There were more than a dozen tornado deaths when a powerful storm system swept across the South and Midwest. The severe weather outbreak, which includes "violent" tornadoes, high winds, thunderstorms, and flash flooding, continues to pose significant threats as it moves eastward.

The massive storm system has already wreaked havoc across multiple states, from California to the East Coast. It has generated tornadoes, dumped heavy snow in the Sierra Nevada, caused hazardous road conditions in Texas, and led to deadly tornadoes in the South.

Missouri Reports Multiple Tornado Deaths

Missouri has been hit particularly hard, with the state’s highway patrol confirming ten deaths across four counties as of Saturday morning. In the Bakersfield area of southern Missouri, a suspected tornado caused two fatalities and several injuries. Images shared on social media show extensive damage to buildings and vehicles.

State officials reported widespread destruction, with trees and power lines downed and multiple structures damaged.

Multi-car Accident Due to Deadly Dust Storm in Texas 

In Texas, a dust storm led to tragic vehicle accidents in the Panhandle region on Friday, resulting in three fatalities. One major wreck involved a massive pileup of 38 vehicles, adding to the growing list of weather-related casualties.

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Tornado Outbreak Expected to Intensify

Forecasters warn that the worst may not be over. The National Weather Service has issued tornado watches for approximately 2 million people across Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, western Georgia, southern Tennessee, the Florida Panhandle, and southern Arkansas. A tornado "outbreak" is expected to unfold through Saturday night.

"The most dangerous tornado threat should begin across eastern Louisiana and Mississippi during the late morning to afternoon, spread across Alabama late today into the evening, and reach western parts of the Florida Panhandle and Georgia tonight," the National Weather Service cautioned.

Meteorologists in Birmingham emphasized the seriousness of the situation, noting that all necessary conditions for powerful tornadoes are present.

Tornado Deaths across Missouri

According to AccuWeather Meteorologist Mike Youman reporting early Saturday morning, there had been 23 preliminary reports of tornadoes across Missouri, northeastern Arkansas, and southern Illinois.

Missouri officials reported that a tornado is suspected to have torn through Bakersfield, near the Arkansas border. Meanwhile, the National Weather Service in St. Louis has dispatched teams to survey the damage but noted the extensive impact could delay assessments.

"There is NO way we will be able to survey all the suspected tornado damage today so please be patient," the weather service stated.

Officials Urge Residents to Stay Safe

In Gibson County, Indiana, high winds, thunderstorms, and a possible tornado have left widespread damage, toppling trees and power poles and damaging homes and businesses.

“We have extensive damage in Gibson County around the Oakland City area and the rural Francisco area,” Sheriff Bruce Vanoven said. “I implore you; I beg you, please do not come out and survey the storm damage. Give us time to do our jobs.”

As the storm system continues its path, officials urge residents in affected areas to remain vigilant and follow safety precautions.