Severe Weather and Wildfires Devastate the Midwest and South: How You Can Help

Between March 13 – 16, a powerful weather system tore through the Midwest, South-Central, and Southeast U.S., bringing high winds, wildfires, and a devastating tornado outbreak. Communities across 13 states, including Arkansas, Alabama, Kansas, Mississippi, Missouri, North Carolina, Oklahoma, and Texas, experienced widespread destruction.

Tornado Outbreak Leaves Widespread Damage

More than 90 confirmed tornadoes swept through the region, resulting in over 40 fatalities and countless homes and businesses damaged. Arkansas was hit particularly hard by two EF-4 tornadoes, with wind speeds reaching 170 MPH. Additionally, at least ten EF-3 tornadoes, more than two dozen EF-2, and 36 EF-1 twisters left severe to moderate destruction in their wake. As the storms moved east, thousands lost power, and today, approximately 15,900 outages remain.

Wildfires in Oklahoma Force Evacuations

In Oklahoma, wildfires erupted across 44 counties, destroying more than 400 homes and leading to over 200 injuries and at least four fatalities. Emergency declarations remain in place for Cleveland, Creek, Dewey, Grady, Lincoln, Logan, Oklahoma, Pawnee, Payne, Pottawatomie, Roger Mills, and Stephens counties. A Fire Management Assistance Declaration has been submitted to support relief efforts, and a fire weather warning remains active through 10 PM ET today.

Casualties and Emergency Declarations

• More than 40 deaths attributed to this extreme weather system.
• A State of Emergency declared in Alabama, Arkansas, Mississippi, Missouri, and Oklahoma.
• A Fire Management Assistance Declaration submitted for Oklahoma.

Infrastructure and Power Outages

Power restoration efforts continue across affected states. Here are the latest outage numbers:

• Alabama: 1,615 outages
• Arkansas: 3,537 outages
• Mississippi: 1,927 outages
• Missouri: 7,629 outages
• Oklahoma: 1,254 outages

Urgent Supply Needs for Impacted Communities

To support relief efforts, essential product donations are needed, including:

• Bottled Water
• Ready-to-Eat & Shelf-Stable Food
• Baby Care Products
• Cleaning Supplies
• Storage Totes