A strong storm driving gusty winds and dry air across a parched landscape was fueling dangerous fire conditions across a wide swath of the country, from eastern New Mexico and Colorado to parts of the Midwest. Forecasters warned that more outbreaks appeared likely going into the weekend.

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

Numbers for family, friends, doctors, insurances, veterinarians, etc. Put a copy in your emergency kit, and one near your phone or in your cellphone. Have an out-of-town family member or friend you can call who will pass updates to family and friends for you.

A dangerous storm system is expected to sweep through the St. Louis region Friday evening, bringing the potential for destructive winds and fast-moving tornadoes, with the metro area under a Level 4 out of 5 risk for severe weather.