After a deadly tornado outbreak tore through parts of the South and Midwest, an earthquake has now struck a southern state, adding to the chaos.
A deadly tornado outbreak that began Friday evening devastated parts of the South and Midwest, leaving at least 18 people dead. The storms intensified on Saturday, causing widespread destruction in Mississippi and Louisiana, and triggering a rare Tornado Emergency in Taylorsville, Mississippi
The 2003 Working Group for California Earthquake Probability reportedly estimated a 27% probability of a magnitude 6.7 or larger earthquake striking the Hayward-Rodgers Creek Fault system within 30 years. Given this risk, the USGS and other geological agencies continue to monitor seismic activity in the region.
Furthermore, wildfires tore through Oklahoma on Friday, March 14, fueled by intense winds. Logan County saw several structures engulfed in flames as firefighters struggled to contain the rapidly spreading blazes.
A thick cloud of smoke as a result of the Oklahoma wildfires posted on March 15, 2025 | Source: Instagram/thehotshotwakeup
KOCO 5 Field Meteorologist Michael Armstrong witnessed the devastation firsthand. Reporting from Highway 105 between Henney and Choctaw roads, he described the scene as vehicles and a house burned.
“It’s burning to the ground right in front of my eyes,” Armstrong said. “There are several vehicles here on fire. Extremely intense wind gusts just blowing Storm Command right now.” He called the situation “apocalyptic,” as flames consumed everything in their path. “Everything is just incinerated right now around me,” he added.
The high winds made firefighting efforts difficult. Videos from the scene showed flames consuming homes and cars while thick smoke filled the air. Emergency crews worked tirelessly to battle the inferno, but the conditions were relentless.
Authorities urged residents to evacuate as the fires moved quickly across dry terrain. The full extent of the damage remains unknown, but officials warned that the threat was far from over.
A scene from the Oklahoma wildfires posted on March 15, 2025 | Source: YouTube/@2NewsOklahoma
In Okmulgee County, the Baldhill wildfire was fully contained, while the Gun Club wildfire reached 90% containment. The Stripes wildfire remained at 50%, and the Bever wildfire had an unknown containment status.
Osage County saw multiple wildfires, with varying levels of control. The Acorn wildfire was 75% contained, the Maker wildfire reached 70%, and the Nadel wildfire was at 60%. However, containment levels for the Pulare, Tangon, and Bear wildfires remained unknown.
