Central U.S. Faces New Severe Weather Outbreak with Tornadoes, Hail, and Destructive Winds

Severe Weather Outbreak in the US

Alerts in effect across multiple states

Hail and destructive winds expected

Once again, the heart of the United States is bracing for an intense outbreak of severe weather stretching from the central plains to the Mississippi Valley.

Thunderstorms with destructive potential threaten millions of residents across several states, as the same system that caused tornadoes on Sunday continues moving east.

According to the Storm Prediction Center, moderate to enhanced risk levels (3 and 4 out of 5) have been issued for large areas of northeastern Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, Missouri, and Arkansas.

Meteorologists warn that strong tornadoes, large hail, and dangerous wind gusts could develop today, particularly in central and eastern Oklahoma.

US Cities at Elevated Risk for Tornadoes and Hail

Severe Weather Outbreak in the US – Photo: Shutterstock

US cities such as Tulsa and Oklahoma City are at the center of the highest-risk zone, triggering emergency alerts and local media warnings.

Other high-risk areas include Wichita and Kansas City in Kansas; Dallas and Wichita Falls in Texas; and Jefferson City and Springfield in Missouri.

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The storm system is moving slowly eastward, which increases the duration of the threat and raises the likelihood of widespread damage to homes, infrastructure, and power lines.

A tornado watch has been issued from eastern Nebraska and southwestern Iowa to north-central Texas and northwestern Arkansas.

Eastern US Areas Also Face Severe Storm Threats

Cities under this watch include Omaha and Lincoln (Nebraska), Kansas City (Missouri), Oklahoma City and Tulsa (Oklahoma), Fayetteville (Arkansas), and Denton (Texas).

Meteorologists explain that the frontal system is creating ideal conditions for the development of supercells in this area of the US—rotating thunderstorms capable of producing highly destructive tornadoes.

Meanwhile, farther east, a warm front is expected to trigger more scattered but still dangerous storms across the Tennessee Valley and the Carolinas.

This area is under a slight risk (level 2 of 5), covering central and eastern Tennessee, northern Georgia, and western South Carolina.

Guidance for Watches and Warnings

Cities like Nashville and Chattanooga could experience strong winds and hail in the afternoon and evening, according to current forecasts.

Experts emphasize the importance of understanding the difference between a watch and a warning, as they require different responses to stay safe.

A watch means conditions are favorable for severe weather, so people should stay alert for updates.

A warning indicates that the severe weather event is either occurring or imminent—meaning immediate action and seeking shelter are necessary.

Preparedness and Vigilance Amid Extreme Weather in the US

The general recommendation is to have an emergency kit ready, including a battery-powered radio, flashlights, drinking water, and non-perishable food—especially in case of power outages.

Families are also advised to review their emergency plans, know where the nearest shelters are, and take all official warnings seriously.

Schools, hospitals, and public buildings in the affected areas have strengthened their safety protocols in anticipation of possible tornadoes and other extreme weather events.

This new severe weather outbreak adds to an already particularly active storm season in the central US, where previous storms have caused significant damage and casualties, according to Weatherbug.