Topline
Severe thunderstorms are expected to hit a large portion of the central U.S. and some southern states beginning Friday afternoon, according to the National Weather Service, the latest in a series of severe spring storm patterns that could bring wind damage, very large hail and a chance of tornadoes.
This weekend’s storms are the latest severe spring weather patterns hitting the U.S.
Key Facts
The storms are expected to begin Friday afternoon and head into the evening, including wind damage, large hail “over two inches in diameter” and possible tornadoes, the NWS Storm Prediction Center said.
A 10% risk for tornadoes is in effect for more than 4.5 million people, including those in Kansas City, Missouri; Omaha, Nebraska; Des Moines, Iowa; and parts of Kansas.
The Storm Prediction Center estimates there is an “enhanced risk” for severe thunderstorms for more than 4 million people, including those in parts of Nebraska (Omaha and Lincoln), Kansas City and Des Moines.More than 15 million people are under a marginal risk for the storms, including those in Tulsa, Oklahoma, and the Dallas-Fort Worth area.
Two other cities in Texas (San Antonio and Austin) included under a “slight risk,” as well as St. Louis and parts of Wisconsin and Louisiana—covering more than 17 million people.
There is a slight risk of excessive rainfall Friday that could lead to flash floods in parts of eastern Oklahoma, northeastern Texas, western Arkansas and southern Missouri, according to the NWS—with a “moderate risk” of excessive rainfall in central and northeastern Oklahoma on Saturday.
Big Number
More than 4.8 million. That’s how many people live in areas facing an “enhanced risk” of severe weather Friday, according to the Storm Prediction Center. More than 32 million people are under “marginal” and “slight” risks.
Tangent
Additionally, dry weather conditions have created a “critical risk” of fire in El Paso, Texas, and parts of New Mexico (Las Cruces, Roswell, Alamogordo and Clovis)—which is anticipated to last through the weekend.
Key Background
This weekend’s warnings are the latest in a series of severe spring weather events, including a system that hit the central U.S. nearly two weeks ago. Severe storms have hit the U.S. several times thus far in 2024, including multiple atmospheric river storms in California. At least three people were killed and dozens were injured in separate severe weather patterns in March, which spawned tornadoes in the Midwest, and early April.
Further Reading
Midwest Faces Tornado Threats As Severe Storms Threaten Central U.S. (Forbes)
At Least 3 Dead And Dozens Injured In Severe Storms Across U.S. (Forbes)
At Least 3 Dead And More Than Three Dozen Injured In Major Midwest Tornadoes (Forbes)
