Severe thunderstorms and tornadoes wreaked havoc across parts of eastern Nebraska and northeast Texas on Friday as a multi-day severe weather event unfolded in the central United States. Tornadoes were observed in Nebraska, with at least one passing near Lincoln and west of Omaha. A tornado emergency was issued as the storm tracked just west of Omaha, indicating a confirmed deadly tornado. Another tornado in Texas was documented on social media, churning across a large field as the storm threat continued to escalate through the evening.
The severe weather was part of a classic springtime setup, with moist air from the Gulf of Mexico fueling storms as temperatures rose in the central US. Areas like Dallas, Kansas City, Des Moines, and Omaha were at risk of multiple rounds of severe thunderstorms through the weekend. The storm threat started on Friday in the Plains, Mississippi Valley, and Midwest, with Nebraska, Iowa, Kansas, and Missouri facing a Level 3 of 5 risk for severe thunderstorms. Other states like Texas and Oklahoma were added to the risk area as storms developed throughout the day.
Saturday was predicted to be the most dangerous day of the severe weather event, with the potential for widespread damaging storms in the southern and central Plains. If morning storms lingered, the atmosphere would not fully recharge, limiting the strength of afternoon storms. However, if storms cleared out, the potential for strong tornadoes increased. The Weather Prediction Center warned of a “significant rainfall event” on Saturday, with up to 5 inches of rain expected in some areas, leading to dangerous flash flooding.
On Sunday, the severe weather threat shifted from Texas to Wisconsin, with the extent and strength of storms dependent on how Saturday night’s storms behaved. Areas from northeastern Texas to southern Iowa and western Illinois were at highest risk for damaging storms, including strong winds, large hail, and isolated tornadoes. Heavy rainfall and flooding were also possible in the Lower Mississippi Valley. By Monday, severe weather was expected to become more isolated, with any developing storms confined to the Gulf Coast.
Overall, the severe weather event brought destructive tornadoes, damaging winds, large hail, and heavy rainfall across the central United States, impacting states like Nebraska, Texas, and Missouri. The multi-day event posed significant risks to residents in the affected areas, highlighting the importance of ongoing vigilance and preparedness in the face of severe weather outbreaks.
