Severe Storms and Tornadoes Impact Central U.S., Millions Under Tornado Watches
Severe thunderstorms and tornadoes have affected the central United States, with approximately 26 million people under tornado watches from Wisconsin to Oklahoma.
Severe thunderstorms and tornadoes have impacted the central United States, with approximately 26 million people under tornado watches from Wisconsin to Oklahoma. The National Weather Service (NWS) has warned of severe thunderstorms capable of producing large hail, approximately the size of a baseball, in areas from northwestern Oklahoma through western Missouri. Residents in affected regions are advised to stay indoors and away from windows during severe weather episodes.
A rare "particularly dangerous situation" threat level was assigned to one tornado in Illinois and two in Wisconsin. Social media posts have shown damage, including a house with a blown-out window and another with a caved-in garage door in Stewartville, Minnesota. In Wisconsin, the Buffalo County Sheriff's Office shared images of a damaged house roof with debris scattered around.
The region has experienced days of tornadoes, hail, and flooding. In Milwaukee, flash flooding engulfed a freeway, leaving drivers stranded and roadways closed. In Waukesha, Wisconsin, a man died after being struck by lightning during thunderstorms. Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers declared a state of emergency, activating the joint mobilization of law enforcement, fire services, state agencies, and emergency response groups.
