Destruction from a severe storm in Wayne County, Mo. on March 15, 2025. Photo:

AP Photo/Jeff Roberson

A violent and severe storm outbreak in the United States has now killed at least 36 people in the South and Midwest, according to updated death tolls from officials.

The National Weather Service (NWS) first issued severe tornado warnings in areas stretching from Wisconsin to Missouri on Friday, March 14 — with at least 14 deaths reported the following day.

In the days since, per multiple local agencies and reports, at least 36 people have died, with additional people missing, following what officials are calling severe tornadoes, dust storms and instances of “near zero visibility” on some roads.

The updated numbers, as reported by ABC News, include at least 12 deaths in Missouri, six in Mississippi, four in Texas, two in Alabama, eight in Kansas, three in Arkansas and one in Oklahoma.

As USA Today reported, the Storm Prediction Center logged 56 preliminary tornado reports in seven states since March 14, over 20 of which were reported in Mississippi.

Tornado watches remain in effect in areas of southern North Carolina, central and eastern South Carolina until 2 p.m. local time on Sunday, March 16, as well as north Florida and southeast Georgia until 3 p.m. Tornado watches are also in effect for eastern Ohio, western Pennsylvania and West Virginia until 4 p.m.

Tim Scott and Jorden Harris hug each other after Scott’s home was destroyed. AP Photo/Jeff Roberson

In a March 15 update on X, the Missouri State Highway Patrol announced that 12 total deaths had been reported statewide — three in Ozark County, six in Wayne County and one each in Butler County, Jefferson County and St. Louis County.

Dakota Henderson of Wayne County said while rescuing those trapped in their homes on March 14, he and others found five bodies in the debris of what was left of his aunt’s home.

“It was a very rough deal last night,” Henderson said, according to CBS News. “It’s really disturbing for what happened to the people, the casualties last night.”

Coroner Jim Akers of Butler County added, per the outlet, that rescuers were met with what he described as a “debris field.”

“The floor was upside down,” he said. “We were walking on walls.”

Stock image of a tornado in Oklahoma in 2007. Getty

Elsewhere in the country, the Kansas Highway Patrol confirmed eight deaths on March 15, after it was revealed that a multi-vehicle collision on a Sherman County highway involved 50 vehicles.

The crashes followed a “severe dust storm” that was caused as a result of “high winds” that moved from Colorado to Northwest Kansas.

“My thoughts are with those affected by this tragic event,” Governor Laura Kelly said in a statement. “I encourage all motorists to remain vigilant as the potential for further weather events continue today. Thank you to the first responders and emergency personnel who responded quickly and continue work to investigate and clear this crash.”

Other state governors shared messages of support for locals amid the storms this weekend, including Mississippi’s Tate Reeves, who revealed in an announcement on X that six state residents had died and two were missing — one from Covington County and another of Walthall County.

Reeves wrote that there were 29 statewide injuries reported, as 21 counties throughout the state sustained storm damage, following what he referred to as “severe storms, tornadoes and an earthquake.”

As for Alabama, Governor Kay Ivery shared a statement on March 16, announcing two total statewide deaths, one in each Plantersville and Winterboro — following damage in 52 of the state’s 67 counties.

“The sun has risen in Alabama, though,” Ivey wrote. “We pray for those lives we lost, as well as those who were injured. And we pray for our first responders, emergency management officials and linemen who are doing incredible work on the ground right now.”

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Residents of states that have been impacted by this weekend’s storms have posted photos online showing their homes destroyed by the tornadoes, with roofs fallen completely off, walls caved in and debris on lawns.

The NWS continued to issue warnings and guidance throughout the weekend, writing on Facebook on March 15 that many areas in the South will also be dealing with “deadly” widespread flash flooding as a result. Those who encounter flooding, the organization said, are encouraged to “turn around, don’t drown.”

“Today and tonight’s storms have not only brought severe weather and tornadoes to the deep south and southeast, but also massive amounts of rain that have led to flooding,” the NWS added. “It’s hard enough to recognize whether a flooded road is too deep to drive through during the day. At night, it’s impossible.”

“If your area is experiencing flooding, it’s best to stay put, but if you must be on the road, drive cautiously and NEVER drive through floodwaters,” they continued.