One day after destructive tornadoes ravaged through Nebraska and Iowa, millions of people across parts of Kansas, Missouri, and Oklahoma are now under tornado watches Saturday evening, as severe weather threats persist in the region.
Tornado watches across multiple states
Tornado watches have been issued for various regions, including the Kansas City metropolitan area, covering approximately 2.7 million people in southeastern Kansas and western and central Missouri, until midnight CT. Another watch area extends over much of Oklahoma and parts of North Texas until 3 a.m. CT, with additional watches in eastern Iowa, northeast Missouri, southwest Wisconsin, and northwest Illinois, lasting until midnight CT. Furthermore, a separate watch area encompasses eastern and central Missouri and central and western Illinois, including St. Louis, until 4 a.m. CT.
In total, around 9 million people are currently under tornado watches, spanning over 800 miles from Texas to southern Wisconsin.
What is the current status?
- A tornado touched down near Tinker Air Force Base in Norman, Oklahoma, with no immediate reports of damage.
- As of 8 p.m. CT, there have been 11 tornado reports in Kansas and two in Missouri.
- Oklahoma's emergency operations center has been activated, urging residents to stay weather aware and prepared.
- Multiple tornado warnings were issued in Kansas, Oklahoma, and North Texas throughout Saturday afternoon.
- A new tornado watch has been issued for eastern Iowa, northwest Illinois, northeast Missouri, and southwest Wisconsin until 12 am CDT.
Continued threat and precautions
The severe weather threat is expected to persist through Sunday, with strong tornadoes possible from Nebraska to Texas, including major cities like Dallas, Austin, Oklahoma City, Tulsa, Kansas City, and Wichita. The National Weather Prediction Center has warned of a high risk for excessive rain and flash flooding in parts of Oklahoma, emphasizing the need for preparedness and vigilance among residents.
In the aftermath of the devastating storms in Nebraska and Iowa, recovery efforts are underway as residents assess the damage left by the tornadoes. Communities such as Elkhorn in Omaha, Nebraska, and Minden in Iowa have experienced significant destruction, with numerous homes and businesses affected. Despite the widespread damage, there have been no reported fatalities, with residents expressing gratitude for their safety amidst the chaos.
As the threat of severe weather persists into Sunday, residents are urged to remain vigilant and take necessary precautions to ensure their safety and well-being amid the ongoing storms.
