Severe storms with high winds, hail, and potential tornadoes are expected to hit the Midwest starting this afternoon and continuing through Thursday, posing a threat to areas still recovering from recent tornadoes and storms that claimed at least five lives this past weekend. The National Weather Service’s Storm Prediction Center has issued an enhanced risk for severe thunderstorms from western and central Iowa to northeastern Kansas, with the possibility of large hail, severe gusts, and a few tornadoes.
Beginning Wednesday, the focus of severe storm threats will shift to a region stretching from western Texas into southern Nebraska, with enhanced risks across central Kansas, according to the National Weather Service. Areas that have been heavily impacted by recent tornadoes, like eastern Nebraska and western Iowa, could face the potential for more tornadoes, but the main threats to these recovering communities are expected to be heavy winds and large hail.
The National Weather Service in Omaha, where tornadoes damaged over 100 homes on Friday, has issued warnings for possible tornadoes starting Tuesday, along with the possibility of hail larger than two inches in diameter and wind gusts exceeding 75 miles per hour. Small towns in western and central Iowa, such as Minden, have already experienced significant damage from tornadoes on Friday, with approximately 40% of homes affected.
In addition to the Midwest, swaths of Oklahoma, which were recently hit by tornadoes and severe weather, could also face more severe weather through Thursday, with the potential for baseball-sized hail. However, the likelihood of more tornadoes in this region is currently considered to be low or very low. The National Weather Service advises those involved in cleanup efforts to monitor the weather closely and have a plan for shelter in case of emergency.
The National Weather Service also warns of a 15% chance of excessive rainfall and subsequent flash flooding in southeastern Kansas and northeastern Oklahoma, as well as a slight risk of excessive rainfall in northeastern Texas up into eastern Nebraska and Iowa. Between Friday and Sunday, more than 125 tornadoes were reported in the central U.S., causing significant damage and loss of life. Last week’s storms claimed at least five lives, including that of an infant, and caused extensive damage to buildings.
Some of the most devastating tornadoes in the recent storms include an EF-4 tornado in Oklahoma near Marietta with winds reaching 170 mph, the strongest in the state since at least 2016. In Omaha, an EF-3 tornado caused damage to over 150 buildings, with winds ranging between 136 mph and 150 mph. The Midwest and surrounding regions are bracing for more severe weather and potential tornadoes in the coming days, urging residents to stay informed and prepared for any emergencies.
