As severe weather continues to wreak havoc across the United States, the central region faced a devastating storm system this past weekend, resulting in at least two fatalities and leaving over 100,000 residents without power. The storms, which extended from Lower Michigan to eastern Texas and northern Louisiana, unleashed damaging winds, large hail, and tornadoes, marking March 30, 2025, as one of the most active days for severe weather this year.
According to FOX Weather, more than 70 Tornado Warnings were issued on Sunday, with nearly 400 storm-related incidents reported. This surge in severe weather activity made it the second-most active day of the year, trailing only March 14, when there were over 600 reports. As the storms moved through the region, meteorologists warned that the threat was far from over.
"The FOX Forecast Center continues to track a strong storm system that will bring the threat of severe weather across a large portion of the eastern U.S. on Monday, March 31, 2025, stretching from New York southward to the Gulf Coast," said the forecast team. The severe storm threat was categorized at a level 3 out of 5, with damaging winds and a few tornadoes being the primary concerns, especially in the southern half of the region.
As of Monday morning, residents were bracing for additional thunderstorms, and many were still without power from the previous day's storms. The situation was dire, with emergency services working tirelessly to restore electricity to affected areas.
Meanwhile, in the upper Great Lakes region, freezing rain caused significant disruptions, bringing down trees and power lines, which resulted in power outages for thousands. Over 400,000 outages were reported across Michigan, Indiana, and Wisconsin, as winds topped 70 mph (112 kph) in Tennessee, raising concerns about potential tornadoes and large hail.
Ryan Brege, managing director of the Alpena County, Michigan, Road Commission, noted the unusual weather for this time of year: "Despite the calendar showing spring, it’s still winter." In Alpena, nearly all of the 16,750 customers were left without power, forcing churches and schools to serve as warming centers while utilities worked to restore service.
Jesika Fox, a resident of Alpena, shared her experience of the storm: "We just passed a veterinary clinic. The entire front corner of the building was taken out by a tree." Her family lost power Saturday night but managed to keep warm by using a fan to circulate heat from a gas-burning stove.
In Presque Isle County, emergency services manager Sarah Melching reported that the entire county, home to approximately 13,200 people, was without power. "There are trees still falling down. It’s kind of ruthless out there," she said, highlighting the dangerous conditions facing residents.
In South Carolina, authorities reported progress in controlling wildfires in the Blue Ridge mountains, where mandatory evacuations were ordered for some residents of Greenville County. The Table Rock and Persimmon Ridge fires have burned approximately 17 square miles (44 square kilometers), prompting emergency measures to protect residents and property.
As the weather continues to unfold, residents across affected areas are urged to stay vigilant and prepared. With the potential for further severe weather, officials recommend having a safe place identified and ready for use in case of emergencies.
In addition to the severe storms and wildfires, the recent earthquake in Burma has drawn attention. A powerful 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck near Mandalay, Burma’s second-largest city, on March 28, 2025, killing thousands and impacting tens of millions across Southeast Asia. Satellite imagery has revealed extensive destruction, with homes destroyed and bridges collapsed, further complicating rescue efforts in the region.
As communities across the U.S. and abroad grapple with the aftermath of these severe weather events, the importance of preparedness and community support has never been clearer. The ongoing weather threats serve as a stark reminder of nature's unpredictability and the need for resilience in the face of adversity.
As we move into April, the weather patterns are expected to remain volatile. The FOX Weather team continues to monitor conditions closely, providing updates and safety information to help residents navigate the challenges ahead. For those affected by the storms, support and resources are available to assist in recovery efforts.
The situation remains fluid, and as more updates come in, residents are encouraged to stay informed through local news sources and weather reports. The combination of severe weather, power outages, and natural disasters highlights the need for preparedness and community solidarity in times of crisis.
