A powerful storm system roared across the Midwest and South Friday night, unleashing a series of tornadoes that carved paths of destruction and left at least three dead in Missouri.
The outbreak of tornadoes raked through towns under the cover of darkness — the most dangerous and deadly time for a tornado outbreak.
The magnitude of the damage was unclear in the early-morning hours Saturday as forecasters at the National Weather Service furiously issued tornado warnings and the radar lit up with severe thunderstorms from Wisconsin to Mississippi.
It’s part of a major, cross-country low pressure system that has killed at least six people so far and pounded the central US with hurricane-force gusts, creating a blinding dust storm and fanning wildfire flames.
As meteorologists from the weather service assess the damage Saturday, the storm will gather new strength and take aim at the Southeast, with the highest possible risk of deadly tornadoes and severe thunderstorms Saturday night.
Here are the latest updates:
- Missouri deaths: In southern Missouri, the tornado outbreak late Friday left three dead and several injured. Two fatalities were reported in the Bakersfield area of Ozark County, where emergency crews are working to assess damage and assist those affected, according to the Missouri State Highway Patrol. In Butler County, a tornado struck Poplar Bluff, killing one person and injuring several others, Butler County Emergency Management Director Robbie Myers told CNN. The tornado caused significant damage to a supermarket, kindergarten and other structures, according to Myers. Emergency crews are clearing debris, and the Black River Coliseum has been opened as a shelter for displaced residents, according to the county’s EMA. The Red Cross announced plans to assist with relief efforts on Saturday.
- Exceptional tornado threat Saturday: Forecasters are warning the tornado threat will escalate after Friday’s outbreak spawned at least 22 reported tornadoes across the central US and South. Violent EF4 or stronger tornadoes capable of traveling long distances are possible across the Deep South.
- More than 130 fires in Oklahoma: Fast-spreading fires started popping up in Oklahoma and the Texas Panhandle Friday afternoon, fueled by strong winds amid bone-dry conditions. Evacuation orders were still in effect in parts of Oklahoma as of Friday night, as the state battled
