Weather
Mid-March 2025 Storm Complex: Fatality Toll Rises to 17 as Tornadoes Devastate the Midwest and South
As the aftermath of a violent storm system unfolds, authorities have confirmed 17 fatalities across multiple states due to a destructive tornado outbreak that tore through Missouri, Arkansas, and Texas.
Fatality Breakdown by State
- Missouri – 10 fatalities
- 6 in Wayne County
- 2 in Ozark County
- 1 in Butler County
- 1 in Jefferson County
- Texas – 4 fatalities
- 2 in Gray County
- 2 in Palmer County
- Arkansas – 3 fatalities
- 3 in Independence County
This marks the deadliest tornado event in Missouri since the catastrophic 2011 Joplin tornado that claimed 161 lives.
The widespread severe weather outbreak began Friday evening, unleashing numerous tornadoes across multiple states, causing significant damage and injuries.
Missouri bore the brunt of the devastation, with the Missouri State Highway Patrol confirming the highest casualty count in Wayne County, followed by other affected regions including Ozark, Butler, and Jefferson counties.
In Arkansas, the Arkansas Division of Emergency Management reported three fatalities in Independence County and 29 injuries across eight counties as the storm swept through.
Villa Ridge, Missouri, located outside St. Louis, witnessed a violent tornado that was caught on camera.
The storm’s powerful winds triggered numerous power flashes, overturned semi-trucks, and caused structural damage.
Other Missouri communities, such as Rolla, Hartville, and areas near St. Louis, also reported confirmed tornado touchdowns.
In Cave City, Arkansas, at least five people sustained injuries when a tornado tore through the area.
Mayor Jonas Anderson, who declared a state of emergency, expressed gratitude that no fatalities were reported, calling it “an absolute miracle.”
In Gibson County, Indiana, a powerful tornado struck Oakland City and the rural Francisco area, leaving a path of destruction.
Sheriff Bruce Vanoven urged residents to stay away from damaged areas, emphasizing the danger posed by downed power lines and debris.
A dramatic video from Rolla, Missouri, captured two men encountering a tornado while at a gas station. As violent winds and debris battered their truck, they narrowly escaped unharmed.
FindEnergy.com reported that the storm system left nearly 250,000 customers without power, spanning from the Midwest to the lower Mississippi River Valley.
In response to the outages, emergency management agencies have opened shelters and charging stations to assist affected residents.
The Severe Storm Prediction Center (SPC) issued over 150 tornado warnings as the system tracked eastward.
A “Particularly Dangerous Situation” (PDS) Tornado Watch was declared for multiple states, signaling the likelihood of multiple violent tornadoes.
Meteorologists warn that Saturday could be even more dangerous, as the powerful storm system moves into the Gulf Coast and Deep South, placing 3.3 million people at risk in cities such as Birmingham, Jackson, Tuscaloosa, and Hattiesburg.
“This will be a very scary situation for many,” warned NWS Birmingham meteorologists, emphasizing that the storm’s intensity is unlikely to weaken.
Residents in the storm’s path are urged to stay weather-aware, have a safety plan, and heed all emergency warnings.
Authorities continue to assess damage, conduct search and rescue operations, and monitor the evolving situation.
Further updates will be provided as new information becomes available.
NEW JERSEY – Torrential rainfall has triggered widespread flash flooding across northern New Jersey, leaving roadways submerged, traffic paralyzed, and numerous motorists stranded.
In response to the rapidly deteriorating conditions, Governor Phil Murphy declared a State of Emergency Monday evening at 7:33 p.m., urging residents to stay indoors and avoid unnecessary travel.
“Please stay indoors and avoid unnecessary travel. Stay safe, New Jersey,” Murphy wrote in a statement released on social media.
The flash flooding has severely impacted several major roadways, including:
- Route 22: Entire sections of the highway were completely underwater, with numerous vehicles stalled in rising floodwaters. Emergency responders are on scene assisting trapped motorists.
- New Jersey Turnpike: Near Newark, both northbound and southbound lanes experienced heavy flooding, resulting in lane closures and significant traffic delays. Some areas of the Turnpike are reported to be completely impassable as water levels continue to rise.
Residents described scenes of devastation, with roads transformed into rivers and entire neighborhoods inundated. Video footage from affected areas shows cars partially submerged, and water rushing through intersections and parking lots.
Officials have issued a strong warning: “Turn Around, Don’t Drown.” Flash flooding remains an active threat as more rain is forecast throughout the evening and into Tuesday.
Emergency management teams across the state are working to coordinate response efforts, deploy high-water rescue vehicles, and mitigate further flooding.
Despite the swift response, public reaction has been mixed, with some residents criticizing the timing and preparedness of local and state agencies.
One social media user remarked, “Don’t bother calling FEMA, nobody will answer,” reflecting growing frustration over emergency response delays.
The duration of the State of Emergency remains unclear, but officials stress that residents should continue to monitor official alerts, follow emergency guidance, and contact 2-1-1 for shelter assistance if displaced.
If you are experiencing a flood-related emergency, contact local authorities immediately.
This is a developing situation. More updates will follow as the weather event continues to unfold.