Severe weather storms move through U.S. with tornadoes, wildfires; at least 3 dead in Texas

Severe weather wreaked havoc across the central United States on Friday, with a sprawling storm system causing deadly crashes, damaging buildings, and fueling over 100 wildfires in several states. The onslaught of tornadoes, high winds, and wildfires prompted evacuation orders in some communities and left a trail of destruction in its wake.

In Texas, the Department of Public Safety reported three fatalities in separate car crashes due to low visibility, high winds, and dirt. A total of 24 crashes were reported throughout the state. Meanwhile, in central Missouri, the town of Rolla was hit by a possible tornado, resulting in damaged homes, downed power lines, and overturned vehicles. Fire crews were on the scene responding to the aftermath.

As the storm system continued its path of destruction, the National Weather Service confirmed two tornadoes touching down near St. Louis and heading towards the city. Tornado sirens blared in St. Charles County as residents braced for the approaching storms. In Oklahoma, nearly 150 fires were reported, with high winds toppling tractor-trailers and creating hazardous conditions on the roads.

Truck drivers like Charles Daniel faced treacherous conditions, with winds whipping up dust and sand, posing a threat to vehicles on the road. The National Weather Service warned of extreme weather affecting over 100 million people, with powerful winds reaching up to 80 mph from the Canadian border to Texas. The forecast predicted continued severe weather over the weekend, with a high risk of tornadoes and damaging winds in Mississippi and Alabama.

Experts explained that the weather patterns in March often bring about such extreme conditions, with snowstorms on one end and severe thunderstorms on the other. Bill Bunting of the Storm Prediction Center highlighted the size and intensity of the storm system, causing significant impacts over a large area.

The storm outbreak also saw tornadoes touching down in Missouri and other states, with the potential for more twisters and damaging winds. The Storm Prediction Center warned of a high risk of tornado outbreaks in Mississippi, Alabama, and other southern states. Alabama Governor Kay Ivey declared a state of emergency, urging residents to stay vigilant.

Amid the storm outbreak, wildfires broke out in the Southern Plains, threatening to spread rapidly due to warm, dry weather and strong winds. Evacuation orders were issued in areas near Oklahoma City and Stillwater, with power outages affecting hundreds of thousands of homes and businesses across multiple states. Missouri Governor Mike Kehoe declared a state of emergency, urging residents to stay alert and follow official warnings.

In the Northern Plains, blizzard conditions were expected to make travel treacherous, with heavy snow and powerful winds causing poor visibility and icy road conditions. Winter storm warnings remained in effect in mountainous regions of Arizona and Utah, with snowfall impacting Interstate 40 in northern Arizona.

As the storm system continued its path of destruction, it served as a reminder of the unpredictable and volatile nature of weather patterns in the United States. Residents across the affected regions remained on high alert, bracing for the potential impact of severe weather in the days to come.