alerts for parts of Mississippi, Alabama, Louisiana, Georgia, Tennessee, and the Florida Panhandle. Some tornadoes could be strong and long-lasting.
- Hurricane-Force Winds: Straight-line winds exceeding 100 mph (160 kph) are possible, threatening to cause widespread structural damage.
- Wildfire Risk: Dry, windy conditions continue to fuel fast-moving wildfires across Texas, Kansas, Missouri, and New Mexico.
- Blizzards in the North: Heavy snowfall and whiteout conditions are expected in parts of Minnesota, South Dakota, and Nebraska.
Power Outages and Travel Disruptions
Strong winds have knocked out power to over 260,000 homes and businesses across Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri, Illinois, and Indiana. Airlines have reported numerous flight cancellations and delays as the storm disrupts air travel nationwide.
Unprecedented Storm Intensity
While March is known for erratic weather, experts say this storm’s sheer size and power make it particularly dangerous.
Bill Bunting from the National Weather Service’s Storm Prediction Center in Norman, Oklahoma, described it as “producing really substantial impacts over a very large area.”
As emergency crews continue rescue and recovery operations, officials urge residents in affected regions to stay vigilant and follow evacuation orders if necessary. The storm remains unpredictable, and authorities warn that additional casualties and damages are likely as it continues its path across the country.
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