Severe thunderstorm warning for four states as tornado threat looms

Severe thunderstorms could strike four states on Wednesday, posing the threat of tornadoes and very large hail across the region.

The National Weather Service (NWS) published a map showing that severe thunderstorms are possible across parts of Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, and Nebraska.

Additionally, the map shows that heavy rain and flash flooding are possible across parts of Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, Nebraska, Indiana, Missouri, and South Dakota. The weather forecast is valid from 8 am ET on Wednesday to 8 am ET on Thursday.

Writing on X, formerly Twitter, the NWS said: “Strong to severe thunderstorms are expected Wednesday from the Central Plains into western Texas. The main threats will be tornadoes, very large hail and damaging winds.

“Additionally, heavy rain and flash flooding is likely across portion of the Midwest into the Central and Southern Plains.”

Newsweek has contacted the NWS for additional comment via email.

The NWS’s Storm Prediction Center said that the highest risk of severe thunderstorms is located across parts of western and central Texas, the eastern Texas Panhandle, western Oklahoma and south-central Kansas.

It warned that severe storms in these areas could produce large hail up to three inches in diameter, wind damage, and a few tornadoes on Wednesday afternoon.

The highest risk of tornadoes stands at five percent in a region covering an area of 72,009 square miles stretching from central Texas to central Kansas. Larger towns and cities in the risk area include Abilene, San Angelo, Salina, Hutchinson and Big Spring.

The NWS office for Lubbock, Texas, wrote on X on Wednesday: “Severe thunderstorms are a good bet later today and this evening, especially for areas along and east of a Brownfield-Lubbock-Silverton line. Have your severe weather safety plan ready to go should dangerous storms strike.”

The NWS office for Norman, Oklahoma, added: “Severe weather potential is once again expected later this afternoon through early Thursday morning. All severe weather hazards (hail/wind/low tornado risk) are expected. Remain aware and check back!”

The region has faced a number of severe weather events in recent days, including a series of tornadoes that struck Oklahoma over the weekend.

One person died after a tornado tore across Oklahoma Interstate 35 near Marietta, where the powerful storm flipped semi-trucks and destroyed a building, according to the Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management (ODME).

Two fatalities, including a baby, were reported in Holdenville where at least 14 homes were damaged or destroyed. The fourth death was confirmed in Sulphur, ODME stated.

Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt wrote on X on Wednesday: “We’re monitoring ongoing severe weather and tornados in Cordell and surrounding communities. The state remains ready to respond. Stay weather aware, Oklahoma!”