Three Killed in Missouri as Storms Leave Widespread Destruction
A powerful storm system tore through the central United States on Friday night, leaving at least three people dead in Missouri and triggering severe weather warnings across multiple states. The Missouri State Highway Patrol confirmed that a tornado struck the Bakersfield area in Ozark County, resulting in two fatalities and multiple injuries. In Butler County, near the Arkansas border, another individual lost their life when extreme weather destroyed a mobile home. Authorities warned that the death toll could rise as search and rescue operations continued.
Tornadoes and High Winds Wreak Havoc Across Several States
Tornadoes were reported in multiple states, including Missouri, Arkansas, and Mississippi, causing significant damage to homes, businesses, and vehicles. In Missouri, the National Weather Service (NWS) confirmed widespread destruction, with trees and power lines downed, buildings damaged, and tractor-trailers overturned. A suspected wedge tornado was also spotted in northern Mississippi.
In the St. Louis metropolitan area, emergency officials issued multiple tornado warnings, urging residents to seek shelter. Mayor Timothy Lowery of Florissant, Missouri, described the night as “horrible,” with widespread property damage, including a tree crashing into a well-known local restaurant.
As the storm system moved eastward, it continued to pose a serious threat, with over 138 million people across the Midwest and the South at risk of severe weather throughout the weekend.
Storm damage on South US 63 in Rolla and significant damage to the bus barn in Dixon. Stay tuned for updates as more information becomes available. #StormDamage #MissouriWeather pic.twitter.com/kJC5mJ7PXj
— MSHP Troop I (@MSHPTrooperI) March 15, 2025
Deadly Dust Storms and Fires Engulf Texas and Oklahoma
In Texas, high winds led to multiple fatal vehicle crashes near Amarillo, where blinding dust severely reduced visibility. The Texas Department of Public Safety reported three separate deadly collisions in the area, though the total number of fatalities remains unclear.
The dangerous conditions extended beyond roadways, fueling a series of wildfires across Texas and Oklahoma. The Windmill Fire in Roberts County expanded dramatically, growing from 500 acres to 18,000 acres within a single day. Firefighters managed to contain 50% of the blaze by Friday night, while other fires, including the Rest Area Fire in Gray County, continued to burn thousands of acres.
Oklahoma also faced a severe wildfire outbreak, with multiple blazes reported near Chickasha, Chandler, and Camargo. In some areas, emergency officials issued evacuation orders as the fires threatened homes and infrastructure.
Severe Weather to Continue Through the Weekend
As the storm system moves eastward, the threat of severe weather will shift toward the Tennessee Valley and the Gulf Coast, with strong tornadoes possible in Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama. Meanwhile, the northern regions of the country, including the upper Midwest and Great Plains, are bracing for blizzard conditions, with heavy snowfall expected.
7:00 pm – Several large wildfire complexes continue across central, northern, and western Oklahoma. These will continue to be an issue over the next several hours, especially with a wind shift approaching. pic.twitter.com/Rl0BQ9dvpT
— NWS Norman (@NWSNorman) March 15, 2025
The National Weather Service warned that additional winter storms could develop in the coming week, potentially bringing more snow, rain, and severe weather across large portions of the U.S.
Authorities urge residents in affected regions to stay informed, take safety precautions, and heed evacuation orders when necessary.