A massive storm system stretching from the Great Plains to the East Coast has left at least six people dead, sparked widespread wildfires, and triggered multiple tornadoes as it moves across the country. The National Weather Service warned that more than 100 million people remain at risk from high winds, severe thunderstorms, and blizzard conditions through the weekend.
Two people were killed in Missouri's Ozark County when a tornado ripped through the Bakersfield area, according to the Missouri State Highway Patrol. In Butler County, another fatality was reported after extreme winds struck a mobile home. In the Texas Panhandle, three people died in a 38-vehicle pileup during a dust storm, with Sgt. Cindy Barkley of the Texas Department of Public Safety calling the conditions "the worst I've ever seen."
Tornado watches remain in effect across parts of Indiana, Kentucky, Mississippi, Tennessee, and Alabama, with forecasters warning of "potentially violent" tornadoes in the Gulf Coast region. "What's unique about this one is its large size and intensity," said Bill Bunting of the Storm Prediction Center. "And so what that is doing is producing really substantial impacts over a very large area."
Nearly half a dozen tornadoes were reported in Missouri alone, including one in the St. Louis area, where businesses and homes sustained damage. Storm survey teams are working to confirm additional tornadoes in Arkansas and Mississippi. The National Weather Service in Jackson, Mississippi, shared images of what appeared to be a large wedge tornado near Cruger.
Villa Ridge, Missouri, a tornado caused significant damage, with a loud roar and numerous power flashes. Several semi-trucks were flipped, and various structures were damaged.
Lightning illuminates this nighttime tornado ripping through Villa Ridge, Missouri#tornado | #mowx pic.twitter.com/BKd4wPrGlX — Sumit (@SumitHansd) March 15, 2025
High winds fueled wildfires across Texas, Oklahoma, and Kansas, prompting evacuation orders in several communities. In Roberts County, Texas, a fire exploded in size from less than a square mile to nearly 33 square miles, according to the Texas A&M Forest Service. Another wildfire in Gray County burned more than 4,500 acres before being contained. Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt urged residents in the town of Mannford to "leave now" as wildfires spread rapidly amid gusts exceeding 60 mph.
Winds also caused widespread power outages, with more than 300,000 customers left without electricity across Texas, Oklahoma, Missouri, Arkansas, Illinois, and Indiana.
Blizzard warnings have been issued for parts of western Minnesota and eastern South Dakota, with forecasters predicting snowfall accumulations of up to a foot and wind gusts reaching 60 mph. The National Weather Service has warned that the combination of heavy snow and strong winds could create whiteout conditions, making travel extremely hazardous.
Missouri Governor Mike Kehoe declared a state of emergency on Friday ahead of the severe weather. "I urge all Missourians to stay alert, monitor weather forecasts, and follow official warnings," Kehoe said.
In Florissant, Missouri, Mayor Timothy Lowery said the city suffered widespread damage. "We've got a lot of damage, including to many houses," he said. A tree fell on the landmark Hendel's restaurant, and first responders worked through the night to clear debris.
The extreme weather is expected to continue through the weekend, with heavy rainfall and flash flooding forecast for parts of the East Coast. The National Weather Service has also warned of another potential winter storm developing next week, which could bring additional snowfall and severe conditions to parts of the Midwest and Great Lakes.
