Severe storms are causing havoc across the central United States, with tornadoes and damaging winds wreaking havoc in several states. In southwestern Oklahoma, a funnel cloud touched down on Thursday, resulting in significant damage to homes in the area. Tragically, a tornado in Iowa earlier this week claimed the lives of five people and has now been classified as an EF4 by FEMA officials.
The National Weather Service and FEMA are on the ground in hard-hit areas like Greenfield, Iowa, assessing the extent of the damage. Meteorologists are closely monitoring the situation, with ongoing tornado threats just north and east of Des Moines. Despite a severe thunderstorm watch issued by the Storm Prediction Center, tornado warnings have been issued due to rotation signatures and observed tornadoes in the region.
The storm system, which has already spawned over 70 tornadoes since Sunday, is now moving eastward, targeting cities like Chicago. Little Rock is also experiencing rough weather, with multiple severe thunderstorm warnings in effect. The storm system shows no signs of letting up, with an estimated 80 million Americans under the threat of severe storms.
Chicago, St. Louis, Springfield, Little Rock, and Dallas are among the cities at risk, with the northern sections of Illinois and southern Wisconsin, including the Chicago suburbs, facing a 5% chance of tornadoes later in the day. The number of tornadoes this year is already above average, and the severe weather is expected to continue into the weekend.
Tomorrow, an enhanced risk of severe storms is forecasted for the central and southern plains, while Sunday, a busy travel day leading up to Memorial Day, poses another risk of severe weather across the Ohio River Valley. It is crucial for residents in these areas to stay informed and take necessary precautions to ensure their safety during this turbulent weather period.
