Severe weather has resulted in the unfortunate loss of over a dozen lives in the South and Midwest. The ongoing outbreak, which meteorologists have described as potentially bringing “violent” tornadoes, high winds, thunderstorms, and flash flooding, poses a serious threat. Tornado watches have been issued for nearly 4 million people, primarily in Louisiana and Mississippi, while a wind advisory covers more than 80 million individuals spanning from Michigan to Florida.
This dangerous weather event is part of a large March storm system that has been wreaking havoc coast-to-coast. From a tornado in Southern California to snowfall in the Sierra Nevada, treacherous road conditions in Texas, and reported tornadoes in the South and Midwest, the impact has been widespread.
In Missouri, there have been 11 storm-related fatalities across four counties, with two deaths and multiple injuries attributed to a suspected tornado in the Bakersfield area. The storm also caused significant damage in Arkansas, resulting in three deaths and 29 injuries across 16 counties. Tragically, three people lost their lives in car crashes due to a dust storm in the Texas Panhandle, and another individual perished in Oklahoma after driving into wildfire smoke caused by high winds.
Reports of tornadoes have been pouring in from Mississippi, Louisiana, and Arkansas, with multiple tornadoes causing destruction to homes, power lines, and infrastructure. A particularly destructive EF-3 tornado with peak winds of 140 mph was reported in Arkansas.
A “particularly dangerous situation” tornado watch was issued for much of Mississippi and parts of northern and eastern Louisiana, with forecasters warning of the likelihood of intense tornadoes, hail up to 2.5 inches in diameter, and wind gusts up to 75 mph.
Thousands of power outages have been reported across several states in the South and Midwest due to suspected tornadoes and strong winds. As of Saturday afternoon, the states experiencing the most significant power outages were Arkansas, Illinois, Indiana, Louisiana, and Mississippi.
Tornadoes hit several states last night, with 23 preliminary reports in Missouri, northeastern Arkansas, and southern Illinois. Officials suspect a tornado crossed through Bakersfield, Missouri. Damage survey teams are being deployed in areas outside St. Louis. In Gibson County, Indiana, high winds and a possible tornado caused extensive damage. Residents in the South should monitor weather warnings and seek shelter in sturdy structures during tornado outbreaks. Unsafe options include open rooms, mobile homes, or vehicles. Stay away from windows and protect yourself with a helmet, blanket, and hard-soled shoes. Keep phones charged and have a leash or carrier for pets. An outbreak of tornadoes and severe storms is expected in several states, prompting warnings from forecasters to take the situation seriously and prioritize safety.
