At Least 28 Dead as Severe Weather Ravages Central United States

New York, The Gulf Observer: At least 28 people have lost their lives as extreme weather wreaked havoc across the central United States, leaving widespread devastation in its wake. The severe weather conditions, including tornadoes, high winds, and wildfires, have resulted in numerous fatalities, demolished homes, and hazardous travel conditions, according to the media reports.

In Missouri, Governor reported that at least 12 people perished on Saturday after over a dozen tornadoes struck the state. Arkansas authorities confirmed three fatalities and 29 injuries following a violent storm.

Kansas was also severely impacted, with eight people killed as high winds and a dust storm on Friday reduced visibility, causing a massive vehicular pileup, the Kansas Highway Patrol stated in a Saturday news release. Meanwhile, Oklahoma Governor [Name] reported one fatality due to a car accident amid heavy wildfire smoke. In the Texas Panhandle, four individuals lost their lives in vehicle crashes triggered by strong winds and dust storms, state officials confirmed.

Texas Department of Public Safety Sergeant Cindy Barkley described the situation as unprecedented: “We’ve had significant wind storms in the past, but nothing of this severity. It was horrible.” She noted that visibility was so poor at crash sites that it was difficult to see beyond the hood of her vehicle.

The tornado outbreak is anticipated to persist into Saturday night, posing the highest risk to several Deep South states. Since early Friday, 49 tornadoes have been reported across central and southern U.S., with multiple active tornadoes in eastern Mississippi and southern Tennessee. Footage from Walthall County, Mississippi, revealed extensive destruction, with homes leveled and large swaths of trees uprooted.

The U.S. National Weather Service (NWS) issued a rare high-risk alert (Level 5 out of 5) for severe thunderstorms covering Mississippi and Alabama on Saturday. This advisory later transitioned to a moderate-risk level (Level 4 out of 5), affecting Alabama, western Georgia, and the Florida Panhandle through early Sunday.

The extreme weather also ignited wildfires across Oklahoma and Texas on Friday, exacerbated by dry conditions and powerful winds. In Oklahoma alone, blazes engulfed 170,000 acres, destroying nearly 300 structures, Governor Kevin Stitt confirmed.

Meteorologists attribute the ongoing weather crisis to a low-pressure system moving through the Deep South, which is pulling in warm, humid air from the Gulf of Mexico. This combination is fueling the formation of powerful thunderstorms capable of producing tornadoes.

A moderate risk (Level 4 out of 5) remains in place for severe thunderstorms and tornadoes, affecting approximately 5.2 million residents in Gulfport, Mississippi; Montgomery and Mobile, Alabama; and Columbus, Georgia. Authorities have strongly urged residents in high-risk areas to seek shelter immediately and evacuate mobile homes preemptively to avoid last-minute dangers.

As the system progresses into Sunday morning, the highest tornado threats are expected in eastern Alabama, eastern Tennessee, western Georgia, and the Florida Panhandle. The NWS warned that some tornadoes in Tennessee could be particularly intense, with damaging winds reaching up to 75 mph and the potential for large hail.

The storm system will then shift eastward on Sunday, impacting Georgia, the Carolinas, and the Mid-Atlantic, including Washington, D.C. While tornadoes are not expected to be as widespread, isolated twisters remain a possibility.

Weather models indicate conditions conducive to tornado formation, particularly in Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and Tennessee. Forecasters remain uncertain about storm intensity, with two key variables at play. If the storm system consolidates, tornado activity may be limited. However, if discrete supercells form, the tornado threat could increase significantly.

Officials across affected states have issued urgent warnings. Georgia Governor Brian Kemp urged residents via social media to “Prepare now.” In Alabama, Governor Kay Ivey declared a state of emergency, leading to closures of government offices and cancellations of public school events. The Alabama National Guard has been activated to assist with emergency response efforts.

Additionally, the Mississippi chapter of the American Red Cross encouraged residents to prepare emergency kits, secure outdoor belongings, and identify safe shelter locations. Mississippi Governor Tate Reeves confirmed that the state’s emergency operations center will remain active throughout the weekend.

Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely, warning that the evolving storm system could bring further destruction in the coming days.