A rare Level 4 tornado threat has been issued for parts of Kansas and Nebraska — the kind of warning forecasters don’t issue lightly. If you live in the central US, read this before you step outside.
After a surprisingly quiet start to May, the central United States is now facing one of the most dangerous storm outbreaks of the season. Monday is expected to be the most intense day, with EF3 or stronger tornadoes possible across the Plains and Midwest.
What happened Sunday
Storms erupted Sunday from Kansas through Nebraska, Iowa, and into southern Minnesota. Over a dozen tornadoes were reported, along with more than 100 hail reports and 150 wind reports — mostly across eastern Nebraska and western Iowa.
A tornado emergency — the most serious kind of tornado warning — was issued near Hebron, Nebraska. In St. Libory, Nebraska, multiple structures collapsed. Video obtained and showed two people and a dog being rescued from a basement.
What’s happening today (Monday)
Rare Level 4 of 5 risk issued by the Storm Prediction Center for parts of eastern Kansas and Nebraska. The highest tornado threat zone stretches from central Kansas into southeastern Nebraska and northwestern Missouri.
Supercells forming in the afternoon could spin up EF3+ tornadoes and produce very large hail. By late evening, widespread damaging winds — gusting over 75 mph — become the main concern.
Tuesday still brings a Level 2 risk from northern Texas to Michigan, though the tornado threat will ease as wind and hail take over.
Wildfire threat too
Extremely critical fire conditions in the Southern High Plains — from southwest Kansas to the Texas Panhandle and northeastern New Mexico. Winds up to 50 mph with humidity under 10% could cause any fire to spread at a life-threatening pace.
The same storm system driving tornadoes in the Plains is also pulling dry, hot air across the Southwest — a dangerous combination for wildfires.
If you’re in the affected areas, monitor local emergency alerts closely and have a shelter plan ready. This outbreak is expected to last through Tuesday.
