Tornadoes Rip Through Central U.S., Killing at Least 33
At least 33 people have died and dozens more were injured as tornadoes and severe storms tore through the central United States on March 15.
Local news footage showed homes ripped apart, roofs torn off, and large trucks overturned along highways. Authorities in Kansas confirmed eight fatalities after a massive dust storm triggered a multi-vehicle crash involving more than 50 cars, severely limiting visibility.
In Missouri, 12 storm-related deaths were reported, with Missouri State Highway Patrol sharing images of boats piled on top of each other at a marina. Officials said tornadoes, severe thunderstorms, and large hail also toppled trees, downed power lines, and damaged buildings across the region.
"This was the most terrifying thing I’ve ever experienced. It happened so fast, and it felt like our ears were about to explode," said Alicia Wilson, who was forced to evacuate her home in Missouri.
Further south in Mississippi, six people died, and three remain missing as of late March 15, according to the state’s governor.
In Texas, officials confirmed four fatalities due to storm-related car crashes and fires caused by reduced visibility from dust storms.
In Arkansas, three people died, and 29 others were injured after tornadoes swept through the state. Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders declared a state of emergency, stating that she had spoken with President Donald Trump about the situation.
"The President asked me to tell the people of Arkansas that he loves them and that he and his administration are ready to help with anything we need after last night’s tornadoes," she wrote on X (formerly Twitter).
According to PowerOutage, a website tracking electrical grid disruptions, at least 200,000 homes and businesses across the central U.S. lost power by the evening of March 15.
More Tornadoes Expected
The National Weather Service (NWS) warned of additional tornado outbreaks across Gulf Coast states, including Mississippi and Tennessee.
"Several strong tornadoes, some long-track and potentially intense, are still likely to form," the NWS said in a statement.
A Tornado-Prone Region
The central and southern U.S., particularly Texas, Oklahoma, and Kansas, are part of "Tornado Alley", an area frequently hit by violent storms due to its unique geographic and meteorological conditions.
These storms typically form when warm, moist air from the Gulf of Mexico collides with cold, dry air from the Rocky Mountains, creating massive, unstable thunderstorms. The peak tornado season in the U.S. is from May to June, though they can strike year-round.
According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), tornado-related incidents have already caused 54 fatalities across the U.S. in 2024.
(Source: AFP)
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