Article Summary –
Tornadoes and severe thunderstorms have wreaked havoc in parts of eastern Nebraska and Iowa, injuring at least three people. The storms began in parts of the Plains and South, with the National Weather Service receiving at least 42 reports of tornadoes across Texas, Nebraska, and Iowa. The severe weather is expected to continue through the weekend, with potentially damaging storms expected in cities including Dallas, Kansas City, Des Moines, Omaha, and several areas from Michigan to Texas.
Severe Tornadoes Sweep Across Nebraska and Iowa, Injuring Three
Severe tornadoes wreaked havoc in eastern Nebraska and Iowa last Friday, causing injuries to at least three people. The National Weather Service reported a total of 42 tornadoes across Texas, Nebraska, and Iowa, marking a significant upswing in the central United States’ multi-day severe thunderstorm event.
Highlights of the Severe Weather
A tornado devastated the outskirts of Lincoln, Nebraska, tearing off roofs and causing traffic disruption on I-80 due to an overturned tractor-trailer. In the Elkhorn neighborhood on the edge of Omaha, videos and photos showed homes pulled from their foundations and stripped trees. The Eppley Airfield in Omaha temporarily closed for damage assessment, as announced on Twitter.
Tornadoes hit Waverly, Nebraska, derailing multiple train cars and causing substantial infrastructural damage. On the same day, two tornadoes were observed in Texas, one northeast of Waco, causing significant disruption in the area. The storms are expected to continue until Sunday, with the greatest threat extending from Michigan to Texas.
Anticipated Weather Conditions
The moist air from the Gulf of Mexico and the rising heat in the central US create the perfect conditions for severe weather. These conditions pose a severe thunderstorm threat for two or three consecutive days in locations such as Dallas, Kansas City, Des Moines, and Omaha. The tornado threat is expected to escalate through Friday evening.
The storms caused significant damage and brought parts of eastern Nebraska to a standstill. With the storms progressing east into Iowa and northern Missouri, the National Weather Service issued a tornado emergency for a large tornado near Harlan, Iowa, warning of likely “catastrophic damage”.
Warnings and Future Predictions
The prediction center warns of a significant tornado event, with a Level 3 of 5 risk of severe thunderstorms extending from parts of Iowa and Nebraska to northeast Texas. Damaging wind gusts, hail up to the size of baseballs and strong tornadoes are potential threats in this area. Heavy rainfall could cause flooding in parts of Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, and Missouri.
Saturday poses the greatest danger, depending on the evolution of Friday night’s storms. The prediction center warns of significant severe weather, particularly if the atmosphere is able to fully recharge after the morning storms. The most significant storms are anticipated in the afternoon in parts of the southern and central Plains.
Intense rainfall could see totals approach the 8-inch mark, leading to dangerous flash flooding. Damaging storms are possible from Texas to Wisconsin on Sunday, with the timing, extent, and strength of these storms heavily dependent on Saturday night’s storms. Isolated severe weather is forecasted for Monday, potentially confined to the Gulf Coast.
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