Massive Storm Brings Fires, Flooding, Hail, and Multiple Tornadoes
Here’s a look at what’s been happening as this intense storm system moves across the country.
Powerful Winds Flip Trucks and Cause Pile-Ups
Meteorologists have issued serious warnings about a wide range of severe weather that is expected to affect the Plains, Midwest, and South over the coming days. These include wind-driven wildfires, hail, thunderstorms, and tornadoes across several states.
Strong winds and dust storms sparked wildfires and caused deadly pile-ups in Texas, claiming at least one life. In Oklahoma, students were told to shelter in place as brush fires spread close to campus. As the evening progressed, supercells and tornadoes began forming in Missouri, and severe storms, including more tornadoes, are expected to cause damage through the night.
Here’s an update on Friday's events:
(08:36 p.m. EDT) What We’re Watching Overnight
This powerful storm system will continue into the night. The level 4 risk of severe weather today is expected to escalate to a “high risk” (level 5) for tomorrow. The overnight threat, from the Midwest to the Mississippi Valley, could bring dangerous storms, with St. Louis and Memphis potentially seeing impacts late tonight into tomorrow morning.
Be ready for intense storms, as nighttime tornadoes are often more deadly. Since this system can develop rapidly, it’s important to stay informed and prepared to take shelter overnight.
(08:09 p.m. EDT) A Check On Radar
A squall line—a type of storm system—has formed over Nebraska, Iowa, and Missouri. We’ve already seen the first tornado of the evening, and the threat is expected to increase as moisture flows from the Gulf of Mexico into the Mississippi Valley, bringing more potential tornadoes in Missouri, Illinois, and neighboring areas.
(07:58 p.m. EDT) Supercells to Watch
A tornado-warned supercell has been observed in Seymour, Missouri, where conditions are rapidly worsening.
Supercells are a type of thunderstorm known for lasting hours and producing intense weather, including large hail, powerful winds, and violent tornadoes. Their distinctive appearance and radar patterns signal that extreme weather is on the way. These storms thrive in volatile conditions and are often responsible for the most destructive tornadoes.
(07:45 p.m. EDT) Tornado Captured on Camera in Missouri
A local meteorologist managed to capture an image of the tornado near Springfield, Missouri. The region is transitioning into a more active tornado threat as storms break apart in southern Missouri and northern Arkansas.
(07:30 p.m. EDT) Wildfire Risk Intensifies
Texas and the Plains could face unprecedented wildfire threats as fire seasons grow longer and more extreme. With dry, windy conditions, wildfires are spreading quickly, putting homes and communities at risk. Experts predict that these conditions will only get worse in the coming years.
(07:15 p.m. EDT) First Tornado Warning Issued
A tornado warning has been issued for Springfield, Missouri, with a high risk of a tornado touchdown. Even without a tornado, powerful winds remain a threat to life and property.
(06:59 p.m. EDT) Wind and Dust Span Texas
A satellite loop shows the scale of the dust storm covering Texas and Oklahoma. This storm has already caused significant damage and is expected to continue impacting the region.
(06:45 p.m. EDT) Firefighting Challenges
Firefighters in Oklahoma are struggling with shifting winds as the low-pressure system moves northeast. The change in wind direction could undermine firelines and threaten structures.
(06:32 p.m. EDT) Spring Brings Dangerous Winds
Spring often brings wild winds, especially in the West, Plains, and Southeast, where warm and cold air clash. This creates stronger winds, which can become hazardous, as we’ve seen today.
(06:12 p.m. EDT) Evening Weather Update
The storm system has developed into a dual threat: to the north, strong winds are causing a squall line to form, while to the south, tornadoes and strong winds are expected to hit Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Tennessee this evening.
(05:54 p.m. EDT) What Meteorologists Mean By ‘Severe Weather’
Severe weather includes any conditions that pose a threat to lives and property, such as tornadoes, hurricanes, blinding snow, or powerful winds. In today’s storm system, severe weather is characterized by wind gusts of at least 58 mph, quarter-sized hail, or the risk of tornadoes.
(05:37 p.m. EDT) What to Know About Squall Lines
A squall line, a series of thunderstorms, is moving through western Missouri. These systems can be dangerous, bringing strong winds, heavy rain, and even tornadoes.
(05:29 p.m. EDT) Fire in Oklahoma Forces Evacuation
A fast-moving wildfire in Oklahoma has prompted the evacuation of Velma, Oklahoma, where firefighters are battling the flames amid powerful winds.
(05:18 p.m. EDT) Tornado Watch Issued
A tornado watch is in effect for parts of Missouri, Illinois, and Arkansas. These areas are at risk of severe storms with strong tornadoes and winds up to 90 mph.
(05:08 p.m. EDT) Oklahoma State University Shelters Students
Students at Oklahoma State University are sheltering in place as a nearby wildfire threatens the area. Emergency services are actively working to contain the fire.
(04:58 p.m. EDT) Baseball-Sized Hail Expected
Severe thunderstorms could bring hail as large as baseballs to parts of the Mississippi Valley. This hail, combined with wind gusts of 60-100 mph, could cause extensive damage to homes and vehicles.
(04:44 p.m. EDT) Smoke Seen from Fire Near Stillwater
Thick smoke from a wildfire near Stillwater, Oklahoma, is visible on social media, as flames threaten the roadways near Highway 51.
(04:35 p.m. EDT) Strongest Wind Gusts So Far
Winds have been clocked at up to 95 mph in parts of New Mexico and Texas, with gusts that could cause severe damage, including knocking down trees and tearing off roofs.
(04:25 p.m. EDT) Threat Shifts South
The threat of severe weather has expanded southward into central Mississippi and northern Louisiana, with increased chances of supercells producing strong tornadoes.
(04:20 p.m. EDT) Sting Jet Intensifies Winds
A "sting jet" in western Oklahoma is enhancing wind gusts, which could escalate fire danger and cause more damage in the region.
(04:11 p.m. EDT) Oklahoma EMS Overwhelmed
Strong winds in Oklahoma have caused dust storms, fires, and multiple crashes, leaving emergency services struggling to keep up with the rising number of incidents.
(03:59 p.m. EDT) This Is All The Same Storm
This storm system is causing extreme weather across the country, from California’s heavy rains and mudslides to fierce winds and wildfires in the Plains, with deadly dust storms and tornadoes moving eastward.
(03:46 p.m. EDT) Dangerous Fire Weather Captured on Satellite
A visible satellite image shows dust storms across Texas and Oklahoma, along with hotspots indicating wildfires, helping local authorities track new fires.
(03:36 p.m. EDT) Power Cuts in Texas
Power is being cut in Tulia, Texas, to prevent wildfires from spreading, and over 100,000 people across Texas are already without electricity.
(03:26 p.m. EDT) First Thunderstorm Watch Issued
The first severe thunderstorm watch of the day has been issued for parts of Kansas and Missouri, with conditions ripe for destructive wind gusts and possible tornadoes.
(03:14 p.m. EDT) Latest Wind Damage Reports
Reports are coming in about significant wind damage, including roofs being torn off buildings in Clovis, New Mexico, and Lubbock, Texas.
(03:04 p.m. EDT) Fatal Dust Storm Pileup in Texas
A dust storm caused a deadly pileup involving multiple vehicles in Bovina, Texas, resulting in at least one fatality.
(03:00 p.m. EDT) Why 'High Risk' is Serious
A "high risk" warning is issued when the likelihood of severe weather is very high. It's important to take shelter and stay informed when these warnings are issued.
(02:47 p.m. EDT) Amarillo Interstate Shut Down
Severe winds and dust storms have shut down parts of the interstate in Amarillo, Texas, as visibility dropped dangerously low.
(02:30 p.m. EDT) Why Wind Is the Most Dangerous Part of a Storm
Severe winds are responsible for 70% of all storm-related damage and can be as dangerous as tornadoes, capable of downing trees and causing widespread destruction.
(02:16 p.m. EDT) Severe Weather Threat Levels Explained
Meteorologists break down the meaning of different severe weather threat levels, helping you understand what to expect in your area.
(02:01 p.m. EDT) Alabama Declares State of Emergency
Alabama has declared a state of emergency as severe weather is expected to impact the state over the weekend, with high risks of storms and tornadoes.
(01:49 p.m. EDT) Saturday’s Forecast Upgraded
Saturday’s forecast in the Deep South has been upgraded to "high risk," indicating a strong likelihood of long-track, violent tornadoes in the region.
(01:39 p.m. EDT) Minor Forecast Tweaks
A slight adjustment in the forecast has been made, with storms likely starting earlier than expected in Missouri.
(01:25 p.m. EDT) Brutal Winds in Texas Panhandle
Winds in Texas are reaching 70 mph, and dust storms are making driving conditions nearly impossible.