Severe Tornado Threat Looms Over Midwest and South

A significant tornado outbreak is anticipated tonight across the Midwest and South, leading to a rare “high” level severe weather alert. These alerts, classified as level 5 out of 5 by NOAA’s Storm Prediction Center, are seldomly issued—only two to three times annually—for exceptional and volatile weather conditions, such as those expected today. Specifically, there is a looming threat of multiple, long-lasting EF3 or stronger tornadoes within the mid-South, mid-Mississippi, and lower Ohio valley regions.

According to the Storm Prediction Center, “a tornado outbreak is expected this afternoon into early tonight from parts of the lower Mississippi Valley into the Mid-South and lower Ohio Valley.” A formidable line of severe storms is advancing eastward across the mid-Mississippi Valley and the Ozarks. Concurrently, a series of rotating thunderstorms is advancing through northern Mississippi and western Tennessee, preceding this line of storms.

In response, a “Particularly Dangerous Situation” tornado watch has been announced by NOAA’s Storm Prediction Center, effective until midnight CDT for eastern Arkansas, southern Illinois, southern Indiana, western Kentucky, southeastern Missouri, northern Mississippi, and western Tennessee. This puts areas including Memphis and Evansville, Indiana, at heightened risk for powerful tornadoes, damaging winds, and large hail.

Additional severe weather watches include: a tornado watch until 10 p.m. CDT for eastern Illinois and western Indiana; another valid until midnight CDT for southern Arkansas, northern Louisiana, and northeast Texas; and one until 7 p.m. CDT for west-central Illinois and east-central Missouri.

Earlier today, radar confirmed tornado damage to roofs and trees near Owasso, just north of Tulsa, Oklahoma. Another radar-confirmed tornado inflicted similar damage around Nevada, Missouri. Tornadoes were also reported near Paxton, Illinois, and Almyra, Arkansas, on Wednesday evening.