Unusually violent storms, tornadoes kill 37 across several US states
US President Donald Trump expressed condolences and offered assistance to the affected regions.
An unusually violent weather system tore across several US states over the weekend, bringing deadly tornadoes, dust storms, and fast-moving wildfires from Mississippi to Oklahoma, claiming at least 37 lives.
The National Weather Service confirmed that while tornado watches were lifted, severe weather conditions still posed a threat through Sunday evening across parts of the Southeast, including the Carolinas, northern Florida, and Georgia.
US storms | Latest updates
Death toll: At least 37 people have died as destructive winds, fires, and storms wreaked havoc from Mississippi to Oklahoma. Missouri has recorded the most casualties, with at least 12 people dying by tornadoes that ravaged the state.
Most deaths in Missouri: While 12 died in Missouri, deadly tornadoes swept through central areas of Alabama, killing at least three, Mississippi Governor Tate Reeves confirmed six deaths from tornadoes, with over 200 people displaced across the state, two fatalities were confirmed in Oklahoma due to the fires and eight people were reported dead in Kansas. In Texas, three people died amid the dangerous dust conditions. In Arkansas, three deaths ere confirmed.
‘High risk’ event: Forecasters had labeled the storm system as a "high risk" event, although extreme weather in March is not unusual. US President Donald Trump expressed condolences and offered assistance to the affected regions.
Death toll expected to rise: As emergency crews continue to search for survivors, the death toll is expected to rise as recovery efforts continue. “It’s really disturbing for what happened to the people last night,” news agency Associated Press quoted Dakota Henderson, a local resident. Henderson recounted the chaos in Missouri's Wayne County, where only one room of a house remained standing.
Wildfires: In addition to the tornadoes, fast-moving wildfires ravaged Texas and Oklahoma, fueled by high winds. Over 130 fires were reported in Oklahoma, causing widespread damage and destruction. Two fatalities were confirmed in the state due to the fires.
