Washington DC: At least 34 people have died as powerful tornadoes and dust storms wreaked havoc across multiple southeastern and central US states, leaving behind widespread destruction.
Missouri reported 12 fatalities, while deaths were also confirmed in Mississippi, Arkansas, Georgia, Oklahoma, Kansas, and Texas.
Missouri was one of the worst-hit states, with Governor Mike Kehoe stating that the state had been “devastated by severe storms and tornadoes, leaving homes destroyed and lives lost.” The state’s emergency management agency reported 19 tornadoes striking 25 counties.
Mississippi Governor Tate Reeves confirmed six deaths, as multiple tornadoes ripped through the state. Alabama also faced severe storms, with tornado warnings issued.
Arkansas reported three fatalities and 29 injuries, prompting Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders to declare a state of emergency. Georgia Governor Brian Kemp and Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt also declared states of emergency, with Oklahoma confirming one death.
The National Weather Service (NWS) warned of “multiple intense to violent long-track tornadoes”, calling the situation “particularly dangerous.” Residents in eastern Louisiana, western Georgia, central Tennessee, and the western Florida Panhandle were urged to take shelter.
Tornado Recovery Update – March 15 – 3:30 pm
One additional storm related death has been reported which occurred in St. Louis County. The 12 fatalities now include:
Three fatalities, Ozark County
One fatality, Butler County
Six fatalities, Wayne County
One fatality, Jefferson… pic.twitter.com/SPqBieriNl— MSHP General HQ (@MSHPTrooperGHQ) March 15, 2025
The NWS also issued flash flood warnings for central Mississippi, eastern Louisiana, western Tennessee, Alabama, and Arkansas, warning that the floods “could prove deadly.”
In Kansas, at least eight people died after more than 55 vehicles were involved in a pile-up caused by a dust storm. In Texas, a dust storm led to a separate 38-vehicle crash, initially killing three people, with one more death later confirmed.
Texas Department of Public Safety Sgt. Cindy Barkley described the scene as “the worst I’ve ever seen,” explaining that the scale of the accident only became clear “after the dust settled.”
The storms also fueled over 100 wildfires, overturning semi-trailer trucks and destroying properties across multiple states. In Oklahoma, the 840 Road Fire has already burned 27,500 acres and remains 0% contained. The Oklahoma Forestry Service issued a “red flag” warning, indicating severe fire danger.
The affected states lie within Tornado Alley, an area frequently hit by tornadoes due to its unique geography. Tornadoes form when moist, warm air collides with cold air, creating powerful rotating storms.
In 2024, 54 people were killed in tornado-related incidents, with the highest death tolls reported in Texas (9 deaths), Oklahoma (8 deaths), Arkansas (5 deaths), and Missouri (1 death). Although tornado season typically peaks from May to June, experts warn that tornadoes can strike at any time of the year.
Emergency Response
Authorities continue to assess damage, provide emergency aid, and warn residents of further severe weather risks. Tornado watches remain in effect for parts of Louisiana, Georgia, Tennessee, and Florida, with additional storms expected in the coming days.
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