Big March storm fans wildfires and kills 3 as forecasters fear weekend tornado outbreak WSOC TV [Video]

OKLAHOMA CITY — (AP) — A sprawling storm system crossing the U.S. on Friday caused deadly crashes, damaged buildings and fanned more than 100 wildfires in several central states, prompting evacuation orders in some communities. Nearly a half dozen tornadoes were reported in Missouri, and threats of more loomed for the Mississippi Valley into the night and the Deep South on Saturday.

The National Weather Service warned of extreme weather across a vast swath of the country that is home to more than 100 million people. Powerful winds gusting up to 80 mph (130 kph) were forecast from the Canadian border to Texas.

Three people were killed Friday in car crashes caused by a dust storm in the Texas Panhandle, according to Sgt. Cindy Barkley of the state’s department of public safety.

“It’s been a nightmare out here,” Barkley said, adding that it was difficult to assess many of the crashes due to the near-zero visibility.

Nearly 150 fires were reported in …