Death Toll Rises as Tornadoes and Wildfires Rip Through the South and Midwest [WATCH]

Severe storms swept across the Midwest and South over the weekend, killing at least 32 people, leaving hundreds of thousands without power, and prompting widespread tornado watches as the system continued moving eastward.

At least 32 people have lost their lives in the storm system that moved across our country over the past 2 days & sparked over 250 tornado warnings. Residents along the East Coast are on alert now. Our prayers are with all those who are affected and with the families mourning… pic.twitter.com/XRSE0ioSmW

— Speaker Mike Johnson (@SpeakerJohnson) March 16, 2025

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The storms brought violent tornadoes, high winds, and extreme weather conditions, causing destruction in multiple states.

The storms left a trail of devastation, destroying homes, toppling semitractor-trailers, and damaging schools.

By Sunday morning, at least 247,655 people across Missouri, Georgia, North Carolina, Alabama, and Michigan were without power, according to PowerOutage.us.

A tornado watch remains in effect until 2 p.m. ET on Sunday for parts of southeastern Georgia, eastern South Carolina, and southeastern North Carolina, according to the Storm Prediction Center.

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The National Weather Service has warned that severe thunderstorms could continue along the East Coast, bringing strong winds and heavy rain.

Mississippi Governor Tate Reeves confirmed late Saturday that six people had died in three counties, with three others still missing.

The state also reported downed trees, power outages, and significant structural damage caused by tornadoes, thunderstorms, and large hail.

At least 34 people have lost their lives as powerful tornadoes and dust storms tear through the central United States. New footage emerging from Tylertown, Mississippi, reveals the extent of the devastation. pic.twitter.com/XebCnc5ycJ

— OSINTWarfare (@OSINTWarfare) March 16, 2025

In Alabama, at least 29 people were injured as the storms moved through, damaging homes and making roads impassable.

Arkansas also suffered heavy damage, with three deaths confirmed.

Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders declared a state of emergency and spoke with President Donald Trump about the disaster.

“He said to tell the people of Arkansas he loves them and he and his administration are here to help with whatever we need following last night’s tornadoes,” Sanders said in a statement on X.

I’m en route to Northeast Arkansas and just got off the phone with President @realDonaldTrump. He said to tell the people of Arkansas he loves them and he and his administration are here to help with whatever we need following last night’s tornadoes.

Thank you, Mr. President!

— Sarah Huckabee Sanders (@SarahHuckabee) March 15, 2025

With the storm system shifting eastward, Georgia Governor Brian Kemp declared a state of emergency on Sunday morning.

The Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency issued a tornado watch for parts of southeast Georgia, warning of isolated tornadoes, hail, and wind gusts between 50 to 70 mph.

Kemp acknowledged the dangers still ahead and urged vigilance.

“We will continue to work closely with state and local officials to respond to damage and assess any needs following this weather event,” Kemp stated.

In addition to tornadoes and severe thunderstorms, dust storms triggered by the high winds caused multiple fatalities in the central U.S.

In Kansas, a massive highway pileup involving at least 50 vehicles left eight people dead, according to state authorities.

Three more people were killed in separate vehicle crashes during a dust storm in Amarillo, Texas.

Meanwhile, Oklahoma faced significant wildfire threats, with evacuations ordered in some communities.

More than 130 fires were reported across the state, and nearly 300 homes were either damaged or destroyed.

Governor Kevin Stitt stated that approximately 266 square miles had burned, including a home of his own on a ranch northeast of Oklahoma City.

After traveling the state today surveying damage, I ended by visiting my ranch where we lost everything to the fires. It’s a sad garden update today.

Oklahomans, we are in this together and we will build back stronger.#okwx pic.twitter.com/J12uvPmiSU

— Kevin Stitt (@KevinStitt) March 15, 2025

The Storm Prediction Center warned that significant tornadoes could continue late Saturday into early Sunday, with the highest risk zone stretching from eastern Louisiana and Mississippi through Alabama, western Georgia, and the Florida Panhandle.

Authorities continue to assess the damage, while search and rescue operations remain underway in the hardest-hit areas.

Officials are urging residents to stay alert as the storm system moves further east, bringing continued risks of severe weather.

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