U.S. News
Severe Storms Slam Heartland Through Weekend

Clear Facts
- Severe weather targets Texas to Illinois from Wednesday through weekend.
- Threats include tornadoes, hurricane-force winds up to 80 mph, hail, and flooding.
- First round hits northeastern and central Texas through southern Illinois on Wednesday.
- Thursday focuses on central and northwestern Texas, western Oklahoma, and south-central Kansas.
- Friday shifts east to central Texas and southwestern Missouri with multiple tornado risks.
- Nighttime storms heighten dangers, especially potential after-dark tornadoes.
- Overall pattern boosts flooding, beneficial for drought areas but flash flood risks rise.
Severe thunderstorms will develop along the boundary of warm Gulf air and cooler Canadian air across the Mississippi Valley and Great Plains.
Wednesday brings huge hail and damaging gusts as the primary dangers, with intense storms possibly spawning tornadoes.
Thursday evening reloads the atmosphere, expanding risks into Oklahoma and Kansas with isolated tornadoes, flooding, and hail possible.
Tornado potential stays low Thursday night, though heaviest storms pack hail and strong winds.
Friday’s threat widens eastward, featuring multiple tornadoes alongside hail and gusts.
Additional waves continue into the weekend over similar and expanded southern, eastern zones.
Americans in the heartland should prepare for persistent overnight risks that demand vigilance to protect families and property.
While rainfall aids farmers after prolonged drought, rapid downpours threaten urban flash floods and small streams.
Stay alert and safeguard your communities amid these assaults on our vital Plains regions.
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