Severe Weather

Central US Severe Weather Packs Tornado, Wind Damage, Flooding Threats, Including Dallas

At a Glance

Severe weather will plague the central U.S. for the third consecutive day Monday.
Tornadoes, some possibly strong, wind damage and hail are threats.
A tornado watch is in effect for northeastern Texas and eastern Oklahoma.
Flooding is also a concern, even in drought areas.

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Severe weather will impact the central U.S. Monday, with tornadoes, some possibly strong, as well as damaging winds, hail and flash flooding. This comes on the heels of destructive tornadoes in Oklahoma early Sunday morning.

Current Activity

A tornado watch has been issued for northeastern Texas and eastern Oklahoma until 6 p.m. CST. A tornado watch is also in effect for southeastern Kansas, southwestern Missouri and northeastern Arkansas until 9 p.m. CST.

Below is a look at the latest radar for the region along with any active watches and/or warnings issued by the National Weather Service.

Severe Weather Forecast

The Storm Prediction Center is warning of likely tornadoes and possible stronger tornadoes, damaging winds up to 70 mph and large hail that could reach up to 2 inches in diameter in some areas.

The greatest potential for severe weather through tonight is from northern Texas into eastern Oklahoma, western Arkansas and southwest Missouri. This includes the Dallas-Fort Worth metro.

(Shaded on the map above is the likelihood of severe thunderstorms, according to NOAA's Storm Prediction Center. Note that not all categories apply for the severe weather risk on a particular day.)

Even though this rain is needed given the widespread drought, too much rain too quickly could cause flash flooding in many of the same areas at risk for severe weather. Areas from northwest Texas to northern Arkansas and southern Missouri have already picked up 2 to 7 inches of rain since last Friday.

Flood watches have been issued for this threat by the National Weather Service from northern Texas into parts of Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri and Kansas.

Flash flood warnings have also been issued across northern Arkansas and southern Missouri, with rainfall totals as of noon since midnight nearing or passing 6 inches in some spots.

If traveling, be sure to never drive through any floodwaters.

Chris Dolce has been a senior meteorologist with weather.com for over 10 years after beginning his career with The Weather Channel in the early 2000s.