Bakersfield, MO – A powerful EF-3 tornado ripped through southern Missouri on the evening of March 14, leaving a deadly trail of destruction in its wake.
According to the National Weather Service, the tornado began near Gamaliel, Arkansas, intensifying as it crossed into Missouri. The twister tore through the Bakersfield area between 8:34 p.m. and 9:16 p.m., packing peak winds of 145 mph. It traveled 35.74 miles with a maximum width of 1,200 yards before lifting northeast of West Plains.
The storm resulted in four injuries and three confirmed fatalities. Numerous homes were destroyed, and dozens more sustained damage. The NWS confirmed that the storm widened and extended its track following further surveys completed this week.
Officials urge residents to review their emergency plans and stay weather-aware during severe weather season. The March 14 event underscores the potential for deadly tornadoes to rapidly intensify after crossing state lines, especially in vulnerable rural areas like Ozark and Howell counties.
This EF-3 tornado was one of two confirmed on March 14. Another, an EF-1 tornado, touched down near Lynchburg in Laclede County earlier that evening, traveling over 22 miles with 90 mph winds but causing no injuries.
