Springfield, Mo. – Soaked ground and swollen streams now add to the danger in Missouri and the Southern Plains this Easter Sunday, as a Tornado Watch affecting 5.1 million people stretches into the evening following a barrage of Saturday storms that dumped more than 8 inches of rain in parts of Texas.
According to the Weather Prediction Center, rainfall totals over the last 24 hours reached 8.18 inches in Nocona, Texas, and 5.85 inches in Carthage, Missouri. Oklahoma cities such as Ada and Oklahoma City also saw totals above 4 inches. The soaking setup has left much of the region vulnerable to flash flooding as severe weather continues to sweep through six states under a Tornado Watch until 7 p.m.
The National Weather Service warns that saturated ground may increase runoff and flooding risks, especially in low-lying and urban areas along I-44, I-35, and US-69. With hail, 70 mph winds, and tornadoes still possible today, emergency officials urge residents to avoid flooded roads and monitor local alerts…