Tornado watch issued in four US states as National Weather Service warns 'be prepared'

Severe Storm System Threatens Central US with Tornadoes and Flooding

A powerful storm system is currently sweeping across portions of the United States, prompting urgent tornado watches across four central states this Wednesday morning. The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued these alerts for areas within Oklahoma, Kansas, Arkansas, and Missouri, commencing as early as 5:20 AM Central Time. Residents are strongly urged to “be prepared” for potentially life-threatening weather conditions as this severe weather outbreak unfolds.

Tornado Warning Issued for Kansas City

A specific tornado warning is in effect for Kansas City, Missouri, remaining valid until 7:30 AM CT. According to the NWS, a tornado warning signifies that a tornado is imminent or occurring, and individuals in the affected region must immediately seek secure shelter.

Immediate Action Advised: Seek Shelter

“SEEK SHELTER IMMEDIATELY!” declared agency officials in the Kansas City alert. “Move to a basement or an interior room on the lowest level of a sturdy structure. Stay away from windows. If you are outside, in a mobile home, or in a vehicle, proceed to the nearest robust shelter and shield yourself from flying debris.”

‘Life-Threatening’ Storm Impact Expected Across Multiple Days

The NWS has cautioned that this is only the onset of the “life-threatening” consequences anticipated from this significant spring storm across the central US. The agency further stated that this weather event has the potential to become a “multi-day catastrophic and potentially historic event,” emphasizing the widespread danger.

Storm Path and Thunderstorm Threat

The storm system is projected to track eastward through the Midwest, Mississippi Valley, and southern Plains throughout today. This trajectory is expected to generate “widespread, intense” thunderstorms extending from the Great Lakes region down to the Gulf Coast, impacting a large swathe of the country.

High Risk Classification and Expected Hazards

The NWS Storm Prediction Center has designated this ongoing severe weather outbreak as a “High Risk” event, the highest level of severity (level five out of five). This classification applies particularly to south-central regions where tornado watches and warnings are currently in place. In addition to tornadoes, very large hail and “significant” damaging winds are also anticipated across these states, posing further threats to life and property.

Severe Threat Extends to Mid-South

The Mid-South region is also facing a “severe threat” today. While the tornado threat in these areas is described as “more scattered,” the NWS clarifies that there remains a “significant threat of tornadoes, large hail, and damaging winds.” Residents in these locations should remain vigilant and monitor weather alerts.

Flash Flood Risk Compounding Weather Dangers

The agency further warned that “Unfortunately, this severe threat will be compounded by the beginning of a life-threatening flash flood event.” Heavy rainfall across already saturated ground is expected to exacerbate the dangers posed by the storm system.

Flood Watches in Effect Across Nine States

Flood watches are currently in effect for portions of nine states: Tennessee, West Virginia, Kentucky, Illinois, Louisiana, Indiana, Pennsylvania, Arkansas, and Ohio, indicating a broad area at risk of flash flooding. These alerts are expected to remain active through Sunday. By Thursday, flood watches are anticipated to expand to include parts of Missouri, Michigan, and Wisconsin, broadening the area under threat.

‘Particularly Dangerous’ Flash Flood Zones

The risk of flash flooding is deemed “particularly dangerous” in the vicinity of Paducah, Kentucky; Little Rock, Arkansas; and Memphis, Tennessee. These cities are expected to experience multiple rounds of intense rainfall, heightening the potential for rapid and severe flooding.

Millions at Risk from Flooding

Accuweather reports that as torrential rainfall persists throughout the weekend, over 46 million individuals across the central US will be affected by the storm system. Critically, at least 13 million of these people reside within zones designated as having a high to extreme flood risk, emphasizing the scale of potential impact.

Potential for Historic Flooding

Accuweather meteorologists are warning of the possibility of “rapid, major and historic flooding,” stating that “More than a foot of rain may pour down from portions of Arkansas to Kentucky and Ohio.” Such extreme rainfall amounts could overwhelm drainage systems and lead to widespread inundation.

Atmospheric River Contributing to Rainfall

The heavy rains are attributed to an atmospheric river, described as a vast corridor of water vapor in the atmosphere originating from the Caribbean. According to AccuWeather senior storm warning meteorologist William Clark, “Tropical moisture raises the risk of excessive rainfall,” explaining the intensity of the anticipated precipitation.

Peak Intensity Expected Today

Accuweather forecasts that the barrage of severe weather is expected to reach its peak intensity today, Wednesday. This suggests that the most dangerous conditions are imminent for the areas currently under tornado and flood watches and warnings.

Continuing Storm Threat Thursday and Friday

However, the storm system is expected to remain active on Thursday, with a severe weather zone stretching from parts of central Texas eastward towards the mid-Atlantic coast. The threat of severe weather, including tornadoes and flooding, is projected to continue through Friday and Saturday, particularly concentrated over the lower Mississippi Valley region, according to Accuweather reports.