Tornado threat moves to southern states after central states hit by massive storm

The threat of tornadoes has shifted eastward into the Mississippi Valley and the southern United States, following a massive storm that wreaked havoc across several central states. On Friday, multiple tornadoes were reported in Missouri, while winds of up to 80 mph were forecast from the Canadian border to Texas.

The aftermath of the storm was devastating, with buildings damaged, fatal car crashes occurring during dust storms, and over 100 wildfires raging across the affected areas. In Amarillo County, Texas, three people lost their lives in a car pileup involving 38 vehicles during a dust storm. The scene was described as the worst that officials had ever seen, with the dust making it difficult to discern the extent of the wreckage.

In response to the widespread wildfires, evacuations were ordered in parts of Oklahoma, where more than 130 fires were reported. The strong winds toppled several tractor-trailers, highlighting the dangerous conditions faced by residents and first responders. The storm’s impact is expected to continue over the weekend, with a high risk of tornadoes and damaging winds in Mississippi and Alabama.

The National Weather Service reported at least five tornadoes in Missouri on Friday, including one in the Saint Louis area. St. Louis County declared a state of emergency as several buildings were damaged, including a strip mall in Rolla, Missouri. The Storm Prediction Center warned of fast-moving storms that could produce twisters, hail as large as baseballs, and straight-line winds reaching hurricane force.

As the severe weather threat moves southeastward, parts of the central Gulf Coast and Deep South are at risk of tornadoes on Saturday. Mississippi, Alabama, Louisiana, Georgia, Tennessee, and Florida are all in the potential path of severe storms and tornadoes. In addition, wildfires in the Southern Plains continue to pose a threat due to warm, dry weather and strong winds.

Evacuations have been ordered in Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, Missouri, and New Mexico, as wildfires rapidly spread across the region. The Texas A&M University Forest Service reported a fire in Roberts County that grew to nearly 33 square miles before being contained, while another fire south of the area reached almost 4 square miles before being stopped. In Oklahoma, fires prompted mandatory evacuations near Stillwater and in the western town of Leedey.

The impact of the storm was felt across multiple states, with power outages affecting over 216,000 homes and businesses in Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, and Missouri. The National Weather Service issued blizzard warnings for parts of Minnesota and South Dakota, with snow accumulations of up to a foot expected and winds gusting up to 60 mph causing whiteout conditions.

The severity of the storm and its aftermath underscore the importance of preparedness and vigilance in the face of extreme weather events. Residents in the affected areas are urged to follow evacuation orders, stay informed about changing weather conditions, and prioritize safety above all else.