Extreme weather, powerful winds predicted for 100 million Americans
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A large storm system is set to affect areas from Canada to Texas, with tornadoes, wildfires, and blizzards expected.
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A wildfire burns a home down on Friday, March 14, 2025, south of Langston, Oklahoma. (AP)
The National Weather Service warned against extreme weather across a portion of the US, affecting over 100 million people, with winds gusting up to 80 mph (130 km/h) from the Canadian border to Texas.
A large storm system crossing the country on Friday caused semi trucks to overturn and fueled wildfires in Texas and Oklahoma, leading to evacuations in some areas. Tornado threats persisted into Saturday across the Mississippi Valley and the deep South.
In Leedey, Oklahoma, a wildfire fueled by dry grass and strong winds prompted emergency officials to urge the evacuation of the 400-person town. Oklahoma State Patrol reported that strong winds knocked over several tractor-trailers.
"This is terrible out here," said truck driver Charles Daniel, describing the dangerous conditions. "There’s a lot of sand and dirt in the air. I’m not pushing it over 55 mph. I’m scared it will blow over if I do."
Forecasters warned that severe storm threats would continue, with a high likelihood of tornadoes and damaging winds in Mississippi and Alabama on Saturday, as well as heavy rain and potential flash flooding on the East Coast Sunday. Experts noted that while such extreme weather in March isn't uncommon, its size and intensity were unusual.
The Storm Prediction Center anticipated tornadoes and hail as large as baseballs on Friday, with straight-line winds reaching hurricane force in some areas.
Tornado watches were issued in parts of Missouri, Illinois, Arkansas, and surrounding regions, with 47 million people at risk for severe storms.
Saturday's storm threat is expected to escalate, particularly in Mississippi, Alabama, and parts of Louisiana, Tennessee, and Georgia, with tornadoes and damaging winds likely.
Wildfires also intensified in the southern plains, fueled by warm, dry weather and strong winds. A blaze in Texas expanded rapidly from less than a square mile to approximately 12.5 square miles.
Oklahoma also faced fast-moving fires, prompting evacuations. High winds knocked out power to over 210,000 homes in Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, and Missouri.
Blizzard warnings were issued for parts of western Minnesota and eastern South Dakota, with snow accumulation expected between 3-6 inches and winds gusting up to 60 mph (96 kph), creating hazardous travel conditions. The storm follows heavy snowfalls earlier in the week in the Sierra Nevada.
