Millions of people across the central United States are now preparing for the full impact of extreme weather. A rare Level 5 high-risk alert has been declared for parts of Arkansas, Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky, Tennessee, and Mississippi—a stark reminder that staying prepared is not just good advice, it’s essential. This morning, intense thunderstorms moved through central and eastern Kansas before moving into Oklahoma. A tornado was caught on radar near Salina, Kansas, with early damage reports in Owasso, Oklahoma, confirming a touchdown. These incidents created the conditions for what’s coming: multiple tornadoes that travel long distances, some possibly reaching EF-3 level strength, are likely to sweep through the mid-South and the lower branches of the Mississippi and Ohio valleys later today and into Wednesday night. Meteorologists blame a potent weather system—characterized by strong upper-level winds and a surge of atmospheric moisture into very unstable air—for what looks to be a very active period. Massive hail, 2 to 3 inches in diameter, combined with winds topping 70 mph, aren't just possibilities; they appear highly likely. In Little Rock, the National Weather Service is urging the public to follow safety precautions, but the ultimate responsibility for family safety falls to every individual. With the most dangerous tornado risks predicted from Wednesday afternoon into early evening along a corridor spanning the lower Mississippi Valley, the mid-South, and the lower Ohio Valley, being proactive is absolutely necessary. Additionally, regions from North Texas to the southern Great Lakes—including key centers like Chicago, Indianapolis, and the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex—are facing a solid Level 3 threat. To make matters worse, a slow-moving storm is drawing in large amounts of tropical moisture, creating the conditions for heavy flooding. By Sunday, rainfall may reach between 6 and 12 inches across many areas, with some isolated locations nearing one foot. Cities like Little Rock, Memphis, Nashville, and Louisville are especially vulnerable to flash flooding, a situation that could quickly disrupt daily life. Even once the initial storm system moves on Thursday, rising temperatures could spark another round of severe weather. Look for damaging gusts, isolated tornadoes, and more large hail as the week unfolds. For communities already reeling from recent tornado outbreaks, these renewed threats underscore that being constantly alert is the best protection against disaster. Residents in the Upper Midwest should also prepare for a significant winter storm. Parts of Minnesota’s Arrowhead region along Lake Superior could see heavy, wet snow piling up to 2 feet, while freezing rain may affect areas in Ontario and Quebec, further complicating recovery efforts. In these volatile conditions—from life-threatening tornadoes to overlapping severe weather hazards—the call for action is clear. Update your safety plans, ensure you have a reliable source for timely weather alerts, and get ready to safeguard what truly matters. When every second counts, personal preparedness and community cooperation are the best defenses against severe weather.
A rare Critical Risk Alert has been issued for parts of Arkansas, Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky, Tennessee, and Mississippi.
A tornado outbreak is predicted for Wednesday and Wednesday night, with the potential for multiple long-track, potentially devastating tornadoes.
Severe weather affecting areas from North Texas up to the southern Great Lakes, with winds over 70 mph and hail exceeding 2 inches.
Serious flooding risks for the Mississippi and Ohio valleys, heightening concerns about flash floods.
Early morning events in Kansas and Oklahoma have already yielded tornado sightings, suggesting potential for widespread damage.
Further rounds of severe weather are expected through Thursday and the weekend, exacerbated by heavy snow and freezing rain in northern regions.