Roofs Ripped Off, Semis Blown Over As Severe Weather Rips Across Midwest, South

Storms Cause Damage Across South, Midwest

Homes were blown apart, semitrailers toppled over and power knocked as severe weather tore across a wide swath of the South and Midwest Wednesday.

Damage was reported in several states including Missouri, Illinois, Michigan, Arkansas, Tennessee and Indiana.

Some of the most substantial damage as of Wednesday night was in Arkansas, where a tornado ripped through communities near Lake City and Monette, Arkansas. The area is about 50 miles northwest of Memphis, Tennessee.

Severe damage was also seen in Potosi, Missouri, about 57 miles southwest of St. Louis.

At least one factory was damaged in Illinois and a tree crashed onto a car in Louisville, Kentucky.

Here are our live updates as the storms roared through Wednesday into Wednesday night:

(09:29 p.m. EDT) What To Watch For Now

From weather.com digital meteorologist Jonathan Belles:

Severe weather will continue to slice eastward through the Ohio Valley, but further south the storms are about to bump into a strong summer-like dome of high pressure across the Southeast. That means that storms from Tennessee and Arkansas and points south are going to slow down and this is going to turn into a flooding situation with scattered severe thunderstorms throughout the next several days. Life-threatening flooding is possible in communities surrounding Memphis, Tennessee. If you're living in the mid-Mississippi Valley, you need to have go-plans for both tornadoes and flooding for the remainder of the week.

(09:02 p.m. EDT) Emergency Personnel On The Ground In Arkansas

Per a social media update from Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders:

"We have reports of storm and tornado damage from around the state. We have emergency personnel on the ground to help anyone who has been injured, but these storms aren’t finished yet.

Stay informed and most importantly stay safe!"

(08:46 p.m. EDT) Damage Seen In First Photos From Northeast Arkansas

Photos shared to social media show what looks like extensive damage in Lake City, Arkansas, shortly after a tornado passed near the town. One of the posts, from local radio station The Eagle 100.5, notes that a highway is closed between Lake City and Monette. The area is about 55 miles northeast of Memphis, Tennessee

(08:34 p.m. EDT) Evansville, Indiana: Take Shelter Now

From weather.com digital meteorologist Jonathan Belles:

Radar indicated for now, but Evansville, Indiana is under a tornado warning. There's a spin moving northeastward toward the city.

(08:23 p.m. EDT) Severe Weather Stretches From Oklahoma To Pennsylvania

There are more than 100 reports of severe weather since 7 a.m. this morning, according to data tracked by NOAA's Storm Prediction Center.

That includes tornadoes, wind and large hail across a wide swath of the Midwest and South.

States that saw severe weather today include Oklahoma, Missouri, Illinois, Arkansas, Tennessee, Indiana, Ohio and Pennsylvania.

(07:51 p.m. EDT) Tornado Causing Damage Right Now In Arkansas

From weather.com digital meteorologist Jonathan Belles: A strong tornado that just went by Lake City, Arkansas, is doing damage at least to power lines. Several power flashes are ongoing in a storm chaser’s livestream from the area.

We could see debris on radar as it passed town.

Lake City is in Craighead County, about 55 miles northeast of Memphis, Tennessee.

The tornado is also passing by Monette, Arkansas.

(07:46 p.m. EDT) Where To Shelter In A Storm?

If you don't have a basement or underground shelter, the best place to ride out a storm is in a windowless room in the center of the bottom floor of your home. This might be a bathroom or closet under a staircase for example.

The advice is different if you live in a mobile home or other less solidly built structure. In that case, you should plan ahead to stay elsewhere during severe weather. A friend or relative's house that has a safe space are good alternatives, as are community shelters.

(07:28 p.m. EDT) Potential Danger In Cape Girardeau, Missouri

From weather.com digital meteorologist Jonathan Belles: Seems like we're seeing at least the beginning of an uptick in tornado potential. We have another confirmed tornado west of Cape Girardeau, Missouri. Might spell trouble for that city soon.

(07:19 p.m. EDT) Photos Show Damage In Southern Missouri

Earlier, local news reported possible tornado damage in Potosi, Missouri, about 57 miles southwest of St. Louis. Photos shared on social media show what appears to be at least one structure destroyed and a truck damaged.

(07:03 p.m. EDT) Parts Of Tennessee, Arkansas In The Crosshairs Right Now

From weather.com digital meteorologist Jonathan Belles: A storm heading into Memphis, Tennessee, right now could develop into a tornadic supercell. There could also be some rotation around Diaz, Arkansas.

(06:53 p.m. EDT) West Virginians Warned To Stay Weather Aware

Gov. Patrick Morrisey declared a “state of preparedness” and is encouraging residents to pay close attention to the weather in the coming days.

Here’s why, from weather.com on camera meteorologist Danielle Banks:

Unfortunately, West Virginia faces a lot of severe weather at the moment. For tonight going into early tomorrow, some storms could produce damaging winds, large hail and perhaps a tornado or two. Those close to the border of southeastern Ohio could see damaging winds in excess of 75 mph. Tomorrow, there are similar threats, but the Storm Prediction Center is quick to point out that the exact location of the threats remains uncertain at this time.

(06:38 p.m. EDT) Car Crushed By Tree In Louisville, Kentucky

A tree crashed down on a car on a road in Louisville, Kentucky, this afternoon, according to WAVE-TV. The station reported the driver was transported to a local hospital.

(06:28 p.m. EDT) Tornadoes Can Hit Anywhere, Anytime

From weather.com on camera meteorologist Danielle Banks:

Tornadoes don’t care if they strike a rural area or a big city, but twisters do get a stereotype for hitting rural areas more often because rural areas constitute large, sprawling areas of land. While a city may be a speck on a map in comparison, please understand that densely populated cities are equally vulnerable to tornadoes. Tornadoes are a force of nature that can happen anywhere.

(06:12 p.m. EDT) EF-1 Tornado Damage Confirmed In Oklahoma

Update from the National Weather Service In Tulsa, Oklahoma:

“Our survey team has found high-end EF1 tornado damage that occurred this morning in the Owasso area, with estimated winds around 100-110 mph. More details will be forthcoming later.”

Owasso is on the northeast side of Tulsa.

Photos and video shared from there earlier today showed homes damaged and trees down..

(05:58 p.m. EDT) Heads Up, Little Rock

From weather.com digital meteorologist Jonathan Belles: The next bigger city to interact with the squall line is Little Rock. The line is currently warned for both flash flooding and severe thunderstorms (including both wind and hail). Heavier rain will come over the next half hour or so.

(05:48 p.m. EDT) Rotation In Memphis, Tennessee, Area

From weather.com senior digital meteorologist Jonathan Belles: Tornado warnings around Memphis, Tennessee, are radar-indicated, but two of the three storms are still spinning quite a bit. Just no confirmation of current touchdowns right now.

(05:31 p.m. EDT) Damage Reported Southwest Of St. Louis

Local news is reporting damage in the community of Potosi, Missouri. The area is about 57 miles southwest of St. Louis.

(05:25 p.m. EDT) Just Because You Don’t See A Tornado Doesn’t Mean There Isn’t One

From weather.com on camera meteorologist Danielle Banks:

You need to stay aware of the possibility of damaging winds even if you do not “see” a tornado. Tornadoes may appear almost transparent until they form a condensation funnel made up of water droplets, plus other dust and debris, which makes them easier to spot.

(05:14 p.m. EDT) Storms Ready To Pound St. Louis Area

From weather.com digital meteorologist Jonathan Belles:

The squall line is about to barrel through St. Louis. One chunk of the line is rotating and will bring some tornado threat to St. Louis' southern suburbs. Anyone in the area should be paying especially close attention right now.

(05:05 p.m. EDT) 2-Inch Hail, High Winds In Springfield, Illinois

From weather.com senior digital meteorologist Jonathan Erdman:

We may also see some hail damage, to vehicles at least, in parts of Springfield, Illinois. Up to 2 inch diameter hail was reported in the area about 45 minutes ago, along with wind gusts over 50 mph.

(04:59 p.m. EDT) Parts Of Illinois Getting Hit For The Second Time Today

Severe storms are moving through a part of central Illinois already hit once today. A wind gust estimated at 70 to 75 mph was reported near Elkhart, which is just about 10 miles southeast of Lincoln, where damage to businesses and vehicles was reported earlier.

(04:45 p.m. EDT) Tornado Watch Versus Tornado Warning: Know The Difference

From weather.com on camera meteorologist Danielle Banks:

A tornado watch is issued when a tornado is possible. That’s your heads up to get prepared and have a plan in place in case you need to seek shelter. Watches are issued by the Storm Prediction Center where tornadoes may occur and normally cover numerous counties within a state or states.

However, a tornado warning means that a tornado has been either radar-indicated or sighted by a trained spotter. It could also mean that a tornado is highly likely and you need to seek shelter immediately because there is immediate danger to lives and property. Tornado warnings are issued by your local NWS office.

(04:31 p.m. EDT) Likely Tornado In Southern Missouri

From weather.com digital meteorologist Jonathan Belles:

There was likely a tornado near South Fork, Missouri, just a bit ago. The radar signal is messy, but there was some signal for debris for a time.

(04:15 p.m. EDT) Roads Closed In Kalamazoo, Michigan

Heavy rain and flooding shut down several roads in Kalamazoo, Michigan.

From the Kalamazoo County Sheriff’s Office via social media: “Use caution and anticipate water over the road in many low-lying areas. Do NOT attempt to drive through water... As many motorists are currently finding out, it can be far deeper than expected. If you encounter water, turn around and seek higher routes.”

(03:59 p.m. EDT) Latest Tornado Watch A ‘Particularly Dangerous Situation’

From weather.com senior digital meteorologist Jonathan Erdman:

A tornado watch has just been issued for parts of the Mississippi Valley, including eastern Arkansas, northern Mississippi, southeastern Missouri, western Tennessee, western Kentucky, southern Illinois and extreme southwestern Indiana until midnight CDT.

This isn’t a typical tornado watch. NOAA’s Storm Prediction Center has deemed this a “particularly dangerous situation” (PDS). Essentially, it’s the highest level of tornado watch, in rare situations in which long-track, intense tornadoes are expected. Therefore, if you’re in this watch, pay very close attention to the weather conditions and take shelter immediately if you receive a warning.

(03:51 p.m. EDT) Semis Overturned, I-65 Closed

From weather.com on camera meteorologist Robb Ellis: A portion of Interstate 65 near Lowell, Indiana - between Indianapolis and Chicago - is closed after winds blew over several semis. This is a very open stretch of roadway, featuring miles of cornfields and wind turbines. Winds this afternoon were out of the southwest, providing a direct crosswind to truckers.

(03:46 p.m. EDT) Tornadoes, So Far

From weather.com senior digital meteorologist Jonathan Erdman:

Best as we can tell, according to National Weather Service and spotter reports, there appear to have been at least five tornadoes since this morning. They happened in:

• Osage County, Oklahoma.
• Owasso, Oklahoma.
• Nevada, Missouri.
• Near Ballard, Missouri.
• Pilot Grove, Missouri.

(03:40 p.m. EDT) Thunderstorms Developing In Arkansas, Mississippi

From weather.com digital meteorologist Jonathan Belles:

We'll see if these hold and grow or decay, but we've also got a rash of thunderstorms developing in eastern Arkansas and northwestern Mississippi. No warnings down there so far, but if they can grow and separate from each other, they could be tornado producers.

(03:34 p.m. EDT) Winds Continue To Increase

From weather.com on camera meteorologist Robb Ellis:

The wind continues to pick up here in Indiana. Gusts just topped 60 mph in Indianapolis. This non-thunderstorm wind gust occurred at the Indianapolis International Airport at 2:54 pm. local time.

(03:19 p.m. EDT) Downed Utility Poles, Semi Overturned In Central Illinois

More information is coming in on the damage in Lincoln, Illinois.

(03:03 p.m. EDT) What's Coming Next

From weather.com digital meteorologist Jonathan Belles:

We’re going to be mainly dealing with a squall line with some embedded tornadoes this afternoon through evening.

We’re just starting to get into the slight risk area in Arkansas and Missouri so we’ve got several hours of ramp up to go.

These storms are going to move pretty quickly through the highest risk area this evening, which includes cities like Memphis, Tennessee, and Paducah, Kentucky.

(02:28 p.m. EDT) Damage At Factory In Lincoln, Illinois

From weather.com producer Carmen Molina:

Photos shared to social media show a factory roof damaged by wind in Lincoln, Illinois.

Local resident Ethan Hoinacki, who shot some of the images, shared this with me via social media: “At around 10 a.m., I was at home — about 3 miles west of Lincoln, out in the country — when the sky to the northwest turned extremely dark. Within minutes, leaves and loose debris started swirling upward, almost like they were being pulled into the sky. It didn’t last long, but it was intense while it did … Once the storm moved on, I headed into town. I own a coffee shop, bakery, and some real estate in Lincoln, so I wanted to check on everything. Most of the west side of town was without power, and emergency crews were already on the scene … Grateful that no one I know was hurt, and thankful for the quick response from our local first responders. Definitely one of those days that reminds you how fast the weather can change.

(02:13 p.m. EDT) Beware The Danger Of Falling Trees

Falling trees are another underrated danger when it comes to stormy weather. While there is no comprehensive database of deaths and injuries from falling trees, the National Weather Service does track casualties related to wind, which is a common cause of falling trees.

Wind was blamed for the deaths of 71 people nationwide and accounted for more than 210 injuries in 2023, the most recent year in the NWS database.

The 10-year annual average of wind-related deaths is 57, according to the NWS.

Experts believe those numbers are actually much higher.

(01:58 p.m. EDT) Winds Picking Up In Indiana

From weather.com on camera meteorologist Robb Ellis, who lives in Indiana:

We're gusting to 45 mph here in Indy. 46 mph in Terre Haute. Bloomington just gusted to 49 mph. The Hoosier state is swayin'!

(01:50 p.m. EDT) Flooding And A Tornado: What Do You Do?

There is a very real chance that some areas will be under a tornado warning and a flash flood warning simultaneously as this situation develops. In one, you’re urged to go to the lowest floor of your home, but in the other, you’re urged to seek higher ground. So what’s the best plan of action?

According to weather.com digital meteorologist Jonathan Belles, who wrote an article in 2018 on this very topic:

As long as flooding is not an imminent threat – as in water is already quickly approaching or coming into your house – you should move to the most interior room of the lowest level of your home or building.

If flooding is ongoing, you should go to the most interior room of the lowest dry level in your home.

As always, never stay in a mobile home if severe weather is headed in your direction.

Be sure to make this decision as quickly as possible after a warning is issued because time is usually running out. Your decision may be different from your neighbor's, but both may be correct depending on your situation.

(01:38 p.m. EDT) City Hit By Tornado Now Bracing For Flooding

Paragould, Arkansas, was hit by an EF2 tornado on March 15, less than three weeks ago. Now residents are lining up for sandbags as they brace for possible flooding.

(01:30 p.m. EDT) Hail Also a Major Threat

From weather.com senior meteorologist Jonathan Erdman:

While the threat of tornadoes and major flooding are grabbing the headlines, damaging hail is also a serious threat. That’s particularly the case in northern Texas and southern Oklahoma beginning early Thursday morning, with additional rounds possible Friday and Saturday. That includes Dallas-Ft. Worth, a metro area notorious for spring hailstorms. If you’re in these areas and receive a severe thunderstorm warning over the next few days, if time allows, make sure your vehicle is in a garage or other covered parking.

(01:04 p.m. EDT) What The Storm Looks Like On Satellite

From weather.com senior digital meteorologist Chris Dolce:

We can see where thunderstorms are ongoing from the Great Lakes to northeast Texas using colorized infrared satellite imagery. The darker oranges and reds show higher cloud tops, and therefore thunderstorms that tower into the sky.

In some cases, thunderstorms can grow to heights of 40,000 to 60,000 feet, or higher than your typical cruising altitude on a commercial flight.

To the north, the comma-shaped appearance of the clouds in Minnesota and the Dakotas is associated with snowfall from a winter storm impacting those areas. A battle of seasons is ongoing, if you will.

(12:51 p.m. EDT) Strong Winds Arriving Well Ahead Of Storms

From weather.com senior digital meteorologist Jonathan Erdman:

We're seeing strong wind gusts well out ahead of the severe thunderstorms in parts of the Midwest. Some peak gusts so far:

• 58 mph: Near Whitehaven, Tennessee

• 56 mph: Carbondale, Illinois

• 52 mph: Flora and Lawrenceville, Illinois

There was even a report of a tree knocked down due to these "non-thunderstorm" winds in Bardstown, Kentucky.

(12:40 p.m. EDT) Oklahoma Tornado Sends Trees Into Homes

A tornado-producing storm in Owasso, Oklahoma, turned trees into projectiles. Photos show extensive damage after the system passed through. Residents and officials are working to cut fallen trees away so first responders can better access the area.

(12:25 p.m. EDT) Authorities Going Door-To-Door In Pilot Grove, Missouri

The Missouri State Highway Patrol said in a post on X that first responders are still going door-to-door in Pilot Grove, Missouri, to look for anyone who might be injured or trapped in tornado-damaged homes.

(12:10 p.m. EDT) Significant Damage Near Moundville, Missouri

Photos show what looks to be devastating damage to a home after severe storms rolled through Missouri.

One of the home’s residents was safely rescued from the rubble, according to a comment from a Facebook user. The home had no basement.

(11:49 a.m. EDT) Storms Cause Damage In Pilot Grove, Missouri

The Missouri State Highway Patrol is responding to significant damage in Pilot Grove, Missouri, near I-70, following severe weather in the area. Photos show holes in the side of one home and a car flipped upside down.

(11:43 a.m. EDT) Why Wind Can Be The Most Dangerous Part Of A Storm

Severe thunderstorm winds are no joke—they account for 70% of all severe weather reports and can be just as destructive as a tornado. These winds can snap tree limbs, knock out power, and even send objects crashing through homes or cars.

In some extreme cases, thunderstorms can spawn a derecho, a long-lived wind storm with gusts over 100 miles per hour.

(11:35 a.m. EDT) Hoosier Hail, Winds

From weather.com senior meteorologist Jonathan Erdman:

We’ve had some severe thunderstorms this morning as far north as parts of Indiana and Ohio. Hail up to the size of quarters and some downed trees and power lines were reported in the Ft. Wayne, Indiana, metro area earlier this morning. We’ve also had a few hail reports out of northwest Ohio. This tends to happen in the morning during severe weather events as warmer, more humid air surges north.

(11:26 a.m. EDT) What To Know About Squall Lines

A squall line spanning much of the Midwest is responsible for several severe weather reports already this morning, so it’s a good time to remind you why these types of thunderstorms can be dangerous.

Squall lines are fast-moving walls of thunderstorms that can unleash destructive winds, blinding rain, and even tornadoes. Stretching for hundreds of miles but only about 10 to 20 miles wide, these storms often appear as fierce, bow-shaped formations on radar. When they last long enough and hit hard enough, they earn the name "derecho"—a storm system capable of hurricane-force devastation. If you see a squall line approaching, brace for intense winds, torrential rain, and nonstop lightning.

Read about the five biggest dangers posed by squall lines here.

(11:13 a.m. EDT) Photos Show Damage In Nevada, Missouri

Images show heartbreaking aftermath from the storms in western Missouri, including a gas station with its roof collapsed and power poles toppled on their sides.

(11:02 a.m. EDT) Kentucky Governor Declares State Of Emergency

Governor Andy Beshear has officially declared a state of emergency in response to severe weather forecasts predicting possible tornadoes in the region.

“Tornadoes are expected, and I know that’s tough to hear. And we are most concerned about the area of Western Kentucky that has gotten hit far too much, as well as a wider area of Western Kentucky,” Gov. Beshear said in a press release.

Residents are being urged to monitor weather updates and be prepared to take action in the event of a tornado warning.

(10:49 a.m. EDT) We Just Finished A Very Active Month

From weather.com senior meteorologist Jonathan Erdman:

It looks increasingly likely that March will end up with over 200 tornadoes this year, once the data is finalized. The first time that happened in records since 1950 was 2022, with a record 234 tornadoes in the U.S.

It happened again in 2023, with 208 tornadoes.

Tornado inflation, the better detection of weaker tornadoes due to better technology today compared to decades past, certainly plays some role in that. But this will be the third in the last four Marches with at least double the average March tornado count. It's more typical of April.

(10:38 a.m. EDT) When Is The Most Dangerous Supercell Tornado Threat?

From weather.com senior digital meteorologist Chris Dolce:

The latest indications are that the most dangerous supercell thunderstorm threat that could pack intense, long-lasting tornadoes will erupt between 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. CDT. This includes an area from far northern Louisiana to eastern Arkansas, northwest Mississippi, western Tennessee, western Kentucky, southeast Missouri, southern Illinois and southern Indiana.

(10:23 a.m. EDT) Structures Damaged In Nevada, Missouri

A possible tornado struck parts of Nevada, Missouri, located about 90 miles northwest of Springfield. Local storm reports revealed that semi trucks were overturned along Interstate 49 just outside of town, and roofs were torn off several buildings.

Social media posts were starting to come in with some images of the damage. No serious injuries have been reported so far, according to KY3.com.

(09:53 a.m. EDT) Confirmed Tornado Near Boonville, Missouri

The National Weather Service has issued a tornado warning for Howard County and Cooper County in central Missouri after a tornado was spotted on radar.

Residents in the area should take immediate action to protect themselves as the storm moves through the area.

(09:50 a.m. EDT) High Risk Of Flooding

Life-threatening flooding is expected as this system moves through parts of the South and Midwest. Cities like Memphis, Little Rock and Louisville are at risk for the worst of the impacts. Heavy rainfall totals are expected to flood roads and create very dangerous conditions.

This “high risk” flood forecast is meaningful. Meteorologists warn this could be a destructive flood event. Past high-risk days have been linked to nearly half of all recorded flood fatalities and injuries in the U.S.

Learn more about why it's important to pay attention to the flood risk, here.

(09:40 a.m. EDT) What We Are Tracking Now And What’s Ahead

From weather.com senior meteorologist Chris Dolce:

A squall line of strong to severe storms is ongoing this morning from Missouri to eastern Oklahoma and northwest Arkansas. Damaging wind gusts are the main threat, but isolated tornadoes can spin up at times. That’s what happened north of Tulsa this morning, with a radar-confirmed tornado causing roof and tree damage near Owasso.

(09:30 a.m. EDT) Confirmed Tornado Damages Homes In Owasso, Oklahoma

Social media posts revealed structural damage to several homes in the town of Owasso, Oklahoma, less than 15 miles northeast of downtown Tulsa.

Damage was also reported to a Whirlpool plant in the area, with multiple semi trucks flipped at the site, according to News9.com.

(09:23 a.m. EDT) When Is A Tornado Most Likely To Hit?

April is on average the second busiest month for tornadoes in the U.S. May comes in at No. 1. June is third and March is fourth. And while tornadoes can happen anytime of the year, they are statistically least likely in the winter months.

(09:11 a.m. EDT) Rare ‘High Risk’ Forecast

A “high risk” severe weather forecast is the most urgent warning NOAA’s Storm Prediction Center can issue, signaling a volatile and potentially devastating storm setup. This level 5 warning is rare, typically only issued two or three times each year, and demands immediate attention from meteorologists and the public. The SPC has already issued two high-risk forecasts this year: The deadly March 14-15 outbreak, and today.

(09:00 a.m. EDT) System Could Bring 10 To 15 Inches Of Rain

From weather.com digital meteorologist Jonathan Belles:

One thing that is a little different with this storm system is that it is expected to bump into a dome of heat that will be building along the U.S. East Coast. This dome will slow down and string out the storm system, eventually stopping it in its tracks over the Ohio Valley. This will allow the system to drop torrential rainfall from Oklahoma to Indiana. Before all is over, 10 to 15 inches of rain is possible near the confluence of the Ohio and Mississippi rivers.