A powerful storm system sweeping across the United States has unleashed deadly tornadoes, widespread wildfires, and blinding dust storms, leaving a trail of destruction and claiming lives. At least five people have died, with two fatalities reported in south-central Missouri and three in Texas.
The Missouri State Highway Patrol confirmed that two adults were killed in the Bakersfield area of Ozark County, amidst widespread tornado damage. The deaths occurred as severe storms ripped through the region, downing trees, damaging buildings, and trapping residents in debris.
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“In the aftermath of the storms across Missouri, we’re on duty all night,” the Missouri Highway Patrol posted on Facebook, emphasizing ongoing rescue efforts and urging residents to stay safe.
Another fatality was reported in a mobile home park near Poplar Bluff, Missouri, following a tornado strike. Significant damage was reported in the city, including a supermarket and a kindergarten facility. Rescuers in Elliott, Missouri, worked through the night, using flashlights to search for survivors in the debris of destroyed homes.
Three people were killed in car crashes during a dust storm in Amarillo County, Texas, involving a massive pileup of approximately 38 vehicles. “It’s the worst I’ve ever seen,” said Sgt. Cindy Barkley of the Texas Department of Public Safety, describing the near-zero visibility as a “nightmare.”
Wildfires, fueled by high winds and dry conditions, have also ravaged parts of the Southern Plains. Over 130 fires were reported in Oklahoma, prompting evacuations. A large blaze in Roberts County, Texas, grew rapidly, spreading across 32.8 square miles before crews halted its advance.
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The National Weather Service issued multiple tornado and severe thunderstorm warnings for areas in Alabama, Kentucky, Mississippi, Tennessee, Illinois, Indiana, and Texas. Forecasters warned of “potentially violent” tornadoes, hail, and hurricane-force straight-line winds, with gusts up to 100 mph possible.
More than 300,000 homes and businesses across Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri, Illinois, and Indiana experienced power outages due to the high winds.
Blizzard warnings were issued for parts of western Minnesota and eastern South Dakota, with heavy snowfall and whiteout conditions expected.
Experts emphasized the size and intensity of the storm system as particularly unusual, with extreme weather affecting an area home to over 100 million people.
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