Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Wildfires Cause Widespread Destruction and Fatalities Across the U.S.
Tornadoes and Severe Weather Devastate Several States, Leaving Dozens Dead Wildfires Rage in Oklahoma, Fueling Chaos and Destruction Sandstorms Cause Fatal Collisions in Texas and Kansas Emergency Declared in Multiple States as Power Outages Affect Hundreds of Thousands

Severe weather across the United States, including tornadoes, sandstorms, and wildfires, has caused widespread destruction and led to numerous fatalities. The storms, which began last Friday, have particularly affected the Midwest and the South, leaving communities in shock and emergency response teams scrambling.
Tornadoes and Their Deadly Impact
Missouri has borne the brunt of the tornadoes, with at least 12 fatalities reported in the state. Governor Mike Kehoe described the devastation as “horrifying,” highlighting the destruction of hundreds of homes, schools, and businesses. One deadly tornado in Butler County, Missouri, destroyed a home, with local investigators describing the wreckage as “complete devastation,” where the floor was overturned and walls had collapsed.
Other states also reported fatalities due to the tornadoes, including Mississippi, where six people were killed, and Alabama, where three deaths occurred, including an 82-year-old woman. The deadly storms have caused widespread damage, and flood warnings have been issued in several regions, including Texas, Louisiana, and Georgia, with more than 100 million people affected by the weather.
Wildfires in Oklahoma and Texas
In Oklahoma, nearly 150 wildfires ignited, fueled by winds reaching up to 133 kilometers per hour. These fires burned through over 170,000 acres of land, destroying nearly 300 buildings, including a farm owned by Oklahoma’s Governor Kevin Stitt. The fires have also contributed to several accidents, with trucks being overturned by strong winds.
Sandstorms in Texas and Kansas
The powerful winds also caused dangerous sandstorms in Texas and Kansas. In Kansas, a sandstorm led to a multi-vehicle collision involving more than 55 cars, resulting in at least eight deaths. A similar storm in Texas caused a crash involving 38 vehicles, killing at least four people. These incidents underscore the hazardous conditions caused by the ongoing weather events.
Emergency Declarations and Power Outages
As of Sunday evening, power outages affected over 320,000 people in the impacted areas, according to PowerOutageUS, which tracks utility disruptions. In response to the widespread destruction, emergency declarations have been issued in Arkansas, Georgia, and Oklahoma.
President Donald Trump has called for the National Guard to assist with recovery efforts in Arkansas, where three people have been confirmed dead and 29 others injured. Trump also expressed his condolences through a post on his Truth Social platform, urging Americans to pray for those affected by the catastrophic storms.
These extreme weather events have left communities reeling, with emergency crews working tirelessly to clear debris, provide relief, and assist in recovery efforts. The toll of the storms continues to unfold, with the full scale of the damage yet to be determined.
This article seeks to capture the scale of the devastation caused by the severe weather, ensuring readers understand both the immediate impact and the ongoing response efforts.
- Source: BBC NEWS