Storms are sweeping the South and Midwest, leaving communities in shambles. It has been reported that at least 40 people have died across Missouri, Arkansas, Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, Alabama and Mississippi. Over the weekend, there were approximately 700 storms reported including tornadoes, wildfires, and dust. They slowly rolled from West to East and should be in the Atlantic by now. Unfortunately, many have lost their lives, their family, their homes, and their businesses. This weekend was a true tragedy.
Friday
The disastrous storms started on Friday, March 14, 2025, when wildfires broke out in several dry states including Texas and Oklahoma. High winds with gusts up to 100 mph fanned the flames, causing the fires to spread. At least 8 people were reportedly killed due to the winds and wildfire. Far more were left injured and more than 400 homes have been damaged. In Texas, dust storms caused pile-ups leading to several deaths in Amarillo County.
The National Weather Service (NWS) issued severe tornado warnings in areas across Wisconsin and Missouri. An EF-3 tornado with peak winds of 140 mph traveled through Bakersfield, wreaking havoc and causing at least three reported deaths. People were warned not to step outside due to such extreme conditions, but these storms surprised everyone.
Saturday
Three counties were majorly affected by an estimated 12 tornadoes across Mississippi. There was also flooding on the roads that damaged culverts. Mississippi Governor Tate Reeves announced during a press conference that six people have died so far, 27 people have been injured, and over 200 have been displaced. Reeves reported, “We are now up to 23 counties across Mississippi that are reporting damage, and damage assessments are ongoing.” He continued, “We currently have completed somewhere in the neighborhood of 575 damage assessments.”
Sunday
By the end of the weekend, approximately 337,000 power outages were reported. President Donald Trump released a statement expressing his condolences. He said, “My administration is ready to assist state and local officials, as they help their communities to try and recover from the damage.” Trump continued, “Please join Melania and me in praying for everyone impacted by these terrible storms!” The National Guard was also deployed to Arkansas to assist those affected.
By Sunday, the storms were barely noticeable when they rolled out of the Midwest and landed in Florida. The worst of it was expected to hit north and west of the Bay Area, but they seemed to have died down before reaching. Central Florida was warned of severe storms traveling towards them, inciting panic about what lay ahead. They were placed under a red flag warning for eight hours, expecting to experience strong winds and cooler temperatures.
Heartbroken Communities
Natural disasters are horrible, and unpredictable, and leave things unsalvageable. These communities have lost their loved ones, their homes, and their businesses. They are currently without power, assessing the damages done, and hoping for the best moving forward. Many are just grateful to have survived the storms.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) National Severe Storms Laboratory works to save lives and reduce property damage by improving the time and accuracy of severe weather warnings and forecasts. If you have been affected by one of the recent storms, they want to hear from you. People in affected communities help them understand first-hand and explore new ways of helping.
