Tornado Outbreak Recap: A Deadly Severe Weather Event in March 2025
A severe weather outbreak from March 14 to 16, 2025, produced over 90 tornadoes across 13 states, including three EF4 classified tornadoes. The National Weather Service recorded significant damage and fatalities, particularly in Arkansas and Mississippi, while long-track tornadoes further contributed to the severity of the event. This outbreak has been deemed the largest in 2025 so far.
A severe weather outbreak between March 14 and 16 resulted in over 90 tornadoes across 13 states, with significant thunderstorm winds affecting regions from the South to the Midwest and East. This has been identified as the largest outbreak of severe weather in 2025 thus far.
The National Weather Service confirmed 91 tornadoes during this three-day period, with 41 classified as strong, those having at least EF2 damage on the Enhanced Fujita scale. Such a high percentage of stronger tornadoes indicates a significant weather event. In contrast, an early March outbreak produced only one strong tornado among 30 total.
The outbreak saw three tornadoes rated as EF4, designated violent by the NWS. Although EF4 tornadoes are uncommon, their occurrence here was notable, with two hitting northern Arkansas and one in southern Mississippi, which tragically resulted in five fatalities. A resident managed to escape to safety by seeking shelter in a sturdy structure when warned of the danger.
Long-track tornadoes characterized this event, with one EF3 tornado extending an impressive 87 miles across northeast Arkansas, while others reached notable lengths of 58 and 47 miles. In total, ten tornadoes across Arkansas generated a cumulative 228 miles of damage, establishing this outbreak as one of the most significant in southeastern Missouri and surrounding regions in decades.
Additional noteworthy damage included an EF2 tornado impacting the St. Louis area and wind-driven hail causing destruction in Illinois. In Alabama, another EF2 tornado overturned a school bus, resulting in a fatality and damaging infrastructure. The outbreak concluded with an EF1 tornado striking North Carolina, leading to property destruction but fortunately, no fatalities were reported.
The severe weather outbreak from March 14 to 16, 2025, was marked by over 90 tornadoes, including three EF4 tornadoes that caused significant destruction and loss of life. The event underscored the dangers associated with such powerful storms, exemplified by long-track tornadoes that exacerbated the impacts across several states. While the outbreak ultimately resulted in tragic incidents, it also highlighted the importance of timely alerts and preparedness measures that can save lives during severe weather events.
Original Source: weather.com
