A dangerous outbreak of severe weather is unfolding across the central and southern United States today, putting more than 40 million people under threat. The National Weather Service and Storm Prediction Center have issued widespread warnings for damaging storms, tornadoes, hail, and fire weather hazards, with Oklahoma, Texas, and Kansas at the center of the storm zone.
Severe Storms and Tornadoes Possible
A large swath of the central U.S. is bracing for potentially explosive thunderstorm development, fueled by intense heat, humidity, and a powerful jet stream overhead. The Great Plains and southern Midwest are especially at risk, with supercell thunderstorms capable of producing:
- Tornadoes, including strong, long-track twisters
- Baseball-sized hail (5+ cm / 2+ inches)
- Wind gusts over 120 km/h (75+ mph)
The highest tornado risk is expected in parts of northern Texas, central Oklahoma, and southern Kansas, where conditions are ripe for rotating storms.
Fires Near Oklahoma City Spark Additional Emergency
In addition to the storm threat, wildfires have broken out near Oklahoma City, where gusty winds and dry vegetation have created fast-spreading flames. Emergency services are battling several active blazes near the western suburbs, and some evacuations are underway.
Local officials are urging residents in fire-prone areas to stay alert, prepare to leave quickly if needed, and avoid outdoor burning. Large flames are burning after a tank battery caught fire Friday morning in Wanette, reportedly the source of the fire is a lightning strike.
Who Is Affected?
As of this morning, the Storm Prediction Center (SPC) has placed over 40 million people under some level of severe weather risk — from Dallas, Texas, northward through Oklahoma City, Wichita, Kansas City, and as far east as parts of St. Louis and Little Rock.
Airports in affected zones may see delays or cancellations, and major highways could be impacted by hail or flooding.
Expected Timeline
Storms are expected to develop during the late afternoon and evening hours. The tornado threat will peak between 4 PM and 10 PM local time. Overnight storms may bring damaging wind and isolated hail.
This is a developing situation. Meteorologists stress that even areas outside the high-risk zones could experience dangerous weather, so all residents across the Plains and Midwest should remain vigilant.
We’ll continue to update this page as the situation evolves. For real-time alerts, check your local NWS office or follow updates from the Storm Prediction Center.
