The month of March traditionally marks the beginning of tornado season in the United States.
Multiple deadly tornadoes tore through the Midwest on Friday, killing at least 16 people.Why It Matters
The month of March traditionally marks the beginning of tornado season in the United States.
Tornadoes pose a severe risk to life and property, with their powerful winds capable of destroying homes, overturning vehicles, and uprooting trees. Flying debris is often the biggest threat, making sheltering in a sturdy, enclosed space crucial during a storm. Beyond immediate destruction, tornadoes can also leave communities without power, water, and essential services for days or even weeks.What To Know
A powerful storm system tore through the Midwest on Friday, leaving a trail of destruction in its path.
Some 23 tornadoes were reported overnight in Missouri, Arkansas, Illinois and Mississippi. The extreme weather destroyed buildings, compromised power supplies, and caused at least 100 wildfires in multiple states, and more than 300,000 households are without power in Midwestern and southern states, according to PowerOutage.us.
Nearly half a dozen tornadoes were reported in Missouri on Friday. Authorities in the state said ten storm-related fatalities were reported in the state across Ozark, Butler, Wayne and Jefferson counties.
Six deaths were reported at several campgrounds in Wayne County, according to its emergency manager, Waylon Freeze. Missouri Highway Patrol reported one fatality in Jefferson County.
