130+ wildfires are raging in Oklahoma, while deadly tornadoes in Missouri have claimed many lives. The latest news on Stillwater fires, Norman evacuations, Texas dust storms and storm damage updates is available here through March 15, 2025.
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Oklahoma Wildfires and Violent Tornadoes Unleash Chaos Across the U.S.
A massive storm system is wreaking havoc across the United States, and its effects are expected to last until March 15, 2025. More than 130 wildfires in Oklahoma, fanned by hurricane-force winds, have engulfed areas such as Stillwater, Norman and Langston. Evacuation orders have been issued and large tractor-trailers have been overturned. On the other hand, deadly tornadoes in Missouri have killed at least 10 people, while Arkansas reported three more deaths. From dust storms in Texas to blizzards in the North, this extreme weather event is a historic storm according to experts. See here for the latest updates on Oklahoma wildfires, storm damage and what could happen next.
Oklahoma Wildfires: Over 130 Fires Burn Across the State
Oklahoma is experiencing a wildfire crisis, and as of Saturday morning, March 15, 2025, conditions have worsened even more. Dry winds and gusts up to 80 mph are fueling 130+ fires in 44 counties. A large fire has burned homes south of Langston, along with Stillwater and Norman. Aerial images of Logan County show that several entire settlements have been burned.
According to the Oklahoma Highway Patrol, tractor-trailers overturned on US 183 near Hobart on March 13 and on I-44 near Villa Ridge in Missouri on March 14, which shows the intensity of the storm.
Stillwater Fires: Homes Lost and Evacuations Ordered
South of Langston and around Stillwater, wildfires were spreading rapidly by Friday night, March 14, 2025. Fire crews were trying to put out the fires even as several homes and farms were engulfed in flames. A viral photo shows a house engulfed in flames.
The mayor of Stillwater has declared an emergency as smoke has spread throughout the area, with smoke reaching the University of Oklahoma Memorial Stadium in Norman. According to @zachstanford on social media platform X, 30 shelters have been opened across the state, and Stillwater wildfire updates still show recovery efforts.
Norman Wildfire: Families Seek Refuge at CrossPoint Church
Evacuation orders were given due to wildfires near Norman, and families were forced to take shelter in CrossPoint Church on Friday night, March 14, 2025. People here were watching the news on TV while wildfires began to threaten their homes.
According to the National Weather Service (NWS) Norman, there were 4 fires raging on the east side of Norman near Lake Thunderbird. But by Saturday morning, 8:30 AM, the City of Norman confirmed that all fires were 100% contained. Still, the Norman wildfire left many people homeless, and according to OG&E’s outage map, thousands of people faced power outages.
Deadly Tornadoes Strike Missouri and Arkansas
While Oklahoma was dealing with wildfires, tornadoes wreaked further devastation in Missouri and Arkansas. At least 10 people were killed in Missouri from Friday night through Saturday, March 15, 2025. According to Butler County Coroner Jim Akers, one home was completely destroyed—"only the clay was left and the floor was upside down, and we were walking on the stairs."
Rescue teams were able to rescue a woman from a collapsed home, but according to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, several people were injured. 3 deaths have also been reported in Arkansas's Independence County, and 29 injuries have been confirmed in a total of 8 counties. Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders has allocated $250,000 to an emergency fund and a damage assessment is now ongoing.
Seymour, Missouri: Debris Strewn Across Roads
A tornado struck Webster County north of Seymour, Missouri late Friday night, March 14, 2025, leaving debris across the road. According to radar data, a tornado-warned supercell was detected near Seymour, and according to reports, trucks were overturned and homes were destroyed.
Dust Storms and Power Outages: Texas and Beyond
This storm system is not limited to just tornadoes and wildfires. A dust storm in the Texas Panhandle, near Amarillo, on Friday, March 14, 2025, killed 3 people as visibility was absolutely zero. Winds as strong as 100 mph fueled wildfires in Roberts County, Texas that grew from a small area to cover 32.8 square miles.
Power outages were also a major problem, leaving more than 260,000 homes and businesses without power across Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri, Illinois, and Indiana. In Oklahoma alone, OG&E said 11,400 customers faced power outages.
Pico Rivera, California: Severe Weather Hits the West
California is also not spared from the effects of this storm. On Thursday, March 13, 2025, a large pine tree fell on Glencannon Drive in Pico Rivera due to strong winds. This is not related to wildfire, but it shows that this coast-to-coast system is causing havoc across America.
What Makes This Storm So Extreme?
According to Bill Bunting of the National Weather Service Storm Prediction Center, this event is unique because of its size and intensity. Until Saturday, March 15, 2025, Mississippi, Alabama, Louisiana, Georgia, Tennessee and the Florida Panhandle will also be at risk of tornadoes and hail. Also, a blizzard is expected in Minnesota and South Dakota that could drop up to 1 foot of snow.
Oklahoma Fire Map and Safety Tips
If you are wondering, "Is there a fire near me?", you can check the Oklahoma fire map from sources like KFOR or the Oklahoma State Emergency Operations Center.
Safety Tips:
- Stay away from fallen power lines (OG&E warns ongoing risks).
- Even if the evacuation is lifted, take shelter only in sturdy buildings.
- For real-time updates follow KFOR news or @okem on X.
What’s Next for the Affected Regions?
Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt has declared a state of emergency in 12 counties and will conduct a damage survey in Mannford on March 15, 2025 at 10 AM. A Red Flag Warning is still in effect from 1 to 9 PM. On the other hand, the storm is moving toward the Mississippi Valley and the Deep South, which also poses a threat of more tornadoes.
Updates in the coming days
For this follow KFOR and local alerts.
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