Residents across the U.S. assessed the damage on Sunday after violent tornadoes, destructive winds, and blinding dust storms devastated homes, businesses, and entire communities, leaving at least 40 people dead.
Meteorologists warned that the threat isn’t over. Tornado watches remained in effect for parts of the Carolinas, eastern Georgia, and northern Florida on Sunday, with the potential for damaging winds and additional twisters.
“As we go through the day today, there is still potential for severe weather from the Upper Ohio Valley and western Pennsylvania down through the Mid-Atlantic and Southeast,” said National Weather Service (NWS) meteorologist Cody Snell. The cold front driving the storms is not expected to clear the East Coast until late Sunday night.
The powerful storm system, which has raged since Friday, was severe enough to receive a rare “high risk” designation from forecasters. While dramatic weather swings are not uncommon in March, experts said the scale of destruction was particularly alarming.
At least three people were killed in central Alabama, including an 82-year-old woman whose mobile home was completely destroyed by a twister, Dallas County Sheriff Michael L. Granthum confirmed.
In Troy, Alabama, more than 200 people sought refuge at a recreation center, which later suffered major damage from the storms. Fortunately, no injuries were reported.
“The Recreation Center has significant damage throughout the building,” the Troy Parks Department said in a statement. “We are thankful the Lord provided protection over our community and those who sheltered there.”
Missouri has been among the hardest-hit states, with at least 12 deaths confirmed after multiple tornadoes ripped through several counties.
In Wayne County, resident Dakota Henderson described the harrowing experience of searching for survivors amid the wreckage.
“We found five bodies scattered in the debris outside my aunt’s house,” Henderson said. “It was a very rough deal last night.”
Many homes were completely leveled, leaving little more than splintered wood and debris. Butler County Coroner Jim Akers described one home as “unrecognizable”, saying the floor had been flipped upside down and rescuers were “walking on walls.”
In Mississippi, Governor Tate Reeves confirmed six deaths across three counties, with three more people reported missing.
One of the fatalities occurred in Covington County, where Seminary resident Traci Ladner witnessed a tornado tearing through homes, trees, and power lines while driving home from a restaurant.
In Arkansas, at least three people were killed, with search and rescue efforts still underway.
The full scope of damage is still being assessed as emergency crews continue recovery efforts across the Southeast and Midwest. Authorities are urging residents to remain vigilant as the storm system continues to move east, bringing the potential for more severe weather.
