Storm Chaos: Deadly Texas Dust Storm, Fires, Tornadoes Hit U.S./ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ A massive storm system is sweeping across the U.S., bringing tornadoes, deadly dust storms, wildfires, and blizzard conditions. At least three people died in a Texas Panhandle dust storm, while multiple tornadoes struck Missouri, and over 130 wildfires ignited in Oklahoma. The severe weather continues into the weekend, with Mississippi and Alabama at high risk for tornadoes and blizzard warnings in the Northern Plains.
Severe U.S. Storm Quick Looks:
- Tornado Threat Expands: Multiple tornadoes hit Missouri, with more expected in Mississippi, Alabama, and Tennessee.
- Texas Dust Storm Turns Deadly: Three people died in a 38-car pileup amid zero visibility.
- Wildfires Erupt in Plains: Over 130 wildfires were reported in Oklahoma, Texas, and Kansas, forcing evacuations.
- Blizzard Warnings in the North: Minnesota and South Dakota face whiteout conditions and up to a foot of snow.
- Widespread Power Outages: 300,000+ homes and businesses lost power across multiple states.
Storm Chaos: Deadly Texas Dust Storm, Fires, Tornadoes Hit U.S.
Deep Look:
Severe Storm System Sweeps Across U.S.
A monster storm system continues to wreak havoc across the country, unleashing a deadly mix of tornadoes, dust storms, wildfires, and blizzards. Over 100 million people are in the path of severe weather, with conditions worsening as the storm moves into the Deep South.
“This storm is massive in size and intensity,” said Bill Bunting of the National Weather Service’s Storm Prediction Center in Norman, Oklahoma. “It’s producing substantial impacts over a very large area.”
Tornadoes Strike Midwest, South Braces for More
The National Weather Service (NWS) confirmed at least five tornadoes touched down in Missouri on Friday, damaging buildings and upending communities. The risk of destructive tornadoes will persist into the weekend, particularly in:
- Mississippi (Jackson, Hattiesburg)
- Alabama (Birmingham, Tuscaloosa)
- Louisiana, Georgia, Tennessee, and Florida Panhandle
Forecasters warn of “potentially violent” tornadoes, with 100 mph (160 kph) straight-line winds and hail as large as baseballs possible.
Texas Dust Storm Kills 3 in Massive Pileup
In Amarillo County, Texas, a blinding dust storm caused a 38-car pileup, killing three people on Friday.
“It’s the worst I’ve ever seen,” said Sgt. Cindy Barkley of the Texas Department of Public Safety. “We couldn’t even see the vehicles until the dust settled.”
Wildfires Explode in Southern Plains
Extreme winds and dry conditions have ignited more than 130 wildfires across Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, Missouri, and New Mexico, forcing evacuations.
- A Texas wildfire northeast of Amarillo exploded from less than a square mile to 32.8 square miles (85 sq km) before firefighters contained it.
- Another blaze near Amarillo burned 3.9 square miles (10 sq km) before being halted.
Blizzard Warnings for Northern Plains
While the South battles tornadoes and fires, the Northern Plains are bracing for blizzard conditions.
- Minnesota and South Dakota expect up to a foot of snow (30 cm).
- Winds up to 60 mph (97 kph) will cause whiteout conditions, making travel treacherous.
Widespread Power Outages
As the storm’s destructive winds swept across the U.S., more than 300,000 homes and businesses in Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri, Illinois, and Indiana lost power.
What’s Next?
- Saturday: The greatest tornado risk shifts to the Deep South, with Mississippi and Alabama in high danger.
- Sunday: The storm moves east, bringing heavy rain and potential flash flooding to the East Coast.
- Next Week: Cold air behind the storm could trigger more winter weather in the Midwest and Northeast.
With tornadoes, wildfires, blizzards, and deadly dust storms, this storm system is one of the most extreme weather events of 2025—and it’s not over yet.
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