8 States From Texas To Iowa Are Bracing For Severe Thunderstorms

Thunderstorms are ravaging their way through many parts of the country, with some central and southern states receiving the worst of it this weekend. The National Weather Service (NWS) and several local agencies are expecting power outages, property damage, and injuries over the next few days. Here’s what Americans need to know!

Warning Of Large Hailstones And Tornadoes

According to the NWS, some areas of the US will experience everything from rain, lightning, and thunder to flash foods, hail the size of golf balls (if not larger), and even tornadoes. If you live in an affected area, they suggest you hunker down for a couple of days. 

A majority of the storm is expected to be contained within a 1,000-mile stretch of land from northeast Texas to the southeastern tip of South Dakota. Eight states in total are said to be affected – here’s which ones are bracing for impact: 

8. Texas (Northeast)

The NWS has already issued thunderstorm warnings in two Texas counties – Kent and Dickens – that are expected to see wind gusts over 60 mph and hailstones the size of a golf ball. The Foard and Knox counties were also issued warnings. 

“Prepare immediately for large hail and deadly cloud to ground lightning. Seek shelter inside a well-built structure. Stay away from windows,” the warning read. “Do not drive your vehicle through flooded roadways.”

7. Oklahoma (East)

Central Oklahoma started getting hit with wind, rain, and severe thunderstorms early Friday morning. By the end of the day, some homeowners in Shawnee and Bethel Acres in Pottawatomie County had already experienced property and roof damage. 

Wind damage was also reported in Oklahoma County and Cleveland County, as well as in two City of McAlester buildings and an Oklahoma Department of Corrections building. Storms are expected to continue through Saturday and Sunday.

6. Kansas (East)

Thunderstorms were expected throughout central, east central, north central, and northeast Kansas this weekend – with a possibility of tornadoes over the next few days. Large hailstones and high winds are expected to continue through Thursday of this week. 

According to The Emporia Gazette, a flood warning was in effect for the Neosho River near Emporia, impacting Lyon County. Motorists are being told to avoid flooded areas and barricades to avoid getting stuck or stranded.

5. Nebraska (East)

At least three people were injured on Friday after a series of tornadoes formed in parts of Nebraska and Iowa. One tornado roared through the outskirts of Lincoln, Nebraska – tearing the roofs off of homes and flipping cars in the process. 

Power outages, gas leaks, toppled trees, and unstable structures are common in the area – especially in Elkhorn, where a tornado flattened some houses and several residents were sent to the hospital to treat minor injuries.

4. South Dakota (Southeast Tip)

South Dakota was primarily safe from the thunderstorms and hailstones, but the southeastern tip did experience some rainfall and gusty winds on Friday. It was declared a First Alert Weather Day earlier in the day, but things improved as the day went on. 

In fact, Dakota Dunes, Jefferson, and North Sioux City were included in tornado warnings most of the day, but that threat was removed by the evening. South Dakota expects more rain and winds this weekend, as well as temperature drops.

3. Arkansas (West)

Local news outlets warned of active weather patterns on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, with multiple chances of severe thunderstorms. Strong winds, hail cores, and rotating supercells were also a possibility in the area. 

In fact, the rain and property damage began on Thursday, with one large oak tree being downed by the storm in Little Rock, Arkansas. Tornadoes were also a threat, but not as much as other parts of the country – like Iowa.

2. Missouri (West and Central)

Missouri residents were warned of all severe weather hazards – starting Friday and continuing through Sunday. One local news outlet, KOMU, said the state was in a Storm Mode Index of 2 for the weekend. 

Friday saw tornado warnings popping up all across the state, especially in the Kansas City area. Luckily for residents, those warnings were dropped by the end of the day – though the threat could return at some point over the weekend.

1. Iowa (Most Of State)

Iowa received the worst of the threat on Friday and is expecting even more tragic weather patterns on Saturday and Sunday. The storms were so bad in Pottawattamie County that Gov. Kim Reynolds issued a disaster proclamation in the area. 

More than 10,000 residents in the Des Moines area were without power, as of 10 pm on Friday. Tornados were confirmed in Pleasant Hill around 9 pm and Cumming earlier in the day, while utility poles were downed in Des Moines as wind gusts increased.

Dallas Hit With Thunderstorms Last Weekend

This is now the second weekend in a row that some Texas residents will be more concerned about the weather than watching the NBA or NHL playoffs. The Dallas and Tarrant counties were subjected to a flood advisory warning just last week. 

The city experienced heavy rainfall, which caused some low-lying areas near streams and creeks to flood. Thunderstorms across North Texas resulted in numerous flights being delayed.

Midwest Experienced Gorilla Hail In March

A severe thunderstorm hit the Midwest last month, wreaking havoc in parts of Kansas and Missouri. Some drivers were forced to take cover under a bridge when hailstones the size of baseballs started raining down on them.

“Get away from windows and shelter inside now!!!” wrote the National Weather Service of Kansas City in March. Luckily, no injuries were reported and residents were able to protect themselves from the dangerous hail storm.

Significant Damage Being Reported In Iowa and Nebraska

It appears that Iowa and Nebraska received the worst of the tornadoes, with some homes and buildings ceasing to exist. The good news is injuries were minimal because residents had time to evacuate and/or prepare for the storms. 

“We think injuries were so little because the warning systems in the City of Omaha and Douglas County were highly effective,” Omaha Police Chief Todd Schmaderer said. “We were not hit with a sudden storm. People had warned of this, which saved lives, in our opinion.”