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The same storm system that brought 50+mph winds to Santa Fe on Friday, March 14 continued moving east and brought devesatating tornadoes across the Midwest and South.
On March 15, 2025, a catastrophic tornado outbreak ravaged the southern United States, leading to widespread devastation and a tragic loss of life. The outbreak was part of a larger storm system that had already wreaked havoc across the Midwest and Southeast, resulting in at least 35 fatalities.
Meteorological Overview
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) had issued a rare "high risk" outlook for severe weather, particularly for parts of Mississippi and Alabama. This designation underscored the high probability of numerous, powerful tornadoes. A "Particularly Dangerous Situation" (PDS) tornado watch was in effect for much of Mississippi and northern Louisiana, highlighting the potential for strong, long-track tornadoes.
Impact and Damage
The storm system unleashed multiple tornadoes across several states, causing significant damage:
Missouri:
The state faced the highest toll, with at least 12 deaths reported. Tornadoes and severe thunderstorms damaged homes and businesses, leading to widespread power outages.
Mississippi:
Six fatalities were reported, with numerous injuries and extensive property damage across multiple counties. Thousands were left without power as the storm system moved through the area.
Arkansas:
The state experienced three deaths and numerous injuries, prompting a significant emergency response.
Texas:
Four individuals died in weather-related car accidents due to dust storms.
Kansas:
A severe dust storm led to eight fatalities and a multi-vehicle collision on the I-70.
In addition to the tragic loss of life, the storms caused substantial property damage, including destroyed homes, overturned vehicles, and downed power lines. Entire communities were left in ruins, and hundreds of thousands faced power outages. This devastating tornado outbreak serves as a sobering reminder of the destructive power of severe weather systems. As communities begin the arduous process of recovery and rebuilding, the importance of preparedness and timely warnings cannot be overstated.
Santa Fe Weather
A powerful spring storm system is poised to impact northern and central New Mexico on Tuesday, bringing unseasonably warm temperatures, potentially damaging winds, and heightened fire weather concerns — especially across Santa Fe and surrounding areas.
Santa Fe may not be a sprawling metropolis, but its unique topography gives it a surprising range of microclimates.
NOAA's Climate Prediction Center released the seasonal precipitation outlook between July and September and for the first time in a while, New Mexico could see above normal precipitation. However, it may stay pretty dry until then.
Weather has always been more than just a curiosity for me—it’s been a lifelong passion. I started the Santa Fe Weather Facebook Group and website because I wanted to bring that passion to my community.
Heads up, Santa Fe! We’re looking at a significant wind event moving in on Tuesday that could make for a rough commute and a noisy afternoon. I wanted to break down what’s coming, what to expect, and how to prepare.
As the winds of March whip through the high desert, it’s clear that winter in Santa Fe is winding down—but what a ride it’s been. The winter of 2024–25 was nothing short of a meteorological rollercoaster, packed with early snow, deep freezes, record warmth, and, most recently, some intense spring winds. Let’s take a look back at the season that was.
Last week, New Mexico residents experienced an intense stretch of weather, as powerful winds swept across the state, leaving behind a trail of damage, dust, and disrupted plans. From toppled trees to closed highways, the early March wind event was a reminder of how wild spring can be in the Land of Enchantment.