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
I dove into the data to find out if the frequency of tornadoes are actually increasing in Santa Fe County.
Santa Fe may not be a sprawling metropolis, but its unique topography gives it a surprising range of microclimates.
A rare combination of tropical moisture, stalled thunderstorms, and rugged Hill Country terrain created the perfect setup for catastrophe. I broke down the weather ingredients that led to this deadly flash flood.
If you've been in Santa Fe for any period of time, you've already encountered the summer monsoon. But do you know what it really is and how much we depend on it?
On a personal note for this Father’s Day, I want to take a moment to recognize and honor my late father, Wendell Faught (1929–1998).
Your safety comes first, and I want to be sure you know where to turn during severe weather.
A dust devil is a small, rotating column of air that picks up dust, sand, and debris as it spins across the ground.
Santa Fe’s skies have long held fascination and importance for its residents—from farmers planning their planting season to tourists hoping for sunny strolls down Canyon Road. But where did Santa Fe’s weather records begin, and how have the official observations changed over time?
May is often one of our drier months in Santa Fe, so what is causing us to have several days of rain? It's called the Omega Block.
It won't be raining all the time and there will be a lot of moments this weekend when the weather is very nice. But there is a chance for some decent rain over the next few days. Let's break it down.