At least two people have died after a powerful tornado struck northern Texas on Saturday night, as extreme weather continues to threaten millions across the southern and midwestern United States. The storm hit Wise County around 10pm, causing significant damage across multiple neighbourhoods. In addition to the confirmed deaths, six people were treated for storm-related injuries.
“Access has been difficult due to blocked roadways and downed utilities, but crews have continued pushing forward to reach those in need,” said Wise County Judge JD Clark. Initial reports indicate that at least 20 families have been displaced and many homes sustained major damage. The National Weather Service has warned that severe weather is likely to continue, with flash flooding possible in the coming days.
The recent storms have battered the central US, with more than 30 tornadoes and over 230 reports of hail. On Thursday night, a massive tornado struck northern Oklahoma, injuring at least 10 people and damaging approximately 40 homes. No fatalities were confirmed there. Meteorologists warn that further severe weather is expected from Oklahoma to Kansas and northwestern Missouri, with tornadoes, large hail and damaging wind gusts exceeding 70mph.
In southeastern Georgia, two massive wildfires have burnt more than 40,000 acres and destroyed 120 homes by Sunday morning. The Highway 82 fire, burning since 20 April, has destroyed at least 87 homes and grown to 20,933 acres, with only 7% containment. Governor Brian Kemp confirmed that the fire was started by a foil balloon hitting live power lines. The Pineland Road fire, which started over the weekend near the Florida state line, has burned 31,976 acres and was 10% contained; authorities said it was sparked by welding.
Firefighters are also battling more than 150 other wildfires in Georgia and Florida, sending smoky haze far from the flames and triggering air quality warnings. Scientists attribute the heightened fire risk to a combination of extreme drought, gusty winds, the climate crisis, and dead trees left by Hurricane Helene in 2024.
