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Tuesday, Mar 18, 2025
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Cleanup Underway After Devastating Storms Sweep Across Eight US States
Storm system results in over 40 fatalities, widespread destruction, and state emergencies declared in multiple regions.
Cleanup efforts are now in progress across several US states affected by a series of devastating storms that resulted in the deaths of more than 40 individuals over the past weekend.
This extensive storm system impacted at least eight states in the South and Midwest, unleashing multiple tornadoes, wildfires, and dust storms that caused significant destruction to homes and businesses.
In response to the severe weather, the governors of Arkansas, Georgia, and Oklahoma declared states of emergency.
As the situation continues to develop, red flag warnings remain in effect across several Midwestern and Southern states, including Texas and Oklahoma, indicating ongoing risks of high winds conducive to wildfires.
According to the National Weather Center’s Storm Prediction Center, approximately 96 tornadoes were recorded in the region on Friday and Saturday.
Missouri has reported the highest death toll, with a total of 12 fatalities attributed to tornadoes and wildfires that ravaged the state.
At the peak of the storm, over 140,000 homes and businesses experienced power outages, with more than 20,000 customers in Missouri still without power as of Monday morning.
Missouri's Governor, Mike Kehoe, described the scale of devastation in the state as "staggering" in a statement issued on Sunday.
Meanwhile, hurricane-force winds led to significant wildfires across Texas and Oklahoma, with at least 130 wildfires documented in Oklahoma alone by Friday.
These conditions caused extensive damage to properties, including a ranch owned by Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt.
In a video shared on social media, Governor Stitt remarked on the destruction of his ranch, stating that he is committed to rebuilding alongside the residents of Oklahoma.
"You never think it’s going to happen to your place, and these wildfires just come out of nowhere and can really take over," he said.
Kansas reported at least eight fatalities due to a massive 70-vehicle pileup on an interstate highway during a dust storm that created near-zero visibility conditions.
Additionally, on the Louisiana-Mississippi border, two concurrent tornadoes followed the same destructive path, claiming three lives in Tylertown, Mississippi, a small community with a population under 2,000.
A local resident, William Shultz, described his harrowing experience attempting to shield his wife as the storm devastated their surroundings.
In a statement posted on Truth Social, former President Donald Trump indicated that the National Guard had been mobilized in Arkansas following tornado-related fatalities.
Trump also mentioned readiness to support state and local officials in recovery efforts.
However, his statement notably did not reference assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), which plays a critical role in disaster relief after severe weather events.
Observers have pointed out that recent layoffs within FEMA have raised concerns regarding the agency's capacity to respond effectively.
As blizzard warnings continued in the Midwest, various reports indicated that the storm system has brought forth chaotic weather patterns, including wildfires in the southern plains and dust storms in Texas.
The Storm Prediction Center has warned of the possibility of additional tornadoes and severe thunderstorms across affected areas, with the potential for damaging straight-line winds reaching hurricane intensity.
This extensive storm system impacted at least eight states in the South and Midwest, unleashing multiple tornadoes, wildfires, and dust storms that caused significant destruction to homes and businesses.
In response to the severe weather, the governors of Arkansas, Georgia, and Oklahoma declared states of emergency.
As the situation continues to develop, red flag warnings remain in effect across several Midwestern and Southern states, including Texas and Oklahoma, indicating ongoing risks of high winds conducive to wildfires.
According to the National Weather Center’s Storm Prediction Center, approximately 96 tornadoes were recorded in the region on Friday and Saturday.
Missouri has reported the highest death toll, with a total of 12 fatalities attributed to tornadoes and wildfires that ravaged the state.
At the peak of the storm, over 140,000 homes and businesses experienced power outages, with more than 20,000 customers in Missouri still without power as of Monday morning.
Missouri's Governor, Mike Kehoe, described the scale of devastation in the state as "staggering" in a statement issued on Sunday.
Meanwhile, hurricane-force winds led to significant wildfires across Texas and Oklahoma, with at least 130 wildfires documented in Oklahoma alone by Friday.
These conditions caused extensive damage to properties, including a ranch owned by Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt.
In a video shared on social media, Governor Stitt remarked on the destruction of his ranch, stating that he is committed to rebuilding alongside the residents of Oklahoma.
"You never think it’s going to happen to your place, and these wildfires just come out of nowhere and can really take over," he said.
Kansas reported at least eight fatalities due to a massive 70-vehicle pileup on an interstate highway during a dust storm that created near-zero visibility conditions.
Additionally, on the Louisiana-Mississippi border, two concurrent tornadoes followed the same destructive path, claiming three lives in Tylertown, Mississippi, a small community with a population under 2,000.
A local resident, William Shultz, described his harrowing experience attempting to shield his wife as the storm devastated their surroundings.
In a statement posted on Truth Social, former President Donald Trump indicated that the National Guard had been mobilized in Arkansas following tornado-related fatalities.
Trump also mentioned readiness to support state and local officials in recovery efforts.
However, his statement notably did not reference assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), which plays a critical role in disaster relief after severe weather events.
Observers have pointed out that recent layoffs within FEMA have raised concerns regarding the agency's capacity to respond effectively.
As blizzard warnings continued in the Midwest, various reports indicated that the storm system has brought forth chaotic weather patterns, including wildfires in the southern plains and dust storms in Texas.
The Storm Prediction Center has warned of the possibility of additional tornadoes and severe thunderstorms across affected areas, with the potential for damaging straight-line winds reaching hurricane intensity.
