16 dead after extreme winds, monster dust storms and wildfires tear across Texas, Oklahoma and Kansas
At least 16 deaths and dozens of Injuries have been reported as powerful winds tore through the Southern Plains on Friday and Saturday, sparking wildfires, dust storms and power outages.
A severe dust storm with wind gusts approaching 100 mph caused a massive pileup on I-27 near Canyon, Texas, on March 14. Several people were hurt, but the extent of injuries is unknown.
Key takeaways
A total of sixteen people were killed Friday in Texas, Oklahoma and Kansas during extreme winds and wildfires on Friday and Saturday.
Four people were killed in Oklahoma in relation to the fires and high winds, the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner confirmed.
Three people were killed in car crashes Friday during a dust storm in Amarillo County, Texas and a third died in relation to wildfire smoke, authorities said.
At least 8 people were killed in a massive pileup on I-70 in Kansas on Saturday morning.
Powerful winds tore through New Mexico, Texas, Oklahoma, and Kansas on Friday and Saturday with gusts approaching 100 mph in some places. Multiple fires broke out amid the dry and blustery weather, with winds causing small blazes to grow and spread rapidly.
The danger isn't over, a red flag warning is in effect for much of the state from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Monday due to gusty winds, low humidity, and dry vegetation.
This herd of deer was spotted escaping from a wildfire near Selman, Oklahoma, on March 14. Up to 130 wildfires have been reported in 44 counties in the state according to local media.
Wildfires, smoke, dust kill 7 in Texas, Oklahoma
A total of eight people were killed in Texas and Oklahoma during Friday's extreme winds and wildfire outbreak. Half of those fatalities happened in Oklahoma where officials have confirmed four people died in relation to the fire and high winds. More than 140 injured, the state's medical examiner said on Sunday.
More than 400 homes and structures have been destroyed and at least 170,000 acres burned in the state in the wake of the wind-whipped wildfires, prompting evacuations amid extreme fire weather conditions through the weekend.
Multiple pileups occured across the region amid the wind and dust, including one on Interstate 27 south of Canyon, Texas, which involved dozens of vehicles.
In Texas, three people were killed in car crashes during a dust storm in Amarillo County, according to Sgt. Cindy Barkley of the state’s department of public safety. One pileup involved an estimated 38 cars. A dramatic video from Amarillo showed heavy wind flipping several 18-wheelers like they weighed nothing. "There goes another one," storm chaser Blake Brown can be heard saying as the wind flips over another big rig.
“It’s the worst I’ve ever seen,” Sgt. Cindy Barkley of the Texas Department of Public Safety told the The Associated Press as she described the near-zero visibility. “We couldn’t tell that they were all together until the dust kind of settled.”
In Oklahoma, at least 6 people were injured following a pair of accidents on Interstate 35 during heavy blowing dust, according to Oklahoma Highway Patrol. Officers are telling motorists to avoid all travel until conditions improve unless absolutely necessary.
“This is terrible out here,” truck driver Charles Daniel told the AP. “There’s a lot of sand and dirt in the air. I’m not pushing it over 55 mph. I’m scared it will blow over if I do.”
(Photo credit: Newkirk Fire Department/EMS)
(Photo credit: Newkirk Fire Department/EMS)
Authorities across the region urged people not to go outside or travel in the wind and dust due to the dangerous conditions.
"We are strongly discouraging travel on interstate or highways. Wind gusts have been recorded at over 80 mph in Amarillo area. Zero visibility in some areas," The Amarillo Police Dept. posted on X. "Please stay home if possible. If you have to get out, allow extra time to get to your destination. Stay safe Amarillo."
“I’ve never seen such a large area of 70-mph wind gusts,” AccuWeather Chief On-Air Meteorologist Bernie Rayno said.
An 84-mph gust was measured at 12:01 p.m. CDT in Friona, which is about 70 miles southwest of Amarillo. An 82-mph gust was recorded in nearby Dimmitt at 11:54 a.m. CDT accompanied by the dust storm, which closed Highway 194. Gusts to 95 mph hit San Agustin Pass, New Mexico, earlier in the day.
Wildfires break out amid hurricane-force wind gusts
More than 130 fires were reported across Oklahoma, forcing evacuations in several communities in areas near the fires, including a senior living center in Mannford, located about 80 miles northeast of Oklahoma City.
"This is about as an extreme event as there can be," AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Joe Lundberg said.
Multiple homes burned to the ground in Mannford, Oklahoma, as storm chaser Mike Scantlin reported live on the AccuWeather Network.
Fire warnings were issued early Friday afternoon in parts of the Texas Panhandle and across Oklahoma as wildfires flared up while winds howled across the region.
Weather satellites detected dozens of fires that erupted across Oklahoma by Friday afternoon. Strong winds and reduced visibility are making it extremely difficult for crews to battle to contain the rapidly growing fires.
Fires (black dots) break out throughout March 14, 2025 in Oklahoma and the Texas Panhandle. (NOAA/COD)
Across much of the central U.S. on March 14, extreme winds led to destructive wildfires, sun-blocking dust storms, massive pileups and worse.
At least 8 killed in major 71-vehicle crash in Kansas on Saturday
On Saturday, at least 8 people were killed in a massive pileup on I-70 in Kansas, the Kansas Highway Patrol (KHP) reported in a social media post.
Troopers say at least 71 vehicles were involved in the massive crash that killed 8 people. (Photo credit: Kansas Highway Patrol)
The crash happened at 9:46 a.m. on March 15. Troopers say a total of 71 vehicles were involved and blame a combination of powerful wind gusts and blowing dust that whipped up a severe dust storm and created near zero visibility conditions in the area.
The crash forced the closure of both eastbound and westbound I-70 from Goodland to Colby. The interstate was reopened by Sunday.
“My thoughts are with those affected by this tragic event,” said Governor Laura Kelly. “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.”
Goodland Fire Chief Brian James reported the following on social media:
“I must say yesterday was the toughest and most emotional draining experience in my 22 years of being in the fire service. Trying to manage multiple agencies, over thirty patients, triaging patients, working over 55 vehicles, fighting the wind with dirt so bad you can’t see over 50 to 100 feet, and trying to keep my crews and myself safe was just something to process. I don’t think people realize the dedication these men and women give to make this community safe and secure. We had to think outside the box to get patients transported to hospitals in Goodland and Colby by using our fire department support vehicle with AEMT’s in the back to using patrol vehicles from Goodland Police Department, Sherman County Sheriff’s Office and Kansas Highway Patrol. I’m sorry for the lives lost in this incident, but I’m grateful for the ones we could save."
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