Dangerous Weather Brings Damage, Evacuations And Widespread Power Outages Across The South

Kayaker Navigates Downtown Cincinnati Floods

S​enior meteorologists Jonathan Erdman and Dina Knightly contributed to this article.

A​ mixed bag of dangerous weather ripped across the South Tuesday, bringing storms and tornadoes from Oklahoma and Texas to Louisiana and Mississippi, plus flooding rain, raging wildfires, a dust storm and even snow.

Power was knocked out to hundreds of thousands of people, including in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, flight delays stacked up and homes and businesses were damaged.

W​inds ushered in by the storms caused schedule changes for some Mardi Gras parades in the New Orleans area and fueled wildfires that prompted evacuations and a shelter-in-place order in Texas.

(​MORE: Severe Weather Forecast | Storm Maps Tracker)

Here are our live updates as the weather tore through the region into Tuesday night:

(08:54 PM EST) Power Outages Stretch Across Six States

H​ere's the latest look at the numbers, from PowerOutage.us:

T​exas - 212,079 power outages, most of them customers of Oncor

A​labama - 35,095 power outages

L​ouisiana - 28,369 outages

M​ississippi - 25,189 outages

O​klahoma - 12,360 outages

T​ennessee - 10,502 outages

(08:43 PM EST) What's Next For This Week's Severe Weather Threat?

On Wednesday the storms slide east with an enhanced area of storms possible from southern Virginia to South Carolina. Tornadoes, damaging winds, power outages and hail are all possible. Storms will also be possible in the D.C. area, Baltimore and Pittsburgh.

(08:06 PM EST) Texas Town Sheltering In Place

R​esidents in Sinton, Texas, are being told to stay put until at least 8 p.m. local time. The reason? Wildfire smoke, from a blaze that earlier today forced the evacuation of the community's high school and elementary school.

Sinton is in San Patricio County, northwest of Corpus Christi, and is sometimes called the "Gateway to the Gulf Coast."

(07:52 PM EST) NWS Corpus Christi Office Evacuated

A​ wildfire forced meteorologists out of their office at the National Weather Service in Corpus Christi. The staff was evacuated around 4 p.m. local time and later posted a photo on social media. The post noted wind gusts around 60 mph and a red flag warning and wind advisory in effect for the region.

(07:50 PM EST) Photos Show Post-Storm Damage In Texas

(07:25 PM EST) About Those Mardi Gras Parades ...

S​peaking of wind, it's a good thing New Orleans moved up some of today's Mardi Gras celebrations. Wind gusts up to 70 mph were clocked in the area later.

(07:10 PM EST) Winds Whip In Mississippi

The line of thunderstorms moving through Mississippi has produced winds gusts to 70 mph near Jackson and a possible tornado caused damage to a roof near the community of Jayess. Winds are strong well ahead of this line and trees are down near Birmingham, Alabama.

(06:57 PM EST) New Tornado Watch For Alabama, Florida Panhandle

A new tornado watch has been issued by the Storm Prediction Center until 1 a.m. local time in Alabama and part of the Florida Panhandle. The threats include some intense tornadoes, wind gusts to 80 mph and large hail.

(06:44 PM EST) Flash Flooding Hits Jackson, Mississippi

Flooding is one of the most dangerous types of weather we cover. With just over an inch of rainfall in a short amount of time, Jackson, Mississippi, saw some flash flooding today. It doesn’t take a lot of rain to flood, but when it comes in quickly, even an inch can flood roads.

(06:28 PM EST) Why Tornadoes Are More Deadly At Night

As the sun sets and the threat of severe weather continues, it's important to note that tornadoes during the night are about twice as likely to kill people, versus those that happen in daylight. New research also shows that tornado deaths at night are on the rise.

One reason for the increased lethality after dark is the lack of visibility and therefore lack of eyewitness storm reports.

Another reason is that people might miss alerts for tornado warnings and other important information because they are sleeping.

Read more here on how to prepare for overnight tornadoes.

(06:14 PM EST) Two Schools Evacuated Due To Texas Wildfire

C​rews in Sinton, Texas, are working to battle multiple brush fires, according to local news reports. O​ne of the blazes forced the evacuation of both Sinton High School and Sinton Elementary, KRIS-TV reported. S​inton is located in San Patricio County, about 18 miles northwest of Corpus Christi. Officials across parts of Texas are warning of dangerous fire weather to high winds ushered in by today's storms.

(06:05 PM EST) Oncor Working To Restore Power In Texas

A​n update posted about 20 minutes ago by Texas utility provider Oncor says crews are working to restore power to those impacted by the storms. More than 201,000 Oncor customers are without electricity, with about one quarter of those located in Dallas County. The update did not give a specific estimate of how long repairs might take.

(05:47 PM EST) Mardi Gras Rolls On In New Orleans

R​evelers packed the streets of New Orleans for the peak day of Mardi Gras, despite the threat of bad weather.

S​ome parades were moved earlier and others postponed to work around the severe weather headed toward the city as the day went on.

“Mardi Gras is all about having these moments. This city is like nowhere else in the country right now,” Kendall Calyen, 41, told The Associated Press, marveling at the 200-year-old tradition unfolding before his eyes.

(05:28 PM EST) Tornado Watch For Parts Of Louisiana And Mississippi

There is a tornado watch until 7 p.m. local time for parts of Louisiana and Mississippi. Primary threats include a few tornadoes that could be intense. There could also be scattered wind gusts to 80 mph and hail to 1 inch.

(05:20 PM EST) Power Outages Climb By The Hour In Texas, Alabama

More than 410,000 homes, businesses and other utility customers are without power in Texas alone, according to PowerOutage.us. Since each account can represent multiple people in one building or household, the actual number of people affected is typically many times larger.

M​ississippi and Louisiana are each reporting about 30,000 outages, while Alabama sits at about 21,000 and Tennessee at 8,400.

M​ore than 14,000 outages are also being reported in Oklahoma.

(05:08 PM EST) Where’s ‘Tornado Alley?'

Tornadoes can occur any time, anywhere, but some states are more prone to them than others and they happen more often at certain times of the year.

From around 1950 to the 1980s, data showed tornadoes most often happened from northern Texas into Oklahoma and Kansas.

But more recent research shows “Tornado Alley” is shifting southward.

(04:57 PM EST) Southwest Kansas Blasted

These are some reports we just received from the National Weather Service near Garden City, Kansas:

• Multiple trees were downed due to high winds, some on homes.
• A pergola collapsed over a home’s back porch.
• Sheet metal was ripped off the Sunflower Electric Power Corporation’s Holcomb Station just southwest of Garden City.
• An 85 mph wind gust was measured at Garden City just after 2:30 p.m. local time.

(04:36 PM EST) Video Shows Tornado Damage In Irving, Texas

Severe weather in Irving, Texas, this morning ripped through homes, blew out windows and mangled trees and power lines. Watch this video to see what it looked like.

(04:20 PM EST) Dallas-Fort Worth Airport Delays Mount

More than 375 flights to or from Dallas Fort Worth International Airport are canceled, according to airline tracker FlightAware.com. Another 660 were delayed. In all, that adds up to about half of the flights scheduled today. More than 150 flights are also impacted at nearby Dallas Love Field.

(04:01 PM EST) Dust Reaches Dallas-Ft. Worth

The latest observations and satellite imagery indicates airborne dust from western Texas and New Mexico has now reached Dallas-Ft. Worth metro, about nine hours after the Metroplex was socked by severe thunderstorms with 83 mph winds. Quite a surreal day, indeed!

The plumes of dust are also moving into Waco, and will soon reach the Austin and San Antonio metro areas, as well.

(03:53 PM EST) Avoid This Road In San Antonio

I​n addition to evacuations, a wildfire near San Antonio, Texas, is also disrupting traffic. A social media update from the city advised drivers to avoid Interstate 37 on the south side of San Antonio.

(03:41 PM EST) Power Outages Top 400,000 From Texas To Tennessee

M​ore than 400,000 homes, businesses and other utility customers across five states are without power. Here are the latest numbers, according to PowerOutage.us:

• T​exas - 333,718 outages
• L​ouisiana - 33,624
• M​ississippi - 22,459
• O​klahoma - 14,455
• T​ennessee - 10,161

(03:32 PM EST) Tornadoes Confirmed In Dallas-Fort Worth Area And Oklahoma

The National Weather Service has just confirmed a second Oklahoma EF1 tornado touched down early this morning. While only on the ground for about a minute, this tornado heavily damaged the Union Valley volunteer fire station, as well as snapped numerous trees in Pontotoc County near Stonewall, NWS found.

(03:23 PM EST) Heads Up Tonight For Wind, Maybe Tornadoes

The wind damage threat will continue overnight. That’s pretty much a certainty across the Deep South. The question, though, is how many tornadoes we get. They could be embedded within the line of severe t-storms or there could be supercells ahead of the line. There’s a lot of uncertainty in how many supercells we see ahead of that line of storms.

(03:12 PM EST) Why Wearing A Helmet During A Tornado Could Save Your Life

We always advise you to have a helmet handy when there is a chance of severe weather. Doctors say it can help prevent head injuries from flying debris or other hazards common when a tornado strikes.

Even a bicycle helmet or any kind of sports helmet can provide a good degree of protection.

Don’t forget closed-toe shoes, too, in case you need to walk over debris once the storm passes.

(03:04 PM EST) Damaging Winds Well Ahead Of Thunderstorms

We just received reports from the National Weather Service of a few trees downed in northern Alabama between Birmingham and Huntsville. Wind gusts over 40 mph have also been clocked in the Florida Panhandle. That’s at least 300 miles ahead of the line of t-storms, which shows you the massive coverage of high winds from this expansive March storm, from the Dakotas to Colorado, New Mexico to the northern Gulf Coast and the Tennessee Valley.

(02:59 PM EST) Wildfire Breaks Out Near San Antonio

Evacuations are under way due to a wildfire burning near San Antonio, Texas. An alert from Bexar County emergency officials about 20 minutes ago included a map showing a small number of buildings and some businesses in the evacuation zone.

E​arlier, officials warned of critical fire weather in the area today, fueled by high winds and low humidity.

(02:41 PM EST) Where To Track This March Storm

Our live tracker page has all the maps and information you need to follow this storm and stay safe.

Y​ou can also check our latest severe weather forecast here.

(02:33 PM EST) Here Are The Latest Severe Weather Reports

Over 120 reports of severe thunderstorms, including high wind gusts and damage, have been received by the National Weather Service as of 2:15 p.m. ET.

(02:29 PM EST) Powerful Wind Gusts In The Dallas-Fort Worth Area

The National Weather Service office in Fort Worth recorded wind gusts of 83 mph in Little Elm, Texas. Here’s a quick sampling of the wind gusts that hit other places in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex:

• 80 MPH, Wise County - Decatur
• 78 MPH, Dallas Love Field
• 74 MPH, Dallas/Ft. Worth Airport
• 72 MPH, Waco

(01:56 PM EST) Severe Status Check

First up, the severe thunderstorm threat is largely over in Texas, including Houston, as well as in Little Rock, Arkansas, though we can’t rule out a few isolated t-storms this afternoon with hail in north Texas and Oklahoma.

A new tornado watch has been issued for southeast Louisiana and all but northern Mississippi until 7 p.m. CST. This watch includes New Orleans, Baton Rouge and Jackson, Mississippi. The line of severe thunderstorms is now stretching from southeast Arkansas into Louisiana. A gust to 70 mph was measured at Ft. Polk, Louisiana just before 11:30 a.m CT.

However, high winds not from t-storms continue in Texas. A roof was blown off and trees uprooted or snapped near Wolfforth, just southwest of Lubbock, before noon, according to the NWS.

(01:44 PM EST) Tornado Confirmed in Ada, Oklahoma

The National Weather Service confirms that an EF1 tornado touched down on the west side of Ada, Oklahoma, this morning just after 6 a.m. local time. With peak winds around 105 mph, the twister cut a path nearly four miles long. In an earlier update we showed you pictures of extensive damage in Ada. In a Facebook post the city government reported one injury, and said 24 families were displaced.

(01:28 PM EST) If Mars Had A Lake, This Is What It Would Look Like

If the Lone Star State hasn’t had enough so far today, a dust storm is now surging east across the rolling plains of western Texas. Dust storm warnings have been issued by the National Weather Service for the city of San Angelo, where visibility has been reduced as low as 1.5 miles in airborne dust, accompanied by wind gusts over 60 mph.

This dust plume could make it to at least parts of the Interstate 35 corridor this afternoon, including Dallas-Ft. Worth, Waco and Austin.

T​he video above posted by NWS San Angelo shows how dusty it is around Lake Nasworthy, where buoys bounce up and down on the choppy water.

(01:15 PM EST) Roadway Flooding Reported In Owasso

Owasso Police Department is reporting flooding in low-lying areas. At least one car is reported to have stalled in the floodwaters.

The following areas are under water:

• 96th Street North between 161 East Avenue and 177 East Avenue
• 106th Street North between 145th East Avenue and 161st East Avenue
• 106th Street North at 177th East Avenue
• 116th Street North between Memorial Drive and Sheridan Road

(01:02 PM EST) Even Winds Not From T-Storms Are Damaging

High wind warnings from the National Weather Service blanket parts of 15 states from the High Plains to the Appalachians.

These strong winds have already knocked a tree onto a carport in Lubbock, Texas, and blew over a semi on Interstate 70 in Brewster, Kansas. They’ll also likely trigger at least some scattered power outages in the areas covered by the high wind warnings.

(12:48 PM EST) Sheriff’s Office Damaged In McKinney, Texas

Winds downed trees and damaged some vehicles at the Collin County Sheriff’s Office in McKinney Texas. In a Facebook post, the office shared that deputies were still out on patrol, but noted that all county offices would be closed until noon local time, as crews worked to restore power.

(10:56 AM EST) Severe Reports, So Far

So far, over 90 reports of severe thunderstorms have been received by National Weather Service offices since late Monday night. The majority of them have been in a swath from the Dallas-Ft. Worth Metroplex into southern Oklahoma.

NWS damage surveys will be conducted later to determine the number, strength and paths of any tornadoes. It is likely both Oklahoma and Texas just had their first tornadoes of 2025 early this morning.

(10:20 AM EST) Widespread Damage In Ada, Oklahoma

Residents of Ada, Oklahoma are sharing photos of homes and other buildings torn apart overnight and early this morning. City officials are urging people to stay at home because there are “downed power lines, gas leaks and trees everywhere.”

(10:05 AM EST) The Difference Between A Tornado Watch And A Tornado Warning

During active weather, it’s critical to know the difference between watches and warnings.

A tornado watch means tornadoes are possible in the watch area or other locations nearby. A watch means you should pay close attention to weather alerts and be ready to take immediate action. Anyone in manufactured housing or vulnerable structures should consider heading to stronger shelter.

A tornado warning means it’s time to take action now – quickly move into your shelter or safe space and stay there until the warning is over.

(09:52 AM EST) Warehouse Collapses In Lewisville, Texas

A warehouse for Benjamin Moore Paints is seen torn open after a suspected tornado ripped through Lewisville, Texas. Part of the warehouse collapsed and the debris buried semi-trailers and other vehicles nearby. The parking lot is covered with metal sheeting from the warehouse roof. It’s not yet clear if any workers were inside the building at the time of the collapse, but first responders are on the scene and there are no immediate reports of injuries.

(09:25 AM EST) It’s Snow, Now. Blizzard Conditions Ahead

Within the past hour or so, rain has quickly changed over to wet snow from eastern Colorado and far northwestern Kansas to parts of South Dakota.

Winds are also gusting from 30 to 55 mph in this zone. Conditions are deteriorating along stretches of Interstate 70, 80 and 90 in these areas. Whiteout conditions are possible in these areas, at times.

(09:11 AM EST) Damage Reported In Southeast Oklahoma

A home is reported destroyed and several campers are overturned in Kingston County, Oklahoma. In Nida, Oklahoma, a trailer home is left destroyed, according to Johnston County Emergency Management.

Marshall County Emergency Management reports power lines down and structural damage in the county. In Durant, a house collapsed, but no injuries are reported, according to Durant Emergency Management.

(09:36 AM EST) Significant Storm Damage In Irving, Texas

Irving Police Department is warning people to avoid the intersection of North O’Connor Road and West Pioneer Drive as significant storm damage is seen in the area.

In photos posted on social media by the police department, a wall can be seen completely torn off of an apartment building and the roof is damaged.

(08:59 AM EST) Squall Line Threats Today

Today is a good example why you should take severe t-storm warnings as seriously as tornado warnings, as weather.com senior meteorologist Chris Dolce wrote.

Wind gusts capable of downing trees and knocking out power are likely within the line of severe t-storms rolling through the South. It doesn’t take a tornado to do that. A falling tree can be life threatening. And as we’ve already seen earlier this morning, tornadoes can quickly form within the line of severe t-storms. Seek shelter with any severe t-storm or tornado warning today.

(08:43 AM EST) Flights Cancelled, Power Outages In Dallas-Fort Worth

FlightAware.com reports more than 200 flights to and from Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport are cancelled as the area sees severe weather.

In North Texas, more than 200,000 customers are without power, according to PowerOutage.com. Some structures in the area have sustained damage from the storms.

(08:30 AM EST) What's Happening Right Now

A line of severe t-storms is near the Oklahoma-Arkansas border southward into northeast Texas. Damaging t-storm winds are the main threats right now with this line, with wind gusts strong enough to down trees and knock out power.

The severe threat has ended in both Dallas-Ft. Worth and Oklahoma City, though gusty winds are persisting.

(08:12 AM EST) Mardi Gras Events Canceled

Today is Fat Tuesday, the traditional peak of Louisiana Mardi Gras parades. But weather is getting in the way.

Parades are officially canceled in Jefferson Parish, which is part of the greater New Orleans area.

As of Monday evening, police in New Orleans said they were watching the weather closely. Some parade times were changed, but they said cancellations could be called closer to the events. At least one was canceled.