At least 32 killed as massive storm system triggers tornadoes, wildfires in central and southern US
A monster storm system sparked scores of tornadoes and wildfires that have ripped through parts of the United States, killing at least 32 people. Experts warn more severe weather is expected through the next 24-hour period.
Eight people were killed in a vehicle collision in western Kansas’ Sherman County after heavy winds produced blowing dust on a major highway. More than 50 vehicles were involved in the fatal accident.
Mississippi Governor Tate Reeves says six people were killed in three different counties while a further three people were reported missing. Almost 30 others were injured across the state.
The central state of Missouri recorded more fatalities than any other state as scattered twisters overnight that killed at least 12, authorities said. One man died after a tornado completely ripped apart and destroyed his home.
“It was unrecognizable as a home. Just a debris field,” said Coroner Jim Akers of Butler County, describing the scene that confronted rescuers. “The floor was upside down. We were walking on walls.”
Officials in Arkansas said three people died in Independence County and 29 others were injured across eight counties.
“We have teams out surveying the damage from last night’s tornadoes and have first responders on the ground to assist,” posted Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders on X.
Sanders, Reeves and Georgia Governor Brian Kemp declared states of emergencies across their states. Kemp said he was doing so in anticipation of severe weather moving in, in the early hours of Sunday.
On Friday, meanwhile, authorities said three people were killed in car crashes during a dust storm in Amarillo, in the Texas Panhandle.
More than 100 million people affected
The massive storm system unleashed winds that triggered deadly dust storms and fanned more than 100 wildfires.
Extreme weather conditions were forecast to affect an are that is home to more than 100 million people. Winds gusting up to 130 kmph were predicted from the Canadian border all the way down to Texas, threatening blizzard conditions in colder northern areas and wildfire risk in southern warmer and drier areas.
Evacuations were ordered in some communities in Oklahoma as more than 130 wildfires were reported across the state. Nearly 300 homes were damaged or destroyed, according to Governor Kevin Still, who also added that fires burned across an area of 689 square km.
The US National Weather Service also reported that the storms also brough about massive amounts of rain. Several areas experienced flooding with a lot more at risk. Authorities are urging residents in areas affected by the storms to remain indoors and exercise caution.