A dangerous combination of hurricane-force winds, dry land and cratering humidity levels are bringing sweeping dust storms and an “extremely critical” fire threat to millions across

By Friday afternoon, nearly 75,000 Oklahomans were without power, eight fire warnings had been issued, and several evacuations were ordered.

The most fatalities were in Missouri. Forecasters warned that tornadoes, hail and violent winds continue to threaten states in the Deep South, from Louisiana to Georgia.

The wildfires came from a historic storm that is crossing the nation, spawning deadly tornadoes in Missouri. In Oklahoma, the storm on Friday brought 60 to 70 mph winds. The sustained gusts knocked down power lines, ripped off shingles from houses, broke tree limbs, felled street signs, caused road closures and filled the sky with dust.

Hundreds of homes were destroyed as wildfires swept across Oklahoma, prompting authorities to issue evacuation orders.