ST. LOUIS — A severe storm system wreaked havoc across the Midwest and South over the weekend, resulting in multiple tornadoes, severe wind damage, and tragically, at least 42 fatalities. The National Weather Service (NWS) is currently conducting surveys to assess the extent of the destruction as cleanup efforts begin.
On Friday, March 14, and Saturday, March 15, the storm generated numerous tornadoes, high winds, and wildfires, impacting several states, including Missouri. Preliminary reports indicate at least 46 tornadoes touched down on Friday alone and 41 on Saturday. Most of the affected areas still grapple with the aftermath, including mass outages and structural damage.
Among the hardest-hit locations was Rolla, Missouri, where the storm created tornadoes rated EF-2 and EF-3, leading to devastating property destruction. The Bridgeton tornado was classified as EF-2 by the NWS, indicating significant wind speeds and damage. Rolla itself experienced peak winds of 120 mph, with the tornado’s path measuring 8.5 miles long.
The storm's impact extended significantly: Franklin County reported damage from three to four tornadoes, and major destruction was recorded at Purina Farms. Jefferson County’s Morse Mill experienced severe loss with multiple structures destroyed. Many residents were left without power as utility crews continued to work on restoration efforts.
Over two hours south of St. Louis, Des Arc, Missouri, reported another tornado rated EF-3, with six fatalities and four injuries confirmed. This event underscored the ferocity of the tornadoes researchers are still evaluating across the state. Among the many tragic stories arising from the storm was the experience of Aaleigha Contreras, 9, who urged her family to evacuate their home just moments before catastrophe struck.
Aaleigha's mother, Kelsey Webb, shared with CBS News correspondent Jason Allen the moment they decided to leave: “I was like, 'We've stayed here through several tornadoes; it'll be fine,' and then she's like, 'No, Mom, we need to leave.'” Fortunately, they escaped just before the tornado hit.
Meanwhile, Tylertown, Mississippi, faced two tornadoes on Saturday, March 15, resulting in the deaths of six residents and displacing over 200 others. The scene was chaotic as trees were ripped apart and homes decimated. The storm not only shredded neighborhoods but also left survivors like Hailey Hart and fiancé Steve Romero with harrowing memories of sheltering within their vehicle as their home fell apart around them. Romero recalled, “It was a bad dream come true,” showcasing the terrifying realities many faced.
The devastation was not confined solely to tornadoes. Highway tragedies escalated as dust storms—intensified by the high winds—caused catastrophic accidents. A massive pileup involving at least 50 vehicles on Kansas highways resulted in eight fatalities, and three more lives were lost during another dust storm incident in Texas.
Wind-driven wildfires exacerbated the problems across Oklahoma, with over 130 fires reported on just one day of the deadly storm. Additional destruction was noted with more than 400 homes affected, leaving emergency services scrambling to respond amid treacherous conditions. Oklahoma's fire chief, Terry Essary, expressed the futility of battling fires under such high winds, saying, “Nobody has enough resources to fight fires when the wind is blowing 70 mph.”
President Trump acknowledged the situation, offering federal assistance as National Guard troops were deployed to Arkansas, where three fatalities were confirmed. The humanitarian efforts are ramping up to support relief efforts for those affected by these catastrophic storms.
Notably, as meteorologists assessed this unique weather event, they noted the high number of tornadoes and the extensive footprint of the storm. NWS Warning Coordination Meteorologist Kevin Deitsch remarked, “When we’re looking for tornadic damage, the degree of damage is something we really pay attention to.” These assessments will continue as reports of deaths, injuries, and missing persons remain high.
Following the storm, counties throughout Missouri continue to carry out damage assessments. Many towns saw homes, schools, and businesses destroyed or severely damaged, making the need for assistance more urgent than ever. At least 12 lives have been claimed due to the storms, with one person still unaccounted for.
The passage of this storm system signals another wave of weather—this time bringing potential winter conditions to states like Kansas, Nebraska, and Michigan, alongside continued fire threats across southern regions. The dual nature of the weather phenomena prompts significant concern and discussion among residents and officials alike.
Despite the widespread devastation, communities are coming together to rebuild from the tragic losses, emphasizing resilience amid recovery. The situations faced by survivors, where quick thinking and timely evacuations made lasting differences, frame the narrative moving forward.
