Millions of people were at risk of tornadoes, hail and strong winds Monday night, with at least three tornadoes and numerous tornado warnings already in effect in states including Oklahoma, Kansas, Nebraska and Tennessee.
Forecasters at the National Weather Service Storm Prediction Center issued a dire warning that a major tornado could develop across the central United States, affecting millions of people from Texas to the Dakotas. . By 9 p.m., a line of thunderstorm activity had extended from just west of Oklahoma City north through Iowa and into South Dakota, and the National Weather Service continued to warn of an increased risk of tornadoes.
At 2 p.m. Central, the center issued a warning for “particularly dangerous conditions” until 11 p.m., following previous “high risk” warnings for parts of Oklahoma and Kansas, including the Oklahoma City metropolitan area. Such warnings are rarely issued and are only issued on days of the most severe severe weather.
“Severe severe weather is expected,” meteorologist Jennifer Thompson said. Multiple strong, long-tracked tornadoes, large hail, and severe thunderstorm gusts are expected to “develop across portions of the South Central Plains this afternoon and evening,” according to the Storm Prediction Center.
The center warned of “explosive thunderstorm development” and said there was a 95% chance of at least two tornadoes forming. The danger level is expected to increase into the evening.
“The atmosphere is likely to be conducive to tornado formation, especially from late this afternoon, so there is a high possibility of severe tornadoes,” the center warned. The tornado watch covers an approximately 250-by-300-mile area in Kansas and Oklahoma, but the potential for severe weather extends from the Dakotas east into Kentucky and Tennessee.
In Kansas, at least two funnel clouds (meaning not touching the ground) have been reported to the National Weather Service in Topeka, one north of Chapman in Dickinson County and one northwest of Moonlight in Geary County. It is in. A tornado was also detected on radar near Riley in Ogden County.
Hailstones up to 2.5 inches in size were reported in Kingfisher, Oklahoma. The severe weather comes a week after tornadoes killed four people in Oklahoma.
The National Weather Service offers tips to reduce your risk if you're in the path of a tornado. Read our story here.
Tornado confirmed in Oklahoma
In Garfield County, Oklahoma, a tornado was confirmed near Covington and was moving east. The county's emergency management office reported to the weather service that buildings were seen collapsing and trees down near the county line between Garfield and Kingfisher counties.
The weather service also said a second storm could form around Interstate 44 later in the evening and could impact south-central Oklahoma, including the Oklahoma City metropolitan area, with the most intense It warned that the storm could develop between 11 p.m. and 1 a.m.morning
Just before 8 p.m. CT, National Weather Service meteorologists in Norman, Oklahoma, reported that the storm was increasing in intensity and the possibility of tornadoes. Early in the evening, the National Weather Service reported that observers and broadcast media confirmed that a rope tornado had formed approximately one mile south of Bison, Oklahoma.
In Kingfisher County, lifeguards reported uprooted trees, downed power lines and damage to homes, likely caused by the tornado, according to the weather service. County emergency management officials reported downed utility poles and wires where the tornado passed through Lacey.
The National Weather Service announced at 6:43 p.m. that broadcast media had spotted a tornado four miles southeast of Okeene. Just after 6 p.m. in the northern part of the state, trained observers reported a very brief tornado about eight miles south of Helena, the weather service said.
Tornado reports in Tennessee
In Nashville, the National Weather Service reported two radar-confirmed tornadoes, one each in Wilson and DeKalb counties. The Bureau of Meteorology added that no serious damage was reported, but an investigation into the storm was planned for Tuesday.
As of 6 p.m. ET, potential tornado warnings were in effect for South Dakota, Kansas, Nebraska, and Oklahoma starting at lunchtime Monday. Tornado warnings have also been issued for Tennessee.
What is “high risk”?
High risk is the most dangerous weather forecast issued by the Storm Prediction Center.
Matthew Elliott, the centre's warning coordinating meteorologist, said the forecast was the first “high risk” since two forecasts were issued on March 31, 2023.
“Typically, we only average one or two a year,” Elliott said.
“Significant” outbreak
“We really do expect this to be a major severe weather outbreak. There's a long track and there's certainly a potential for severe tornadoes,” Elliott said.
Strong winds across parts of Colorado and the High Plains Monday morning are also related to a strong and strengthening low pressure system that is expected to produce tornadoes and hail later in the day. .
“This is very similar to what's helping build moisture across the Southern Plains leading to severe weather this afternoon and evening,” Elliott said. “As a result, large hail, tornadoes and damaging winds are expected to be possible.”
in preparation
Ahead of the storm, McConnell Air Force Base near Wichita, Kansas, was moving aircraft out of danger, CNN reported.
Schools in the danger zone also had their schedules changed before the storm hit. Oklahoma City Public Schools and several school districts in the metropolitan area began canceling all after-school and evening activities, the Associated Press reported.
on this day in history
On May 6, 1975, a violent F-4 tornado struck Omaha, Nebraska, killing three people and destroying 287 homes. This was the most destructive of his 36 tornadoes during the two-day outbreak.
Contributor: Josh Dulaney, The Oklahoman
