At least 39 people lost their lives as severe weather—including tornadoes, dust storms, and wildfires—devastated multiple US states over the weekend, reports AP.
More than 400 homes were damaged by wildfires that swept across the state on Friday, said the Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management. “In Stillwater, at least 74 homes were destroyed by the flames,” Mayor Will Joyce confirmed these details on Sunday night via Facebook.
The Oklahoma Office of the Chief Medical Examiner confirmed that four fatalities were linked to the fires or strong winds.
Though tornado watches had mostly expired by Sunday, the National Weather Service warned that hazardous winds might still affect the Carolinas, eastern Georgia, and northern Florida.
In Tylertown, Mississippi, Hailey Hart and her fiancé Steve Romero sought shelter in their 1994 Toyota Celica as a tornado destroyed their home. The car was flipped onto its side during the storm, and when it landed on its wheels again, they could hear nearby cries for help.
Hart's grandparents, who had taken refuge in their bathroom, also narrowly escaped death when trees collapsed their roof. They only sustained minor injuries. The family, friends, and volunteers spent Sunday salvaging what they could from the wreckage.
Forecasters had issued a rare "high risk" warning for the dynamic storm system that began on Friday. Although unusual, severe weather events like this can occur in March. President Donald Trump expressed support for the affected communities, offering federal assistance.
In Alabama, three people, including an 82-year-old woman, were killed by tornadoes. In Troy, the local recreation center, which had served as a shelter, was damaged by overnight storms, although no one was injured.
In Missouri, scattered twisters killed at least 12 people. Dakota Henderson described the devastating scene as rescue teams discovered five bodies near his aunt's house. One home in Butler County was described as a "debris field" by the local coroner.
Mississippi's Governor Tate Reeves confirmed that six people died and more than 200 were displaced by tornadoes. Some areas in the northern part of the state were flooded, leaving many stranded. In Covington County, Seminary resident Traci Ladner witnessed a tornado demolish homes and trees as she drove through the area.
Three people were also reported dead in Arkansas.
In Texas and Oklahoma, wildfires and dust storms exacerbated the death toll. More than 130 fires were reported across Oklahoma. With winds reaching 70 mph, fire crews struggled to contain the flames. Wildfires and extreme weather conditions claimed two more lives in Oklahoma.
High winds led to deadly dust storms, causing a pileup on a Kansas highway that resulted in eight fatalities. Additionally, three people were killed in a dust storm in Amarillo, Texas.
Bd-Pratidin English/ AM
