Severe Weather Strikes Across the U.S., Causing Widespread Destruction and Disruption
A sprawling and dangerous storm system swept across the United States on Friday, leaving a trail of destruction in its wake. From overturning semitrucks on highways to fueling devastating wildfires in Texas and Oklahoma, the extreme weather caused chaos and forced evacuations in several areas. The system brought powerful winds, low visibility, and hazardous conditions, leading to fatal car crashes and prompting emergency officials to act swiftly to protect lives and property.
Tornado Threats and Wildfires in the South
The Mississippi Valley and the Deep South were placed on high alert as tornado threats loomed late into the night and into the weekend. The National Weather Service warned of a heightened risk of severe thunderstorms, with tornadoes and damaging winds forecasted for states like Mississippi and Alabama. In Texas and Oklahoma, wildfires exacerbated by dry conditions and strong winds spread rapidly, forcing evacuations in at least one town, Leedey, Oklahoma, which has a population of around 400 people. The Oklahoma Highway Patrol reported several overturned tractor-trailers due to dusty, high winds, while the Texas Department of Public Safety confirmed three deaths in separate car crashes linked to the poor weather conditions.
Extreme Weather Across a Vast Region
The National Weather Service highlighted the sheer scale of the storm system, which impacted an area home to over 100 million people. Powerful winds, with gusts reaching up to 80 mph, were forecasted from the Canadian border down to Texas, creating treacherous travel conditions and disrupting daily life. Experts noted that while extreme weather in March is not unusual, the size and intensity of this system were particularly notable. Bill Bunting of the Storm Prediction Center described the impacts as "substantial" and "unprecedented in scale," underscoring the severity of the situation.
Blizzard Conditions in the Northern Plains
While the South grappled with tornadoes and wildfires, the Northern Plains faced a different kind of extreme weather: blizzards. Heavy snow and powerful winds made travel dangerous in parts of the Rockies and Northern Plains, with blizzard conditions predicted for the Dakotas and Minnesota. Winter storm warnings remained in effect for mountainous regions of Arizona and Utah, where over a foot of snowfall was expected. Icy roads and poor visibility forced the closure of certain stretches of Interstate 40 in northern Arizona, adding to the region’s challenges.
Wildfires and Power Outages Spread
The combination of warm, dry weather, and strong gusty winds created a perfect storm for wildfires in the Southern Plains. In Texas, a fire in Roberts County, northeast of Amarillo, rapidly expanded from less than a square mile to an estimated 12.5 square miles. The Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management activated its emergency operations center in response to fast-moving fires that prompted evacuations in multiple areas, including Leedey and a rural area east of Norman. Meanwhile, high winds caused power outages for over 215,000 homes and businesses across Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, and Missouri. Forecasters also warned of the risk of lightning-sparked fires in parts of Kansas, Oklahoma, Missouri, and Arkansas, further complicating the situation.
States Declare Emergencies as Weather Threatens Millions
The severity of the weather prompted several governors to declare states of emergency. Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey issued a preemptive state of emergency, urging residents to remain vigilant as the threat of intense tornadoes loomed over the weekend. Similarly, Missouri Gov. Mike Kehoe declared a state of emergency, warning residents to stay alert and monitor weather forecasts. The Storm Prediction Center issued a level 5 risk—the highest—for severe storms in the Gulf states and the Deep South, predicting a potential tornado outbreak that could bring destructive winds and hail. As the storm system continued to evolve, millions of Americans braced themselves for the worst, with the weather service warning of flash flooding on the East Coast by Sunday. The sheer unpredictability and intensity of the weather underscored the importance of preparedness and adherence to safety guidelines in the face of nature’s fury.
