A massive storm system has ripped across the central and eastern U.S., bringing a terrifying mix of tornadoes, dust storms, wildfires, and even blizzard conditions. The devastation has left at least 36 people dead and caused widespread destruction across multiple states.
By Sunday, the third and final day of this extreme weather outbreak, millions of people along the East Coast were bracing for impact. Powerful winds knocked out electricity for thousands in the Mid-Atlantic, and tornado warnings remained in effect into the night.
Since Friday, at least 39 tornadoes have touched down, carving a path of destruction from the Midwest into the Southeast. Missouri was hit hardest, with at least 12 deaths reported, including six in Wayne County alone. Arkansas, Mississippi, and Alabama also suffered fatalities as twisters flattened homes and businesses. In Arkansas, a powerful EF-4 tornado with winds reaching 190 mph tore through communities, leaving behind a trail of devastation.
The damage was staggering in Missouri, where one woman was found dead near downed power lines in St. Louis County. A tornado near Villa Ridge flipped semi-trucks and caused major structural damage. Meanwhile, Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders commended the resilience of residents, noting how neighbors had come together to help clear debris and rebuild.
Mississippi and Alabama also experienced deadly tornadoes, with Mississippi declaring a state of emergency after at least six people lost their lives. Three more fatalities were confirmed in Alabama, where storms caused destruction in over 50 counties. Alabama Governor Kay Ivey expressed condolences to the victims’ families and praised first responders working around the clock.
In addition to the tornadoes, a deadly dust storm swept across the southern Plains, leading to catastrophic pile-ups on highways. In Kansas, a massive crash on Interstate 70 involved 71 vehicles, leaving at least eight people dead after visibility dropped to near zero. Similar conditions in Texas and Oklahoma led to multiple crashes, killing at least four people and injuring several others, including two paramedics caught in the chaos.
To make matters worse, while the South battled severe storms, the northern Plains and Midwest faced brutal winter weather. High winds and blowing snow created near-blizzard conditions, making travel nearly impossible. Wind gusts up to 60 mph were reported from the Rockies to the Great Lakes, adding another layer of danger to an already deadly storm system.
As communities begin the long process of cleaning up and rebuilding, officials warn that the threat isn’t over yet. The storm may have passed, but the damage left behind will take weeks—if not months—to recover from. Leaders across the affected states are urging residents to stay vigilant, support each other, and prepare for the possibility of more severe weather ahead.
