A deadly tornado outbreak that began Friday devastated parts of the South and Midwest, killing at least 18 people and leaving tens of thousands without power. Mississippi and Louisiana were hit hardest, with multiple EF3 tornadoes and a Tornado Emergency declared in Taylorsville, Mississippi. In Tylertown, three deaths were confirmed, and Mississippi’s Walthall County saw two tornadoes strike within 45 minutes. The severe weather is expected to continue into Sunday, threatening up to 70 million people across the eastern U.S.
Amid recovery efforts, an earthquake also struck Mississippi, compounding the chaos. While the quake’s magnitude wasn’t disclosed, officials warned that soil and building conditions could increase the damage, and assessments are ongoing.
Elsewhere, a series of moderate earthquakes shook Hayward, California on February 13, ranging from magnitudes 2.7 to 3.6. These quakes occurred along the Hayward Fault, which experts say is overdue for a major rupture. The last major quake struck in 1868 with an estimated magnitude of 7.0.
Meanwhile, wildfires erupted in Oklahoma on March 14, fueled by extreme winds. Fires destroyed homes and vehicles in Logan County, prompting evacuations in Stillwater and other areas. Multiple fires burned across the state, some with little or no containment. Emergency crews continue to battle the blazes under dangerous, fast-changing conditions.