Severe Storms Threaten Midwest & Plains with Rising Tornado Risk

Severe weather is expected to hit parts of the Midwest and Great Plains this week, according to forecasters. The National Weather Service warns of possible tornadoes, damaging winds, and large hail across several US states.

A level 3 out of 5 “enhanced risk” alert has been issued for areas from east-central Nebraska to southwest Minnesota, including Sioux Falls, South Dakota, and Grand Island, Nebraska. Forecasters say tornadoes, large hail, and destructive winds are all possible.

The latest warning comes after severe storms swept across the central US over the weekend, triggering reports of tornadoes in Iowa, Kansas, and Nebraska. Baseball-sized hail was also reported in several states, including Missouri and Kansas.

Thunderstorms near Concordia, Kansas, produced wind gusts estimated at 90mph on Saturday, bringing down trees and power lines. Hill City Airport in northwest Kansas recorded gusts of up to 82mph. Heavy rainfall caused flash flooding in central Missouri, where six to eight inches of rain reportedly fell within hours.