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- Another round of storms, tornadoes takes aim at central US (usatoday.com)
Severe weather is once again posing a significant threat across the central United States on April 17, with forecasts warning of thunderstorms, damaging winds, hail, and potential tornadoes.
More than 22 million residents in major metropolitan areas-including Chicago, Kansas City, Tulsa, Wichita, and Madison-are under an enhanced risk for severe storms. The Storm Prediction Center highlights a broad swath of unsettled conditions stretching from Texas through the Midwest, with the highest risk for strong to intense tornadoes concentrated from eastern Iowa into Wisconsin and northwest Illinois.
The National Weather Service cautions that heavy rainfall rates of 1 to 2 inches per hour may lead to scattered flash flooding, particularly in locations already experiencing accumulated rainfall earlier this week.
This latest threat follows consecutive days of turbulent weather that produced multiple tornado reports. Between April 14 and 15, at least eight tornadoes were confirmed in Michigan, according to the Detroit Free Press. Wisconsin also suffered significant damage when a tornado in Juneau County on April 14 became the strongest in the state since 2021, leveling a home and tearing the roof off a church in Waukesha County, as reported by the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.
“This stormy pattern has evolved into a multiday severe weather outbreak, with the most dangerous conditions expected Friday,” said Adam Douty, senior meteorologist at AccuWeather. “Friday’s setup has all the ingredients for significant severe weather, including destructive hail, damaging winds, and tornadoes.”
The week’s severe weather is expected to climax on April 17 before shifting eastward. Early in the day, large hail and the possibility of a few tornadoes are anticipated, transitioning into damaging winds with gusts exceeding 75 mph by evening, according to the Storm Prediction Center.
In the upper Mississippi Valley and Midwest, conditions may support supercell thunderstorms capable of producing strong tornadoes. South-central Kansas through northwestern Missouri could see hail larger than 2 inches in diameter and a few tornadoes.
Residents in the storm’s path are urged to remain vigilant. “Make sure your phone is charged, alerts are enabled, and your storm shelter or safe place is stocked with emergency supplies,” advised AccuWeather senior meteorologist Dan Pydynowski. “Never drive on flooded roads, especially at night.”
Looking ahead, the severe weather threat will shift east on April 18, affecting areas from Arkansas to southwestern New York, including much of Ohio. Tornadoes, damaging winds, and hail remain possible across this region. By April 19, the threat is expected to wane, though thunderstorms and heavy rain may continue along parts of the Gulf and Atlantic Coasts.
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- Another round of storms, tornadoes takes aim at central US (usatoday.com)