19-05-2025
Live Updates: Tornado Threat Targets Kansas, Missouri, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Texas
Dangerous storms are erupting across the central U.S., with a threat of strong tornadoes, damaging hail, and flash flooding. Residents are bracing for another round of deadly and destructive weather following days of severe storms in this region.
Watches and warnings are in effect across parts of Kansas, Missouri, Oklahoma, Arkansas and Texas, including heavily populated areas like Oklahoma City, Tulsa, Wichita, Kansas City, Little Rock, and Dallas.
These storms could produce strong wind gusts, large hail, and tornadoes—some potentially strong. The Ozarks, one of the most flood-prone regions in the country, are also at risk for flash flooding.
For a more detailed forecast, click here.
More densely populated areas are in the crosshairs than in recent days, increasing the potential impact. We'll be tracking the storms and their impacts as they develop throughout the day.
Continue reading for our live updates:
From senior meteorologist Jonathan Erdman: With NWS damage surveys still either ongoing or yet to be completed, at least 47 tornadoes appear to have been either confirmed or sighted from last Thursday (May 15) through Saturday (May 17). Over a dozen additional tornadoes likely occurred Sunday, with damage survey results still to be completed. One of those twisters Friday evening was rated EF4 in southern Williamson County, Illinois. That's only the fourth EF4 tornado in the U.S. so far this year.
The NWS has issued its first tornado warning of the afternoon, for southeastern Clay County, TX until 4 p.m. EDT. This storm is southeast of Henrietta, Texas, or about 25 miles southeast of Wichita Falls. It's moving northeast, so it's no danger to the city of Wichita Falls. But those in southeast Clay County should take shelter now.
Another tornado warning is in effect until 4:15 p.m. EDT for parts of Coal, Pontotoc and Hughes County in eastern Oklahoma.
The city of Fayetteville, Arkansas is urging residents to double-check their emergency alert settings as severe storms approach. Officials are reminding the public that having multiple ways to receive life-saving warnings - such as NOAA Weather Radio or Wireless Emergency Alerts - is crucial.
To make sure you get them, keep your phone fully charged and turn off 'Do Not Disturb,' especially during overnight storms.
Residents can also activate additional alerts, like lightning strike notifications, through the Weather Channel App.
We have steps on how to make sure your phone receives necessary alerts here.
From senior meteorologist Jonathan Erdman: Today's severe weather threat isn't an ordinary one. In their daily severe weather forecast, NOAA's Storm Prediction Center has a threat level 4 out of 5 - also known as a 'moderate' risk - in parts of Oklahoma, southeast Kansas, southern Missouri and northwest Arkansas.
These level 4 of 5 risks are typically only issued about a dozen days a year, reserved for outbreaks of either strong tornadoes and/or widespread damaging thunderstorm winds.
You can read more about these daily severe weather outlooks here.
School districts across Oklahoma are adjusting schedules today as severe weather threatens the region. Oklahoma City, Broken Arrow and Wagoner public schools have all announced delays for graduation ceremonies out of an abundance of caution.
Several schools have also canceled after-school activities, citing the priority of student and staff safety. Families are being urged to monitor local alerts and stay weather-aware.
NOAA's Storm Prediction Center has just issued a tornado watch until 9 p.m. CDT for all of eastern Kansas and most of western Missouri. This watch includes Kansas City, Topeka and Wichita, Kansas.
That makes three tornado watches currently in effect, from Nebraska and Iowa to Oklahoma and Arkansas.
