A destructive storm system that caused tornadoes, dust storms, and wildfires across the central and southern US has resulted in at least 39 deaths. The system, which initially caused widespread destruction and displacement over the weekend, moved into the southeastern and mid-Atlantic regions on Monday, bringing continued risks of tornadoes and severe weather conditions.

Forecasters have issued warnings for hazardous winds extending from Florida to New Jersey, with heavy rain threatening areas across New York and New England. The National Weather Service issued a tornado watch for parts of North Carolina and Virginia, warning residents of potential wind gusts reaching up to 70mph and hailstones the size of ping pong balls.

Entire neighborhoods in Tylertown, Mississippi, were reduced to ruins after tornadoes destroyed homes and snapped trees. Governor Tate Reeves confirmed six deaths and over 200 displaced residents. Wind-driven wildfires ravaged parts of Texas and Oklahoma, causing two deaths and leaving nearly 400 homes damaged or destroyed.

In Kansas, a lack of visibility led to a massive multi-vehicle pileup, resulting in eight deaths. Three people were also killed in Texas due to dust storm-related vehicle crashes. The storm is considered a rare “high-risk” event and unfolded over a widespread area, causing staggering losses in several states. Communities are now grappling with the aftermath, with emergency services and volunteers providing assistance.

Source: https://www.aljazeera.com/gallery/2025/3/17/storms-weave-a-trail-of-destruction-across-the-us?traffic_source=rss