USA tornado news : Severe Weather Strikes.

Trail of Destruction Unleashed USA tornado news Today

Friday unleashed severe weather across the Heartland, leaving behind a path of destruction. Reports flooded in, tallying a staggering 83 tornadoes across five states.

Continued Storm Threats

As Saturday dawned, the threat persisted with powerful storms anticipated from Texas to the Great Lakes region. A tornado watch extended over parts of six states, with the likelihood of expansion eastward.

Elevated Risk and Potential Hazards

A moderate risk (level 4 out of 5) loomed over parts of Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, and Missouri on Saturday. The forecast warned of the possibility of strong long-track tornadoes, large hail up to 3 inches in diameter, and thunderstorm winds reaching up to 80 mph.

Devastation in Iowa and Nebraska

The toll of the storms was evident in Pottawattamie County, Iowa, where severe weather caused injuries and damage to approximately 120 structures. Minden, the hardest-hit area, faces disruptions in gas and power supply, with a curfew imposed until further notice. In eastern Nebraska, including Douglas County, hundreds of homes were damaged, with evidence pointing to rare EF-2 and EF-3 tornadoes.

State of Emergency Declared

Governor Kim Reynolds, alongside Pottawattamie County and the City of Minden, declared a state of emergency in response to the widespread damage. Despite the extensive property damage, no fatalities have been reported thus far.

Ongoing Threats and Precautions

Nebraska Governor Jim Pillen urged continued caution as the storm threat persisted into Saturday evening. Tornado reports continued, with one tornado emergency issued in Texas and another confirmed near the Kansas-Nebraska-Missouri intersection.

Flash Flood Risk

Alongside the tornado threat, a flash flood risk loomed large. A flood watch spanned eight states from Texas to Iowa until Monday afternoon, with forecasts indicating the potential for significant rainfall leading to dangerous flash flooding.

As the National Weather Service conducts damage surveys, the Heartland braces for potential further impacts. While Sunday offers a slight reduction in threats, the risk of damaging winds, large hail, and tornadoes remains across several states. Stay safe and heed local authorities’ advice as this severe weather event unfolds.