Tornadoes wreak havoc in the southern U.S. after severe storm system
- On March 14, 2025, a large storm system caused extreme weather across the U.S., particularly affecting the Mississippi Valley and Deep South.
- Evacuations were ordered in response to rapidly spreading wildfires in Oklahoma, where over 130 fires were reported.
- The severity of these tornadoes and wildfires has led officials to warn residents of continued risks and preparations.
On March 14, 2025, a massive storm system advanced across the United States, significantly impacting areas in the Mississippi Valley and the Deep South. The intense weather conditions resulted in the National Weather Service issuing numerous tornado and severe thunderstorm warnings for various states including Alabama, Kentucky, Mississippi, and Tennessee. Reports indicated that at least five tornadoes occurred in Missouri, contributing to widespread destruction, including the damaging of buildings and visibility reduction due to dust storms. The extreme weather was forecasted to affect over 100 million people in the area. The storm system's severe winds were also responsible for fanning over 100 wildfires in central states, escalating to over 130 fires reported in Oklahoma alone. Evacuations were ordered in certain communities where fast-moving fires posed a threat to homes and businesses. In Missouri, residents faced dangerous conditions as visibility dropped, causing numerous hazardous situations and prompting urgent evacuation notices. Local authorities, including the State Highway Patrol, communicated safety warnings to the public. Officials indicated that the severity of this storm was unique in size and intensity, impacting a large geographical area and producing significant emergency responses. The aftermath of the storm led to power outages affecting more than 216,000 homes and businesses across multiple states, amplifying the urgency of the situation. Furthermore, blizzard warnings were issued in parts of the Northern Plains, showcasing the diverse and extreme weather patterns arising from this storm system. In the wake of these events, the National Weather Service emphasized the urgency of preparedness in anticipation of potentially violent tornadoes expected to continue on March 15, especially in Mississippi and Alabama, where high risks were identified. Residents were cautioned to remain vigilant, as weather conditions were predicted to remain hazardous over the weekend.