Severe weather is ripping roofs off buildings, blowing over semitrailers and flooding roadways in parts of several states including Missouri, Illinois, Michigan and Indiana.
The rare "high risk" threat continues into tonight, with a tornado outbreak likely in parts of the Midwest and South.
Follow the latest forecast here .
People in the path of this system should remain vigilant and prepared, as these storms could lead to widespread destruction.
Here are the latest updates:
(07:28 p.m. EDT) Potential Danger In Cape Girardeau, Missouri
From weather.com digital meteorologist Jonathan Belles: Seems like we're seeing at least the beginning of an uptick in tornado potential. We have another confirmed tornado west of Cape Girardeau, Missouri. Might spell trouble for that city soon.
(07:19 p.m. EDT) Photos Show Damage In Southern Missouri
Earlier, local news reported possible tornado damage in Potosi, Missouri, about 57 miles southwest of St. Louis. Photos shared on social media show what appears to be at least one structure destroyed and a truck damaged.
(07:03 p.m. EDT) Parts Of Tennessee, Arkansas In The Crosshairs Right Now
From weather.com digital meteorologist Jonathan Belles: A storm heading into Memphis, Tennessee, right now could develop into a tornadic supercell . There could also be some rotation around Diaz, Arkansas.
(06:53 p.m. EDT) West Virginians Warned To Stay Weather Aware
Gov. Patrick Morrisey declared a “state of preparedness” and is encouraging residents to pay close attention to the weather in the coming days.
Here’s why, from weather.com on camera meteorologist Danielle Banks :
Unfortunately, West Virginia faces a lot of severe weather at the moment. For tonight going into early tomorrow, some storms could produce damaging winds, large hail and perhaps a tornado or two. Those close to the border of southeastern Ohio could see damaging winds in excess of 75 mph. Tomorrow, there are similar threats, but the Storm Prediction Center is quick to point out that the exact location of the threats remains uncertain at this time.
(06:38 p.m. EDT) Car Crushed By Tree In Louisville, Kentucky
A tree crashed down on a car on a road in Louisville, Kentucky, this afternoon, according to WAVE-TV. The station reported the driver was transported to a local hospital.
(06:28 p.m. EDT) Tornadoes Can Hit Anywhere, Anytime
From weather.com with TV meteorologists Danielle Banks :
Tornadoes show no preference when it comes to striking rural regions or urban centers. However, these whirlwinds tend to gain a reputation for frequently affecting less dense areas due to their vast expanses of open space. Despite looking like small dots from an aerial view, heavily inhabited metropolitan areas remain just as susceptible to tornado damage. Remember, tornadoes are natural phenomena capable of occurring at any location.
(06:12 p.m. EDT) EF-1 Tornado Causes Damage in Oklahoma
Latest update from the National Weather Service for Tulsa, Oklahoma:
“Our survey team has found high-end EF1 tornado damage that occurred this morning in the Owasso area, with estimated winds around 100-110 mph. More details will be forthcoming later.”
Owasso is on the northeast side of Tulsa.
Photos and video shared from there earlier today showed homes damaged and trees down..
(05:58 p.m. EDT) Heads Up, Little Rock
From weather.com digital meteorologist Jonathan Belles : The next bigger city to interact with the squall line is Little Rock. The line is currently warned for both flash flooding and severe thunderstorms (including both wind and hail). Heavier rain will come over the next half hour or so.
(05:48 p.m. EDT) Rotation In Memphis, Tennessee, Area
From weather.com senior digital meteorologist Jonathan Belles : Tornado warnings around Memphis, Tennessee, are radar-indicated, but two of the three storms are still spinning quite a bit. Just no confirmation of current touchdowns right now.
(05:31 p.m. EDT) Damage Reported Southwest Of St. Louis
Local news is reporting damage in the community of Potosi, Missouri. The area is about 57 miles southwest of St. Louis.
(05:25 p.m. EDT) Just Because You Don’t See A Tornado Doesn’t Mean There Isn’t One
From weather.com on camera meteorologist Danielle Banks :
You need to stay aware of the possibility of damaging winds even if you do not “see” a tornado. Tornadoes may appear almost transparent until they form a condensation funnel made up of water droplets, plus other dust and debris, which makes them easier to spot.
(05:14 p.m. EDT) Storms Ready To Pound St. Louis Area
From weather.com digital meteorologist Jonathan Belles :
The squall line is about to barrel through St. Louis. One chunk of the line is rotating and will bring some tornado threat to St. Louis' southern suburbs. Anyone in the area should be paying especially close attention right now.
(05:05 p.m. EDT) Two-Inch Hail and Strong Winds Reported in Springfield, Illinois
From the senior digital meteorologist at weather.com Jonathan Erdman :
We might observe some hail damage, particularly to cars, in certain sections of Springfield, Illinois. Approximately 45 minutes ago, hail up to 2 inches in diameter was recorded in the region, accompanied by wind speeds exceeding 50 mph.
(04:59 p.m. EDT) Portions of Illinois Are Being Impacted for the Second Time This Afternoon
Severe storms are moving through a part of central Illinois already hit once today. A wind gust estimated at 70 to 75 mph was reported near Elkhart, which is just about 10 miles southeast of Lincoln, where damage to businesses and vehicles was reported earlier.
(04:45 p.m. EDT) Tornado Watch Versus Tornado Warning: Know The Difference
From weather.com on camera meteorologist Danielle Banks :
A tornado watch is issued when a tornado is possible. That’s your heads up to get prepared and have a plan in place in case you need to seek shelter. Watches are issued by the Storm Prediction Center where tornadoes may occur and normally cover numerous counties within a state or states.
However, a tornado warning means that a tornado has been either radar-indicated or sighted by a trained spotter. It could also mean that a tornado is highly likely and you need to seek shelter immediately because there is immediate danger to lives and property. Tornado warnings are issued by your local NWS office.
(04:31 p.m. EDT) Likely Tornado In Southern Missouri
From weather.com digital meteorologist Jonathan Belles :
There was likely a tornado near South Fork, Missouri, just a bit ago. The radar signal is messy, but there was some signal for debris for a time.
(04:15 p.m. EDT) Roads Closed In Kalamazoo, Michigan
Heavy rain and flooding shut down several roads in Kalamazoo, Michigan.
From the Kalamazoo County Sheriff’s Office via social media: “Use caution and anticipate water over the road in many low-lying areas. Do NOT attempt to drive through water... As many motorists are currently finding out, it can be far deeper than expected. If you encounter water, turn around and seek higher routes.”
(03:59 p.m. EDT) Latest Tornado Watch A ‘Particularly Dangerous Situation’
From weather.com senior digital meteorologist Jonathan Erdman :
A tornado watch has just been issued for parts of the Mississippi Valley, including eastern Arkansas, northern Mississippi, southeastern Missouri, western Tennessee, western Kentucky, southern Illinois and extreme southwestern Indiana until midnight CDT.
This isn’t a typical tornado watch. NOAA’s Storm Prediction Center has deemed this a “ particularly dangerous situation ” (PDS). Essentially, it’s the highest level of tornado watch, in rare situations in which long-track, intense tornadoes are expected. Therefore, if you’re in this watch, pay very close attention to the weather conditions and take shelter immediately if you receive a warning.
(03:51 p.m. EDT) Semis Overturned, I-65 Closed
From weather.com on camera meteorologist Robb Ellis: A portion of Interstate 65 near Lowell, Indiana - between Indianapolis and Chicago - is closed after winds blew over several semis . This is a very open stretch of roadway, featuring miles of cornfields and wind turbines. Winds this afternoon were out of the southwest, providing a direct crosswind to truckers.
(03:46 p.m. EDT) Tornadoes, So Far
From weather.com senior digital meteorologist Jonathan Erdman :
Best as we can tell, according to National Weather Service and spotter reports, there appear to have been at least five tornadoes since this morning. They happened in:
- Osage County, Oklahoma.
- Owasso, Oklahoma.
- Nevada, Missouri.
- Near Ballard, Missouri.
- Pilot Grove, Missouri.
(03:40 p.m. EDT) Thunderstorms Developing In Arkansas, Mississippi
From weather.com digital meteorologist Jonathan Belles :
We'll see if these hold and grow or decay, but we've also got a rash of thunderstorms developing in eastern Arkansas and northwestern Mississippi. No warnings down there so far, but if they can grow and separate from each other, they could be tornado producers.
(03:34 p.m. EDT) Winds Continue To Increase
From weather.com on camera meteorologist Robb Ellis:
The wind continues to pick up here in Indiana. Gusts just topped 60 mph in Indianapolis. This non-thunderstorm wind gust occurred at the Indianapolis International Airport at 2:54 pm. local time.
(03:19 p.m. EDT) Downed Utility Poles, Semi Overturned In Central Illinois
More information is coming in on the damage in Lincoln, Illinois.
A post on a local library district’s Facebook page notes downed utility poles , power outages, a semi truck on its side on Interstate 155 and a collapsed roof at an Arby’s fast food restaurant.
(03:03 p.m. EDT) What's Coming Next
From weather.com digital meteorologist Jonathan Belles :
We’re going to be mainly dealing with a squall line with some embedded tornadoes this afternoon through evening.
We’re just starting to get into the slight risk area in Arkansas and Missouri so we’ve got several hours of ramp up to go.
These storms are going to move pretty quickly through the highest risk area this evening, which includes cities like Memphis, Tennessee, and Paducah, Kentucky.
(02:28 p.m. EDT) Damage At Factory In Lincoln, Illinois
From weather.com producer Carmen Molina:
Photos shared to social media show a factory roof damaged by wind in Lincoln, Illinois.
Local resident Ethan Hoinacki, who shot some of the images, shared this with me via social media: “At around 10 a.m., I was at home — about 3 miles west of Lincoln, out in the country — when the sky to the northwest turned extremely dark. Within minutes, leaves and loose debris started swirling upward, almost like they were being pulled into the sky. It didn’t last long, but it was intense while it did … Once the storm moved on, I headed into town. I own a coffee shop, bakery, and some real estate in Lincoln, so I wanted to check on everything. Most of the west side of town was without power, and emergency crews were already on the scene … Grateful that no one I know was hurt, and thankful for the quick response from our local first responders. Definitely one of those days that reminds you how fast the weather can change.
(02:13 p.m. EDT) Beware The Danger Of Falling Trees
Falling trees are another underrated danger When dealing with tempestuous weather conditions, although there isn’t an all-encompassing registry of fatalities and wounds caused by toppled trees, the National Weather Service monitors incidents involving casualties linked to high winds, which often result in fallen trees.
The wind was held responsible for 71 fatalities across the nation and led to over 210 injuries in 2023, according to the latest data available in the National Weather Service database.
According to the NWS, the 10-year yearly average for wind-related fatalities stands at 57.
Specialists think those figures are significantly greater.
(01:58 p.m. EDT) Winds Picking Up In Indiana
From weather.com on camera meteorologist Robb Ellis, who lives in Indiana:
We're gusting to 45 mph here in Indy. 46 mph in Terre Haute. Bloomington just gusted to 49 mph. The Hoosier state is swayin'!
(01:50 p.m. EDT) Flooding And A Tornado: What Do You Do?
There is a significant possibility that certain regions could end up being affected by this situation. tornado warning And at the same time, a flash flood warning is issued as this scenario unfolds. One advises you to head for the lowest level of your house, whereas the other recommends seeking elevated terrain. What should be your ideal course of action then?
Based on information from digital meteorologist at weather.com Jonathan Belles , who wrote an article In 2018 regarding this specific subject:
Provided that flooding doesn’t pose an immediate danger – such as water rapidly entering or nearing your residence – you ought to relocate to the innermost room at the bottom floor of your structure.
In case flooding continues, you ought to move to the innermost room located at the bottom-most floor within your house where water has not reached.
As usual, you should never remain in a mobile home when severe weather is approaching.
Make certain to reach a decision promptly once a warning is released since time generally becomes scarce. Keep in mind that your choice might differ from your neighbor’s, yet both could still be accurate based on each of your circumstances.
(01:38 p.m. EDT) City Reeling From Tornado Now Preparing for Floods
On March 15, Paragould, Arkansas, which experienced an EF2 tornado just under three weeks back, now sees its residents facing this challenge again. lining up for sandbags As they prepare for potential floods.
(01:30 p.m. EDT) Large Hails Are Also a Significant Danger
From weather.com senior meteorologist Jonathan Erdma n:
Even as tornadoes and significant flooding dominate the news, destructive hail poses another considerable danger. This risk is especially pertinent in northern Texas and southern Oklahoma starting early Thursday morning, with potential further occurrences on Friday and Saturday. The Dallas-Fort Worth region, known for frequent springtime hail storms, falls within this affected zone. For those located in these regions who get alerted about severe thunderstorms in the coming days, whenever feasible, ensure your vehicles are parked inside garages or under sheltered areas.
(01:04 p.m. EDT) How the Storm Appears via Satellite Imagery
From the senior digital meteorologist at weather.com Chris Dolce :
We can identify ongoing thunderstorms stretching from the Great Lakes region down to northeastern Texas through colorized infrared satellite imagery The deeper orange and red hues indicate elevated cloud tops, suggesting the presence of towering thunderstorms.
In certain instances, thunderstorms can reach up to tremendous heights. 40,000 to 60,000 feet , or above your usual cruising height during a commercial airline journey.
To the north, the crescent-like pattern of clouds over Minnesota and the Dakotas indicates snowfall from a winter storm affecting these regions. You could say a clash between seasons is taking place.
(12:51 p.m. EDT) Powerful Gusts Reaching Area Before The Storms
From the senior digital meteorologist at weather.com Jonathan Erdman :
We’re observing powerful wind gusts occurring well before the severe thunderstorms hit certain areas in the Midwest. The highest gusts recorded up until now include:
- 58 mph : Near Whitehaven, Tennessee
- 56 mph : Carbondale, Illinois
- 52 mph Flora and Lawrenceville, Illinois
A report also surfaced about a tree being toppled in Bardstown, Kentucky, as a result of these non-thunderstorm winds.
(12:40 p.m. EDT) Oklahoma Tornado Blasts Trees into Houses
A storm in Owasso, Oklahoma, generated tornados that transformed trees into missiles. Photos show extensive damage Once the system had moved through, residents and authorities began cutting downed trees to clear paths for emergency services trying to reach the region.
(12:25 p.m. EDT) Law Enforcement Knocking on Doors in Pilot Grove, Missouri
The Missouri State Highway Patrol stated in a tweet on X First responders continue to search house-by-house in Pilot Grove, Missouri, seeking individuals who may be hurt or caught inside residences damaged by the tornado.
(12:10 p.m. EDT) Major Destruction Close to Moundville, Missouri
Images depict what appears to be extensive destruction to a residence following intense storms that swept across Missouri.
One of the home’s residents was safely rescued from the rubble, according to a comment from a Facebook user. The home had no basement.
(11:49 a.m. EDT) Storms Cause Damage In Pilot Grove, Missouri
The Missouri State Highway Patrol is responding to significant damage in Pilot Grove, Missouri, near I-70, following severe weather in the area. Photos show holes in the side of one home and a car flipped upside down.
(11:43 a.m. EDT) Why Wind Can Be The Most Dangerous Part Of A Storm
Severe thunderstorm winds are no joke—they account for 70% of all severe weather reports and can be just as destructive as a tornado. These winds can snap tree limbs, knock out power, and even send objects crashing through homes or cars.
In some extreme cases, thunderstorms can spawn a derecho , a long-lived wind storm with gusts over 100 miles per hour.
(11:35 a.m. EDT) Hoosier Hail, Winds
From weather.com senior meteorologist Jonathan Erdman :
This morning, we experienced intense thunderstorms stretching as far north as sections of Indiana and Ohio. Larger hailstones, comparable in size to quarters, along with fallen trees and disrupted power lines, have been noted in the Fort Wayne metropolitan region within Indiana early today. Additionally, several instances of hail have been documented in northwest Ohio. Such occurrences typically arise in the mornings when warm, moist air moves northward during extreme weather conditions.
(11:26 a.m. EDT) Key Information About Squall Lines
A storm system stretching across a large part of the Midwest has caused multiple severe weather incidents early today, making it an opportune moment to emphasize why such forms of thunderstorms can pose significant risks.
Squall lines are swift-moving fronts of thunderstorms that can generate powerful gusts, heavy downpours, and occasional twisters. These systems extend over vast distances—often reaching several hundred miles—but remain relatively narrow at around 10 to 20 miles across. On radar imagery, they typically show up as aggressive, arc-like patterns. Should such a front persist and intensify sufficiently, it becomes classified as a derecho—a weather event known for causing damage comparable to hurricanes. Upon spotting an incoming squall line, prepare yourself for strong gales, relentless precipitation, and constant electrical discharges.
Learn about the top five hazards presented by squall lines here .
(11:13 a.m. EDT) Images Reveal Destruction in Nevada, Missouri
Photos depict the devastating impact of the storms in western Missouri, featuring a gas station with a collapsed roof and power poles lying sideways.
(11:02 a.m. EDT) Kentucky’s Governor Announces State of Emergency
Governor Andy Beshear has formally announced a state of emergency due to severe weather predictions that include potential tornado activity in the area.
Expectations for tornadoes are here, and I understand how difficult this news can be," Governor Beshear stated. "Our primary concern lies with the region of West Kentucky which has been struck repeatedly, along with a broader section of Western Kentucky. press release .
People are being asked to keep an eye on weather reports and get ready to respond if a tornado warning is issued.
(10:49 a.m. EDT) We Recently Concluded an Extremely Busy Month
From weather.com senior meteorologist Jonathan Erdman :
It appears more probable than ever that March could conclude with upwards of 200 tornadoes for this year after all data has been confirmed. This phenomenon last occurred in recorded history back in 1950, where the number stood at an unprecedented 234 tornadoes across the country during March 2022.
The event occurred once more in 2023, recording a total of 208 tornadoes.
The increased detection of less intense tornadoes because of advanced technology nowadays surely contributes to this phenomenon. However, this marks the third time in the last four Marches that we've seen at least twice the usual number of tornadoes for March. This frequency is usually more common during April.
(10:38 a.m. EDT) What Time Does the Highest Risk of Tornadic Activity from a Supercell Storm Occur?
From the senior digital meteorologist at weather.com Chris Dolce :
The newest forecasts suggest that the highest risk for severe supercell thunderstorms capable of producing powerful, prolonged tornadoes will occur between 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. Central Daylight Time. This warning covers regions including far northern Louisiana, eastern Arkansas, northwestern Mississippi, western Tennessee, western Kentucky, southeastern Missouri, southern Illinois, and southern Indiana.
(10:23 a.m. EDT) Buildings Damaged in Nevada, Missouri
A potential tornado hit sections of Nevada, Missouri, which lies roughly 90 miles northwest of Springfield. According to local weather accounts, big rigs were flipped over on Interstate 49 near the city limits, and multiple structures had their rooftops ripped away.
Social media posts are beginning to arrive Along with some pictures showing the extent of the damage. There have been no reports of significant injuries. as reported by KY3.com so far.
Confirmed Tornado Near Boonville, Missouri (09:53 a.m. EDT)
The National Weather Service has issued a tornado warning for Howard County and Cooper County in central Missouri after a tornado was spotted on radar.
People living in the region ought to promptly take steps to safeguard themselves as the storm passes through.
(09:50 a.m. EDT) Significant Chance of Flooding
Life-threatening flooding is expected As this system traverses sections of the South and Midwest, cities such as Memphis, Little Rock, and Louisville face the brunt of the impact. Significant precipitation amounts may lead to flooded streets and extremely hazardous situations.
This "high risk" flood prediction holds significance. Experts caution that this might result in a devastating flooding incident. Previous instances with similar high-risk warnings have been associated with almost fifty percent of documented flood-related casualties and wounds across the country.
Discover the significance of being aware of the flood danger. here .
(09:40 a.m. EDT) Current Updates and Future Outlook
According to Chris Dolce, a senior meteorologist from weather.com:
Currently, a squall line featuring intense to severe thunderstorms extends from Missouri through eastern Oklahoma into northwest Arkansas early this morning. The primary danger comes from damaging wind gusts; however, sporadic tornadoes may also occur. This was evident earlier today when a confirmed tornado touched down just north of Tulsa, resulting in roof and tree damages around Owasso.
(09:30 a.m. EDT) Verified tornado caused home damage in Owasso, Oklahoma
Posts on social media highlighted structural damage to multiple houses in Owasso, Oklahoma, which is situated less than 15 miles northeast of central Tulsa.
Damage was also noted at a Whirlpool facility in the region, where several tractor-trailers were affected. flipped at the site , according to News9.com.
(09:23 a.m. EDT) When Does a Tornado Typically Occur?
April typically averages as the second busiest month For tornado occurrences in the U.S., May ranks first. June takes the third spot, followed closely by March in fourth place. Although these storms can occur throughout the year, they are statistically least common during the winter months.
(09:11 a.m. EDT) Uncommon 'High Risk' Prediction
A "high risk" severe weather outlook represents the most critical alert issued by NOAA's Storm Prediction Center, indicating an unstable and possibly destructive atmospheric condition. level 5 warning Is infrequent, usually only released two or three times annually, and requires prompt attention from both meteorologists and the general populace. The SPC has already put out two high-risk predictions this year: one that was tragically impactful. March 14-15 outbreak , and today.
(09:00 a.m. EDT) Weather System Might Deliver 10 To 15 Inches Of Precipitation
From weather.com digital meteorologist Jonathan Belles :
What sets apart this particular storm system is that it’s anticipated to collide with a developing heat dome along the U.S. East Coast. The presence of this heat dome will cause the storm system to decelerate and stretch out, ultimately halting its progress across the Ohio Valley region. As a result, heavy rains could pour down over an area extending from Oklahoma to Indiana. By the time everything settles, up to 10 to 15 inches of precipitation may accumulate around where the Ohio River meets the Mississippi.