A powerful storm system has devastated regions across the US South and Midwest, leaving at least 16 people dead as multiple tornadoes swept through several states. The National Weather Service issued blizzard warnings for parts of far western Minnesota and far eastern South Dakota early on Saturday, while severe storms continued to threaten other areas. Forecasters highlighted the highest risk of tornadoes and severe thunderstorms on Saturday night, with particularly high risk in parts of Mississippi and Alabama.
The National Weather Service issued numerous warnings for tornadoes and severe thunderstorms on Saturday morning, affecting areas in Alabama, Kentucky, Mississippi, Tennessee, Illinois, Indiana, and Texas. The Storm Prediction Center warned that fast-moving storms could produce twisters, hail as large as baseballs, and straight-line winds reaching hurricane force with gusts up to 100mph (160km/h). Notably threatened areas include Jackson and Hattiesburg in Mississippi and Birmingham and Tuscaloosa in Alabama.
The storm's ferocity was evident on Friday when at least five tornadoes were reported in Missouri, including one near Saint Louis. By late Friday night and into early Saturday, the weather service indicated that at least 26 tornadoes had been reported, though confirmation of touchdowns was pending. The affected regions included parts of Arkansas, Illinois, Mississippi, and Missouri.
In Amarillo County, Texas, three individuals lost their lives in car crashes during a dust storm on Friday. Sgt Cindy Barkley from the state's department of public safety described the situation bluntly.
"It’s the worst I’ve ever seen," – Sgt Cindy Barkley of the state’s department of public safety
High winds accompanying the storm system caused significant power outages, affecting over 300,000 homes and businesses across Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri, Illinois, and Indiana. Poweroutage.us provided these staggering figures. The National Weather Service office in Norman, Oklahoma, cautioned that the arrival of drier air with winds of 15-20mph and gusts up to 30mph would create.
"critical fire weather conditions expected across parts of the area this afternoon," – National Weather Service
Arkansas bore significant brunt of the storm's impact, with three confirmed deaths in Independence County and an additional 29 people injured across eight counties. The Arkansas Division of Emergency Management reported these numbers on Saturday morning. In Mississippi, Governor Tate Reeves announced that at least three people had been injured and hospitalized in Grenada County. He warned that the number might increase as more information becomes available. A shelter has been set up in the Grenada City Auditorium to provide refuge for those affected.
The National Weather Service's David Roth emphasized the severity of the situation in Alabama and Mississippi.
"Today there is a high risk for more tornadoes across Alabama and Mississippi, the chance is 30%," – David Roth, a meteorologist at the National Weather Service’s Weather Prediction Center
"That’s pretty significant." – David Roth
Blizzard conditions were also expected in parts of far western Minnesota and far eastern South Dakota, with snow accumulations predicted to reach 3-6 inches (7.6-15.2cm) and up to a foot (30cm) in some areas.
Missouri's residents have been advised to exercise caution amidst the debris-laden aftermath of these storms.
"We urge residents to stay away from debris-filled areas, watch for downed power lines and follow regional emergency services for localized updates," – Missouri state highway patrol