Tornadoes and extreme weather ravage parts of US, killing at least 17; Mississippi, Alabama on high alert

A series of violent tornadoes tore through parts of the US on Saturday, leaving at least 17 people dead and causing widespread destruction. The powerful storms moved east into the Mississippi Valley and Deep South, demolishing homes and injuring multiple residents.

Missouri hit hardest

Authorities confirmed that Missouri suffered the highest number of fatalities, with 11 people killed as twisters lashed the state overnight. Among the fatalities was a man whose home was completely destroyed by a tornado, underscoring the intensity of the storms.

Meanwhile, three people lost their lives in Texas due to dust storms caused by extreme winds. The Texas Department of Public Safety reported that one pileup near Amarillo involved approximately 38 vehicles, with near-zero visibility making conditions treacherous.

In Arkansas, five people were injured in Cave City, where a state of emergency was declared. The town's mayor warned that power outages could persist indefinitely due to decimated electricity infrastructure.

Wildfires and high winds compound disaster

The storm system also fueled over 130 wildfires in Oklahoma, prompting evacuations. Strong winds toppled multiple tractor-trailers along Interstate 40, with some drivers struggling to maintain control of their vehicles in the hazardous conditions.

Meteorologists warned that winds reaching 80 mph (130 kph) could impact areas from the Canadian border down to Texas, bringing blizzard conditions in the north and an increased fire risk in the south.

Heightened tornado risk

Forecasters warn that extreme weather conditions are expected to intensify, with the highest possible risk for severe storms predicted for Saturday night. The National Weather Service has classified the tornado risk in parts of Mississippi and Alabama as "high," with a 30% chance of tornadoes forming in the region.

The Storm Prediction Center (SPC) has issued a rare “high risk” designation for Saturday, indicating the likelihood of numerous significant tornadoes, some of which may be long-track and potentially violent.

Forecast and safety measures

With severe weather expected to continue, authorities are urging residents in high-risk areas to stay alert and follow emergency preparedness guidelines. The SPC’s latest forecast highlights the risk of intense tornadoes and hurricane-force winds across Mississippi and Alabama.

Residents are advised to seek shelter, monitor weather alerts, and prepare for possible evacuations as conditions develop.