US: What to know about severe storms, tornadoes hitting Mississippi, Oklahoma, others

Severe storms continue to move across the United States, with the threat of tornadoes shifting south into the Mississippi Valley and Gulf Coast. This follows a massive weather system that caused destruction across several central states on Friday, damaging buildings, triggering dust storms, and fueling more than 100 wildfires.

Missouri reported multiple tornadoes, while winds of up to 80 mph were recorded from the Canadian border to Texas. The extreme weather created blizzard conditions in the north and worsened fire risks in drier southern areas. In Texas, dust storms led to fatal crashes, including a pileup involving 38 vehicles in Amarillo County. The state’s Department of Public Safety confirmed three fatalities.

Oklahoma saw more than 130 wildfires, prompting evacuations as strong winds overturned tractor-trailers. Fires also spread rapidly across Texas, Kansas, Missouri, and New Mexico, with emergency services working to contain them. In Texas, one blaze expanded from less than a square mile to nearly 33 square miles before firefighters managed to halt its progress.

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The storm threat remains high through the weekend. The National Weather Service warns that Mississippi, Alabama, and parts of Louisiana, Georgia, Tennessee, and Florida could see severe tornadoes, damaging winds, and large hail. St. Louis County has declared a state of emergency after reports of at least five tornadoes in Missouri.

The combination of strong winds and extreme weather has also disrupted power for more than 216,000 homes and businesses across Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, and Missouri. 

Meanwhile, blizzard warnings are in place for western Minnesota and eastern South Dakota, where heavy snowfall and 60 mph winds could create whiteout conditions.

As the storm system progresses, officials urge residents in affected areas to stay alert and follow evacuation orders where necessary.

(Fox News)

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