Roundup: Death toll rises to 34 as severe storms continue battering U.S.

16/3/2025 15:56

At least 34 people died as of Saturday night as dozens of violent tornadoes, blinding dust storms and gust-driven wildfires continue battering the central and southern United States on Saturday.



More than 40 tornadoes hit eight U.S. states over the past 24 hours, while severe weather threat continues in southern and southeastern areas in the country, ABC News reported.



In the southern state of Mississippi, Governor Tate Reeves announced on Saturday that six people died in three counties and three more people were missing.



"It appears that multiple tornadoes moved through our county from the southwest to the northeast, causing significant damage to multiple areas," said Tylertown Police Chief Jordan Hill.



Up to 19 tornadoes may have passed through the midwest state of Missouri, killing at least 11 people in four counties while causing widespread havoc, said Missouri Governor Mike Kehoe's office. Later in the day, local media reported the death toll in the state rose to 12 due to tornado strikes.