At least 17 people have been reported dead across the United States due to a powerful storm system that unleashed multiple tornadoes and severe weather from the South to the Midwest.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol confirmed three deaths in Ozark County, one in Butler County, six in Wayne County, and one in Jefferson County on Saturday.

Authorities warned residents to stay away from debris-filled zones, monitor for downed power lines, and follow local emergency services for updates.

In Arkansas, the Arkansas Division of Emergency Management reported three storm-related fatalities in Independence County, alongside injuries to 29 individuals across eight counties as of Saturday morning.

Additionally, severe weather conditions were felt in Texas, where three people lost their lives in car crashes during a dust storm in Amarillo County, which involved a pileup of approximately 38 vehicles.

Mississippi's Governor, Tate Reeves, reported at least three injuries in Grenada County, with damage recorded in six counties including Calhoun, Carroll, Grenada, Humphreys, Leflore, and Montgomery.

Grenada County experienced the most significant impact, prompting the opening of a shelter at the Grenada City Auditorium.

Meteorologists noted that at least 26 tornadoes were reported, albeit not confirmed, with more severe weather expected.

David Roth, of the National Weather Service’s Weather Prediction Center, indicated a high risk for additional tornadoes across Alabama and Mississippi, estimating a 30% chance on Saturday.

The National Weather Service had issued numerous tornado and severe thunderstorm warnings for states including Alabama, Kentucky, Mississippi, Tennessee, Illinois, Indiana, and Texas.

Residents have been advised against seeking shelter in vehicles or under overpasses during tornado warnings, instead urged to find safety in designated shelters, basements, or interior rooms without windows.

In Oklahoma, evacuation orders were implemented due to over 130 reported wildfires exacerbated by high winds.

Severe storm threats were anticipated to persist throughout the weekend, with damaging winds and the potential for flash flooding expected in certain regions by Sunday.

The National Weather Service cited March weather extremes as common but highlighted the unusual intensity and large area affected by this current system.

The storm system also led to significant tornado activity in Missouri, including five confirmed tornadoes on Friday, with notable damage around the Saint Louis area.

The Storm Prediction Center forecasted that fast-moving storms could generate tornadoes and hail with the risk of straight-line winds potentially exceeding hurricane strength, with gusts of up to 100 mph (160 km/h) predicted.

High risk areas included parts of Mississippi such as Jackson and Hattiesburg, and regions of Alabama including Birmingham and Tuscaloosa.

The National Weather Service alerted residents in eastern Louisiana, western Georgia, central Tennessee, and the western Florida panhandle about possible severe storms and tornadoes.

In Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, Missouri, and New Mexico, evacuations were ordered as wildfires threatened to spread, with a particularly fast-moving fire in Roberts County, Texas, growing significantly within hours.

High winds have contributed to power outages affecting over 300,000 homes and businesses across Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri, Illinois, and Indiana.

The storm system has also brought blizzard warnings to parts of western Minnesota and eastern South Dakota, where snow accumulations of 3 to 6 inches (7.6-15.2 cm) were forecasted, with blizzard conditions predicted due to wind gusts reaching 60 mph (97 km/h).