At least 32 dead as massive storm strikes US

Other states impacted

In Mississippi, Governor Tate Reeves confirmed six deaths and reported three missing persons across three counties. The state also recorded 29 injuries, as per AP. Arkansas officials reported three deaths in Independence County and 29 injuries across eight counties.

Authorities in Texas stated that three people lost their lives in car crashes caused by dust storms in the Texas Panhandle, further adding to the devastation.

The storm system stretched across vast portions of the country, affecting over 100 million residents. Winds gusting up to 80 mph (130 kph) triggered deadly dust storms and fueled more than 100 wildfires. The National Weather Service issued blizzard warnings for parts of western Minnesota and eastern South Dakota, forecasting heavy snowfall and dangerous whiteout conditions.

Oklahoma faced severe wildfire threats, with over 130 fires reported across the state. The blazes damaged or destroyed nearly 300 homes, burning approximately 266 square miles (689 square kilometers) of land.

Governor Kevin Stitt declared an emergency, citing the fires’ rapid spread due to intense winds.

Tornadoes wreak havoc

The Storm Prediction Center warned of additional tornado outbreaks, with the most severe threats looming over eastern Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, western Georgia, and the Florida Panhandle. Winds nearing 100 mph (160 kph) were predicted, along with hailstorms producing baseball-sized hailstones.

Bailey Dillon, a resident of Tylertown, Mississippi, recounted the devastation after a massive tornado hit near Paradise Ranch RV Park. “The amount of damage was catastrophic,” she said, describing overturned RVs, snapped trees, and flattened buildings.

The widespread storm knocked out power to over 200,000 homes and businesses across Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri, Illinois, Indiana, and Michigan. High winds were responsible for toppling several tractor-trailers and causing extensive infrastructure damage.

Some of the storm’s destruction was captured in dramatic videos that have since gone viral.

Official response

Officials continue to assess the storm’s aftermath, with emergency response teams deployed across multiple states. State and federal authorities are working to provide aid to affected communities, while governors in Arkansas and Georgia have declared states of emergency to expedite relief operations.

Authorities remain on high alert, warning of the potential for further extreme weather in the coming days.

(With inputs from AP)