Deadly Tornado Outbreak Kills 17 Across Midwest and South.
A devastating tornado outbreak tore through the Midwest and South, leaving at least 17 people dead and causing widespread destruction. The National Weather Service (NWS) issued urgent tornado warnings on Friday, March 14, as powerful storms swept across multiple states, from Wisconsin to Missouri.
Authorities have confirmed 11 fatalities in Missouri alone, with additional deaths reported in Arkansas and Texas. The Missouri State Highway Patrol (MSHP) stated in a post on X that the storms resulted in “multiple injuries” and “severe destruction.” Emergency responders continue to assess the damage as recovery efforts are underway.
Missouri Hit Hard: Multiple Counties Devastated
Missouri bore the brunt of the destruction, with fatalities reported across several counties:
- Wayne County: Six dead
- Ozark County: Three dead
- Jefferson County: One dead
- Butler County: One dead, including a victim tragically struck by a tornado in Poplar Bluff, according to Emergency Management Director Robbie Myers.
Survivors described harrowing scenes of destruction, with homes ripped from their foundations and debris scattered for miles. First responders worked through the night, searching for missing persons and providing aid to the injured. The Butler County Emergency Management Agency has yet to release an official statement.
Arkansas and Texas Also Ravaged by Deadly Storms
The storm system didn’t spare Arkansas and Texas, where intense winds and multiple tornadoes left a path of destruction:
- Arkansas: At least three people were killed in Independence County, while 29 others were injured across eight counties.
- Texas: Three people lost their lives in vehicle collisions caused by powerful dust storms and zero-visibility conditions. Two fatalities were reported in Parmer County, while another driver was killed in a crash on Interstate 40 in Gray County, according to CNN.
Authorities warn that more fatalities could be discovered as emergency teams continue damage assessments in the hardest-hit areas.
Three Tornadoes Strike in Less Than an Hour
According to the NWS, the first tornado struck at 3:03 p.m. local time, carving a path of destruction spanning 9.4 miles. Just 19 minutes later, at 3:22 p.m., a second tornado touched down, causing further damage over a 13-mile stretch.
The third tornado hit 30 minutes later, leaving homes flattened and hundreds without power. Storm chasers reported winds exceeding 150 mph, flipping vehicles, uprooting trees, and tearing apart buildings.
Residents in the affected areas described the terrifying moments as the twisters tore through their towns. “It sounded like a freight train coming right at us. We barely made it into the storm shelter in time,” one survivor told local reporters.
More Severe Weather Expected – Authorities Urge Caution
The NWS has issued an ongoing severe weather warning, cautioning residents that the storms are not over yet. In a statement on Facebook, officials warned:
“Friday and into Saturday morning, an outbreak of severe weather is anticipated, including widespread damaging winds, several tornadoes (some strong), and large hail.”
The tornado threat is expected to continue through Saturday, March 15, with the most dangerous conditions forecasted for the central Gulf Coast, Deep South, and Ohio Valley. Experts warn that more destructive tornadoes could form, urging residents to stay alert and seek shelter if necessary.
Tornado Outbreak: What Comes Next?
As rescue crews search for survivors and assess the full scope of the damage, authorities are urging residents to follow emergency alerts and prepare for more storms in the coming days. The federal government is expected to provide disaster relief funding, and local shelters are offering emergency housing to displaced families.
This tornado outbreak is already being described as one of the deadliest of the year, with meteorologists warning that the severe weather season is just beginning. Stay tuned for more updates as the situation develops.
