Kara has always been passionate about weather and knew from an early age that she wanted to become a meteorologist. Living in different regions of the country and experiencing weather events ranging from ice storms to tornadoes drove her to pursue a bachelor's degree in meteorology from the University of Oklahoma. Throughout college, storm chasing became a regular event for Kara, where she saw first-hand the power of the atmosphere. Kara graduated cum laude from OU and decided to further her meteorology education with a Master's degree from Mississippi State University. The deadly April 27, 2011 tornado outbreak struck while Kara was studying at MSU; her first “Dixie Alley” tornado event and an up close glimpse into the destruction of the storms she so closely studied. Her broadcast career began in Elvis’ birthplace, Tupelo, Mississippi, where she earned her Certified Broadcast Meteorologist seal from the American Meteorological Society. Kara's career has included coverage of all types of severe weather including tornado events, flooding and tropical systems across multiple southern states. Recently she helped cover the 2020 Easter Sunday deadly tornado outbreak in southeast Mississippi. In her free time, you can find Kara outdoors exploring new areas with her mini poodle,Truffles. Kara is also an avid runner and frequently races in 5Ks, 10Ks and half marathons. Say hi to Kara on <a href="https://twitter.com/wxkara">Twitter</a> and <a href="https://www.facebook.com/karajameswx">Facebook</a>!

Kara James

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After multiple spots in southeast Texas received one to two FEET of rain in just 24 hours earlier this week, many instances of extreme flooding are ongoing. Roads are washed out, rivers and creeks are running high with water still standing over roads in some spots, and major flooding is expected to continue along rivers the next few days. Aerial footage shows widespread flooding in Livingston, TX, and mandatory evacuations were ordered Thursday night for those on the east fork of the San Jacinto River northeast of Houston.<div class="twitter-tweet" style="display: flex; justify-content: center" data-twitt-post-id="1786100846977245395" src="https://twitter.com/WeatherNation/status/1786100846977245395"></div>More heavy rain and flooding to close out the weekend is keeping the flood risk high in southeast Texas. A Moderate Risk is issued for parts of Southeast Texas on Sunday. This level 3 out of 4 on the flood risk scale indicates an elevated risk for flash flooding, with some significant flash flooding possible. This area corresponds with the already-flooded part of the state with standing water and rivers still in major flood stage. <img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2024/05/1-1714873083211.png">The heavy rain threat increases Sunday morning, as storms from the overnight move into southeast Texas and the already flooded roads, rivers and creeks. The stalling cold front could produce another round of afternoon and evening heavy rain and storms, increasing flooding concerns.<video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2024/05/05-04 RSC TX rain-1714877710785.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video> If you live in southeast Texas from Galveston to Lufkin, be very careful on Sunday and seek higher ground if a flash flood warning is issued, or the water starts rising.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2024/05/05-04 RSC accum-1714878313428.png">Rain totals by the end of the weekend will be anywhere from 1-3" overall, but pockets of 4-5" are possible where multiple rounds of storms come through. Flooding will be expected in areas of southeast Texas already hard-hit with flooding earlier this week. Never drive through flooded roads!River flooding is a concern near the Trinity and San Jacinto Rivers the next several days as upstream dams release water southward. Many rivers are at "major" flood stage, inundating surrounding neighborhoods. <img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2024/05/Screenshot 2024-05-04 075144-1714830711623.png">

Texas: More Rain in Flooded Areas

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It may be May, but a cold-origin upper low is keeping snow in the forecast for many Western mountain communities this week!Snow started falling earlier along with coastal rain as an upper low moved onshore from the Pacific. The cold air combined with lift and moisture leads to the additional rain and mountain snow through Sunday. The Cascades and Sierra Nevada look to get the heaviest snow totals, with snow ending in the Sierra Sunday afternoon. Steady snow continues for the Cascades and northern Rockies Sunday, Monday and Tuesday as additional upper level waves reinforce the active pattern. <video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2024/05/Baron 2-1714873696899.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video>There are some locations which may receive 8-16 inches of snow across the highest mountain peaks! Snow levels will fall to 3,000-4,000 feet most commonly, but may fall as low as 2,500' elevation.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2024/05/1-1714862890693.png">If it feels like snow is falling late into the season, you may be surprised to know that the season's last snow for many West Coast communities lingers into May and for the highest elevations, even into June!<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2024/04/est avg snowfall-1714510694011.jpg">Meanwhile, the lower elevations may accumulate up to two or three inches of rainfall! Isolated areas of flooding are possible especially along the Northwest coast, but widespread flooding is not expected.As this weather system moves across the West, it will whip up a lot of wind! The wind gusts may reach up to 55-65 miles per hour across many states, and especially higher elevations where gusts could top 80 mph. Secure your property before the wind hits! <img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2024/05/1-1714862985681.png">Since this is a cold low, temperatures will remain on the cooler side the next few days while it meanders around. Most temperatures for the West will be around 10 degrees cooler than average. For most in the Pacific Northwest, that means highs in the upper 40s to mid 50s, with chilly mornings in the upper 30s to around 40. Brr!Stay with WeatherNation for the latest on the western forecast this week, or get your Western regional forecast at 50 past every hour!

First Weekend in May Brings Snow to West Coast

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Meteorologist Jesse Kelley is excited to join the talented staff at Weather Nation. Jesse spent most of his childhood in Birmingham, Alabama. The state of Alabama is prone to seeing various types of weather from severe thunderstorms, tornadoes, hurricanes, and winter weather. For college, Jesse attended the University of South Alabama where he received his degree in Broadcast Meteorology along with minors in Math and Geography. From Alabama, Jesse started his broadcast television working three years at KAVU-TV in Victoria. Recently, he finished a stint in Shreveport, LA. Jesse and his wife are looking forward to making the Rocky Mountains and Colorado home. If you would like to follow me, you can follow me on Twitter @JesseKelleywx and on Facebook at Meteorologist Jesse Kelley.

Jesse Kelley

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Unfortunately, we've had back-to-back weeks of severe weather with the worst impacts from an EF-3 tornado in Westmoreland, Kansas earlier this week. Our thoughts go out to those impacted. EF is short for Enhanced Fujita and can help estimate the maximum winds within a tornado, based on the extent of storm damage.Our field correspondent, Brandon Clement, took this video of some of the damage in Westmoreland early Wednesday morning. There were multiple homes impacted with the roof and second-floor stories torn off. There were tractor-trailers tossed around like toys. Trees were snapped in half. According to local media, at least 20 buildings sustained irreparable damage.<video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2024/05/VO_050124_RNC_WESTMORELAND, KS_DRONE VIEW OF TORNADO DAMAGE_WHATSAPP_BRANDON CLEMENT_KW_E050124-1714570595498.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video>Saturday thunderstorms did produce some reports of quarter size hail in parts of Missouri and Illinois. For the overnight, thunderstorms will quickly fade with the lack of available energy. However, we will see another round of severe weather for Sunday as the front moves into warmer and more humid air in the afternoon. The biggest risk will be hail and wind across the Ohio Valley between 2 and 6 pm.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2024/05/1-1714842596092.png"><video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2024/05/Baron 2-1714873564431.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video>

Stormy Sunday in the Ohio Valley

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The severe weather risk continues for west Texas and much of the central Plains after a few tornadoes were confirmed Thursday afternoon. This includes a tornado over Hawley, TX (north of Abilene) that was nearly stationary in the area for several hours. We will update you on tornado strength when the National Weather Service can survey the damage.<div class="fb-post" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/WeatherNation/videos/343514008353454" data-width="500" src="https://www.facebook.com/WeatherNation/videos/343514008353454" style="display: flex; justify-content: center"></div>The severe threat sticks around tonight with another enhanced risk (level 3 out of 5) in places like Midland, San Angelo, and Fort Stockton, TX. However, the severe weather risk does extends eastwards toward Interstate 35. All modes of severe weather are possible including damaging hail and tornadoes.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2024/05/1-1714872507163.png">Tonight the supercell storms will congeal into a complex of storms. These storms will approach the Interstate 35 corridor after midnight with a wind, hail, and heavy rain threat. By Sunday morning, storms are likely knocking on the door of Houston again! SE Texas doesn't need anymore rain but more is on the way to further enhance the ongoing flooding threat.<video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2024/05/Baron 2-1714861262146.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video>The severe weather threat continues into Sunday for central Texas, eastern Oklahoma, Arkansas, and to Louisiana. The primary threats right now are large hailstones and strong wind gusts.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2024/05/Screenshot 2024-05-04 120438-1714845898086.png">Related article: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.weathernationtv.com/news/monday-severe-weather-threat-hits-the-plains-again">Multi-Day Severe Outbreak Possible Monday - Wednesday</a>

Tornado Hits West Texas, More Storms this Weekend

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Summer of 1993, New England Dragway. That's when and where Steve knew he wanted to become a meteorologist. More than 20 years later he is extremely fortunate and blessed to be able to live his childhood dream. As a lover of math and science, Steve had a consistent interest in weather in elementary, middle, and high school before discovering you can major in meteorology. He attended Lyndon State College in Vermont where he received a bachelor's in meteorology-broadcasting and associate's in television news. He has worked as a meteorologist and reporter in Winchester, VA, Burlington, VT, and most recently in West Palm Beach, FL. He's recognized by the American Meteorological Society with the Certification of Broadcast Meteorologists.

Steven Glazier

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Similar areas that have been at risk since the end of April will experience another bout of severe weather from Monday through Wednesday. The Storm Prediction Center [SPC] has issued the severe weather outlooks for Monday through Wednesday, indicating confidence in the environment to produce severe storms. All severe weather threats are possible during this stretch: damaging wind, large hail, and a few tornadoes.Monday, the severe weather threat stretches from the I-29 corridor through the Red River Valley, with an elevated severe weather risk through central Kansas (above). On Tuesday the severe weather threat stretches from Arkansas through the Midwest including Chicago, St. Louis and Little Rock (below).<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2024/05/Screenshot 2024-05-04 073904-1714830114292.png">On Wednesday the threat shifts a bit further south, impacting southern Missouri, Arkansas, eastern Oklahoma, and northeast Texas. All modes of severe weather are on the table.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2024/05/Screenshot 2024-05-04 074143-1714830125659.png">This is thanks to another wave of energy from the Pacific moving east throughout the weekend, providing enough lift to support storm development. At the surface we have moisture streaming north contributing to instability ahead of a surface cold front.<video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2024/05/2024-05-01 10-51-01-1714583042845.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video>The central and southern Plains are a bullseye for severe weather in May. The moisture from the Gulf of Mexico and cooler air from Canada clash over Nebraska, Kansas, Oklahoma, and Texas, elevating the severe threat. We know this is another day of severe weather on the horizon, but please don't let severe weather fatigue get the best of you<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2024/05/Screenshot 2024-05-04 073459-1714830142503.png">Stay with WeatherNation for the latest information on the severe weather threat ahead in early May.

Multi-Day Severe Outbreak Possible Monday - Wednesday

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<div>Lucy is originally from the Boston area but has spent the last four years forecasting and living in Colorado! She stayed in the northeast for her education, graduating Summa Cum Laude from SUNY Oswego with a B.S. in Meteorology. Just a few days after graduation, she made the cross country move to Colorado Springs, CO to begin her career at KKTV, the CBS affiliate. Lucy has covered historic blizzards, tornadoes, windstorms, the largest wildfires in Colorado state history and dust storms ... they truly "get it all" in Colorado! Lucy is excited to forecast on a national level and continue her passion of explaining the science behind the weather!</div>
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Lucy Bergemann

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Above - Moore, Oklahoma tornado damage in May 1999 (Photo: NWS Norman)May 3rd marks the anniversary of a deadly F5 tornado that struck Bridge Creek, Moore, and Oklahoma City, OK in 1999. This year is the 25th anniversary of the historic storm that was on the ground for 38 miles, carving a path of destruction from Chickasha through the southern suburbs of Oklahoma City. Sadly, this one storm left 46 people dead and 800 injured. Over 8,000 homes were destroyed as a result of the EF-5 tornado. The tornado messaging was a first of its kind too, when NWS Norman issued a "tornado emergency" to grab the Public's attention beyond a typical "tornado warning" <img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2024/05/track-1714753651978.jpg">The tornado cut a path through communities 1/2 to 3/4 of a mile wide. It wiped out entire communities in the Oklahoma City metro. Though the Bridge Creek-Moore tornado was the strongest storm as an F5 there were an additional two F4 tornadoes in central Oklahoma. Six more tornadoes were F3! According to the National Weather Service in Norman, OK, "The final total of 72 tornadoes makes May 3-4, 1999 event the largest outbreak of tornadoes for Oklahoma since official records began in 1950." <img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2024/05/norman-1714753745770.jpg">Above - Moore, Oklahoma tornado damage in May 1999 (Photo: NWS Norman)This tornado was one of 74 that touched down on May 3, 1999, in Oklahoma and Kansas. Five deaths, 100 injuries and heavy damage were reported from the Wichita, Kansas metro area. For Oklahoma, the majority of deaths from the tornado outbreak occurred as a result of the Bridge-Creek Moore F5, a total of 36 with over 580 injured by the storm. In modern U.S. history, there have only been 59 F5 or EF5 tornadoes, most recently in Moore, OK in 2013. The Fujita (F) scale transitioned to the "Enhanced Fujita" scale (EF) in 2007. According to the<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.weather.gov/tae/ef_scale#:~:text=The%20EF%20Scale%20takes%20into,type%2C%20structures%2C%20and%20trees."> National Weather Service</a>, "The EF Scale takes into account more variables than the original F Scale did when assigning a wind speed rating to a tornado. The EF Scale incorporates 28 damage indicators (DIs) such as building type, structures, and trees." There are 8 degrees of damage for each indicator to help survey crews determine storm extent and strength.

Remembering Moore: 25th Anniversary of F5 Tornado

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Numerous high-temperature records fell across the Northeast Thursday, including parts of the Interstate 95 corridor! For example, Washington D.C reached a daytime high of 91 degrees and the normal high for this time of the year is 73 degrees! Raleigh, NC reached 92 degrees with many other cities along the East Coast reaching the 80s and 90s. Some of the records tied or broken are over 125 years old.<h2>Northeast</h2>The warmth continues on Friday in the mid-Atlantic while we start to see cold air intrusion in New England. Temperatures fall through the weekend back towards or below average.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2024/05/today-1714743002037.jpg">The reason for the cool down in New England is a cold front that moves through. It won't produce a lot of wet weather, but a few isolated showers in coastal Massachusetts and Maine are possible. More showers arrive with an additional system on Saturday and will contribute to a larger cool-down for the Midwest.<video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2024/05/2024-05-03 07-30-20-1714743068852.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video><h2>Southeast</h2>The heat will also impact the Southeast, and while it won't necessarily be record-setting, it will be about 10-15 degrees above normal. Highs jump into the 90s in Florida Peninsula with close to 90 even up into central Alabama. The above-average warmth and humidity will help lead to daily chances of afternoon thunderstorms.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2024/05/3 days-1714743002034.jpg">By Wednesday of next week, the temperatures start to soar - highs jump into the 90s and 100s with the potential to tie or break records from Texas through Florida through Friday!<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2024/05/s reocrds-1714758091469.jpg">There is confidence in the above-average temperature forecasting continuing through the next couple of weeks. We expect above-average temperatures from the Carolinas through the Gulf Coast!<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2024/05/extended-1714758193432.jpg">

Temps Climb on the East Coast, South

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Kevin Schneider

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Welcome to May! The month normally boasts severe storms, Mother's Day and later sunsets. This weekend will be the 150th running of the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs Saturday evening - and rain could affect things.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2024/05/Summer countdown-1714568488325.png">A dynamic upper-level low will bring the shot at some storms on Friday to parts of the Ohio River Valley, but models are hinting at a fast moving wave joining the party late Friday night into Saturday. That could meet up with enough moisture to keep scattered showers around northern Kentucky into the first day of the weekend. This is where it could be raining around race-time (below).<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2024/05/GFS for KY-1714568498978.png">The Kentucky Derby says on its website that it's a "rain or shine" event, so no delays are expected. However, the conditions could be a little muddy for the horses when the gates open Saturday at 6:57 PM ET.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2024/05/kentucky derby daypart-1714568509182.png">

Jackie Brown

Trotting Around Rain Chances at the 150th Kentucky Derby

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Spring snow opportunities continue in the Rocky Mountains, with snow expected through the middle of the week from the Cascades of Oregon to the Rockies of Montana, the Tetons of Wyoming, and the Front Range of Colorado. The snow is especially welcomed at ski resorts that are still open. Breckenridge is expected to stay open through May 12th, and Snowbird in Utah is expected to close on Memorial Day Weekend!<video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2024/05/nwww-1714613142940.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video>This active pattern is all thanks to two areas of low pressure in our upper atmosphere, known as "double barrel lows," that follow one right after the other. The low-pressure systems pull in moisture and energy to produce high-elevation snowfall and rainfall for the lower elevations.<video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2024/04/2024-04-30 10-31-43-1714495076445.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video>Steady snow continues in the highest elevations of Montana, Wyoming, and Colorado through Wednesday, with another round of moisture moving onshore for Oregon, mostly as rain. The bottom line is that it stays unsettled in our highest peaks through the end of the week. Snowfall totals will be 6"+ for areas over 8,000' where winter weather advisories are in effect for Montana mountains.

Spring Snow in the Mountain West

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Taban Sharifi grew up in Southern California between Los Angeles and San Diego. She is a Certified Broadcast Meteorologist (CBM) with the American Meteorological Society (AMS). She has a B.S. in Atmospheric, Oceanic, and Environmental Sciences with a minor in Environmental Systems and Society from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). Go Bruins! While in school, Taban was a meteorology intern with NBC LA. There she helped forecast daily weather for the greater Los Angeles region and created a playbook to deploy weather sensors for NBC owned-and-operated stations across the country. Her first on-air job took her to San Angelo, Texas, where she was a morning meteorologist and co-anchor. Working in West Texas gave her knowledge and experience covering severe storms. From there, she moved to Palm Springs, California. People think forecasting in California is sunshine all the time, but with temperatures in the 120’s, wildfires, damaging winds, floodings, and earthquakes, the forecasting kept her very busy! She also worked there as a general assignment reporter and told community stories. Taban is excited for the challenge and opportunity to forecast nationally with WeatherNation. She also looks forward to exploring all that Colorado has to offer!

Taban Sharifi

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It's the second day in a row cities in the northeast broke record high temperatures. Not as many records were broken Tuesday, but areas like D.C. and Binghamton, NY got high enough to break previous records. Temperatures will return closer to seasonal by Friday for many locations. Although, some spots do stay warmer.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2024/04/Screenshot 2024-04-30 164300-1714516987092.png">Showers and storms swept across the northeast with multiple severe warned storms. We still have the chance of a few isolated severe storms overnight with the potential of strong winds and large hail. A few areas have already seen some larger hailstones reaching 1".<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2024/04/FJKJFKLJ-1714526195784.png">Showers and storms will wrap up overnight. Watch out for the threat of isolated flooding along some roadways.<video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2024/04/LOW PRESSURE-1714526345813.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video>You can always find more details about the Eastern Regional Forecast :10 past the hour.

Alana Cameron

Record Highs Hit in the Northeast, Isolated Severe Remains

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Alana Cameron was born and raised in Canada in the city of Mississauga, just outside of Toronto. Alana is the oldest of 4 siblings, all close in age, and grew up playing outside with them in all types of weather. After graduating high school, Alana moved to study at the University of British Columbia in Kelowna for a year before transferring to Dalhousie University in Halifax, Nova Scotia where she completed a Bachelor of Science in Physics and Atmospheric Science. Upon completion, Alana moved back to Toronto where she completed a post-grad degree in Meteorology at York University. After her post-grad, she went on to complete another post-grad in Broadcast Journalism - TV News at Fanshawe College in London, Ontario. During her final year of studies she had the privilege of interning with the best in the business in Canada at The Weather Network. Once she finished her internship, she got the call from small-town Denison, Texas where she accepted a job as an on-air meteorologist at KTEN-TV, right in tornado alley, covering severe weather from Sherman/Denison (North Texas) to Ada (Southern Oklahoma). After the most active tornado season Oklahoma had seen in May 2019 (105 tornadoes!) Alana is excited to join WeatherNation to cover weather all across the nation. If you're interested in following her on social media she can be found @alanacameronwx!

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UPDATE: The National Weather Service out of Norman, Oklahoma, has upgraded the rating of the Marietta tornado to EF-4 with estimated peak winds of 165-170 mph, a path length of 27 miles, and a path width of 900 yards. Unfortunately, this tornado brought at least one fatality to Love County. This tornado developed southwest of Marietta and moved north-northeast over I-25 before moving into Marietta towards Lake Murray and Dickson.<div class="twitter-tweet" style="display: flex; justify-content: center" data-twitt-post-id="1785021848498876600" src="https://twitter.com/NWSNorman/status/1785021848498876600"></div>Here's a look at the destruction our field corresponded Brandon Clement observed upon daylight on Sunday.<div class="twitter-tweet" style="display: flex; justify-content: center" data-twitt-post-id="1784689042388668902" src="https://twitter.com/WeatherNation/status/1784689042388668902"></div>The town of Sulphur, OK also took a direct hit from a destructive tornado on Saturday night, with a rating of at least EF3. According to the NWS, estimated peak winds were 160-165 mph, path length was 7.5 miles, and width was 440 yards. Our Field Correspondent, Brandon Clement, took this video earlier in the day:Related articles: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.weathernationtv.com/news/tornadoes-touch-down-in-nebraska-and-iowa-on-friday">Destructive Tornadoes Tear Through Plains Friday</a> and <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.weathernationtv.com/news/Severe%20Weather%20Threat%20Monday%20From%20Texas%20to%20the%20Lower%20Mississippi%20Valley">Severe Weather Threat Makes it to the Gulf Coast</a><div class="twitter-tweet" style="display: flex; justify-content: center" data-twitt-post-id="1784590897423765833" src="https://twitter.com/WeatherNation/status/1784590897423765833"></div>According to the National Weather Service, at least 33 tornadoes have been confirmed from Saturday in Oklahoma alone.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2024/04/oklahoma tornadoes-1714504868827.png">The hail was large and damaging, along with the strong wind gusts and the confirmed tornadoes that touched down. About teacup-sized hail fell in Fox, OK on Saturday, and we're sure that hailstones that large will easily cause damage.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2024/04/Screenshot 2024-04-28 052810-1714303700198.png">This is a terrifying view of a tornado touching down in the rural area of Kendall, KS. You can easily see its wide base on the ground, along with much of the dust and debris that was picked up.<video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2024/04/VO_042724_RNC_NEAR KENDALL, KS_SHORTER VERSION OF TORNADO JOSH INTERCEPTED AND DEBRIS FLYING AT THE END_EMAIL_JOSH HEYNEN_DW_E042724-1714303991447.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video>

At Least 33 Tornadoes Reported in Oklahoma this Weekend

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WeatherNation Meteorologists

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Several teams of meteorologists and storm damage experts are actively investigating and surveying damage from Friday, April 26 across the I-80 corridor. According to the National Weather Service of Omaha, at least 5 EF-3 tornadoes have been confirmed.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2024/04/04-29 nws omaha-1714445003827.png">It all started when a tornado touched down in Lincoln, NE, just before 3 PM central time on Friday. This storm was tornado-warned for more than 50 miles as it tore through suburbs of the Omaha metro and eventually moved across the Missouri River and into Iowa. It has been confirmed as an EF-3 on the ground for 8.6 miles and with winds of 158 mph. This tornado struck Waverly, NE, a suburb on the NE side of Lincoln, where it derailed a train.<div class="twitter-tweet" style="display: flex; justify-content: center" data-twitt-post-id="1783955995875565622" src="https://twitter.com/WeatherNation/status/1783955995875565622"></div>An EF-3 tornado was confirmed in Elkhorn, NE on the west side of Omaha. Winds were at 165 mph with this tornado. After the tornado moved through, our field crews observed high-tension power lines snapped in Elkhorn, NE, outside of Omaha. <div class="twitter-tweet" style="display: flex; justify-content: center" data-twitt-post-id="1784243608318595371" src="https://twitter.com/WeatherNation/status/1784243608318595371"></div>There was a "tornado emergency" issued for the northern suburbs of Omaha, NE, at around 3:45 PM CT Friday as a result of the Elkhorn tornado storm cell. This is the highest level of tornado warning the National Weather Service can issue and signals that there is a confirmed tornado on the ground and an extremely dangerous situation unfolding. A traffic camera in the Omaha area caught the tornado. Another tornado warning was issued for Omaha, including downtown, and damage was confirmed in the region. Additional surveys will be conducted to determine the strength of tornadoes in Omaha. <div class="twitter-tweet" style="display: flex; justify-content: center" data-twitt-post-id="1783961145100980348" src="https://twitter.com/WeatherNation/status/1783961145100980348"></div>Not only were there confirmed tornadoes in Nebraska, but numerous tornadoes also struck Iowa, impacting western and Central Iowa. There were 6 EF-2 tornadoes with winds of 111-135 mph and 2 EF-1 tornadoes. <img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2024/04/iowa-1714486552531.jpg">

Tornadoes Tear Through the Heartland Friday

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Originally born in Spokane, Washington,  Jackie's Dad was in the Air Force which led her to a life of travel. She has lived in Wichita, Okinawa, Japan, Baltimore, New Jersey, Indiana and South Carolina.  After graduating from Kadena High School, in Okinawa Japan, she got a full basketball scholarship to Coppin State College. On the court she was a 4-year starter and reached over 1000 points in her basketball career. She was also named Athlete of the Year for the whole university in 2002. Off the court, she earned a degree in Broadcast Production/English.

After college, she landed a job as a radio personality. Jackie went on to have a successful career for 12 years working at KXLY broadcast center. While on the radio, she decided to change career. Jackie went back to school, graduating from the Mississippi State Meteorology Broadcast Program. From snow, to tornadoes, to hurricanes, she has had experience forecasting all these events.

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The severe threat has lessened this evening and there is now a GENERAL risk for thunderstorms for the overnight hours and a low threat for severe due to the loss of daytime heating. An isolated storm will be possible, but there will be limited precipitation through the overnight hour for Texas and Louisiana.<video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2024/04/gggg-1714440061662.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video><h2>Flood Threat</h2>In addition to the severe weather, there is an ongoing flood threat. Many places in the Central and Southern Plains have already seen over 9" of rain in the past few days. This means the ground is already highly saturated in some spots, making it more likely to flood. The Weather Prediction Center has maintained a MARGINAL to SLIGHT risk for flash flooding through Tuesday morning in these areas.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2024/04/04-29 wpc through tonight-1714419623445.png"><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2024/04/04-29 central-1714444898379.png">

A Few Storms Lingering Along The Gulf

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Torrential rain fell overnight around the city of Groveton, TX. Businesses and homes were inundated after more than 10" of rain fell overnight. <div class="twitter-tweet" style="display: flex; justify-content: center" data-twitt-post-id="1784876454930415800" src="https://twitter.com/WeatherNation/status/1784876454930415800"></div>Watch back the radar loop from last night - notice when the rain starts and stops. <video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2024/04/Reflectivity Loop Groveton-1714394174198.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video>A sensor just outside of Groveton by Caney Creek recorded 10.72" of rain overnight.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2024/04/6 hr rainfall ffe-1714394201020.png">All of that rain overwhelmed streets and drains leaving roads impassible in many locations. Just look at how high the water was on some cars our field correspondents saw late Sunday night.<video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2024/04/VO_042824_RSC_GROVETON, TX_DIFFERENT VIEWS OF CARS DRIVING THROUGH FLOODED WATERS_BRANDON CLEMENT_WHATSAPP_MR_E042924-1714394604232.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video>

Caitlin Connell

Flash Flood Emergency 30 Miles Outside of Lufkin Overnight

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Rob grew up in South Florida, where daily afternoon storms and hurricanes piqued his interest in meteorology early on. That interest was fostered by his teachers and his father, who one time brought him onto the roof of their home to watch a funnel cloud move through the Everglades several miles away. Years of filmmaking and tv production in high school gradually pushed him toward broadcast meteorology at Florida State University, where he joined and eventually led the student run daily weather show. After graduating with a Bachelors of Science in Meteorology, he began his career at KESQ in Palm Springs, California before heading to KFSN in Fresno and WLOS in Asheville, North Carolina. He has covered a diverse array of extreme weather events, including haboobs and flash flooding in the desert, extreme snow in the Sierra, hurricanes, and Appalachian ice storms. He also enjoys telling stories and reporting about weather issues.

Connect with Rob on <a href="https://twitter.com/WxRobBradley">Twitter</a>

Rob Bradley

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Snow piled up in the Rocky Mountains this weekend, with over two feet of snow reported in parts of Colorado! Even the Denver metro area saw accumulating snow Saturday morning.<div class="twitter-tweet" style="display: flex; justify-content: center" data-twitt-post-id="1784356854233178450" src="https://twitter.com/WeatherNation/status/1784356854233178450"></div> Many mountainous areas from the Cascades to the Rockies reported heavy snow from mid-week into the weekend, with the Front Range of Colorado reported the highest totals thus far.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2024/04/Screenshot 2024-04-28 062758-1714307296262.png">Moisture lingering behind the trough and afternoon heating will lead to a few more pop-up rain and snow showers on Sunday. Winter alerts are in effect for SE Wyoming's Snowy Range, where several inches of snow and gusty winds are expected.<video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2024/04/forecast-1714319083449.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video>Additional snowfall is only expected to top a few inches on Sunday but could create travel issues on mountain passes, including on I-70 and I-80.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2024/04/snow accumulation-1714319142786.jpg">Snow this late in the season is not unusual in the Colorado Rockies. In fact, even more snow is possible toward the end of the computing workweek. Denver has recorded measurable snow into late May - with mountain snow chances lingering even longer. This is great news for the handful of ski resorts that remain open, and hope to extend their season even further.

Texas: More Rain in Flooded Areas

Texas: More Rain in Flooded Areas

First Weekend in May Brings Snow to West Coast

First Weekend in May Brings Snow to West Coas

Stormy Sunday in the Ohio Valley

Stormy Sunday in the Ohio Valley

Tornado Hits West Texas, More Storms this Weekend

Tornado Hits West Texas, More Storms this Wee

Multi-Day Severe Outbreak Possible Monday - Wednesday

Multi-Day Severe Outbreak Possible Monday - W

Remembering Moore: 25th Anniversary of F5 Tornado

Remembering Moore: 25th Anniversary of F5 Tor

Temps Climb on the East Coast, South

Temps Climb on the East Coast, South

Trotting Around Rain Chances at the 150th Kentucky Derby

Trotting Around Rain Chances at the 150th Ken

Spring Snow in the Mountain West

Spring Snow in the Mountain West

Record Highs Hit in the Northeast, Isolated Severe Remains

Record Highs Hit in the Northeast, Isolated S

At Least 33 Tornadoes Reported in Oklahoma this Weekend

At Least 33 Tornadoes Reported in Oklahoma th

Tornadoes Tear Through the Heartland Friday

Tornadoes Tear Through the Heartland Friday

A Few Storms Lingering Along The Gulf

A Few Storms Lingering Along The Gulf

Flash Flood Emergency 30 Miles Outside of Lufkin Overnight

Flash Flood Emergency 30 Miles Outside of Luf

Late-Season Snow Dumps 2 Feet Across the Rockies

Late-Season Snow Dumps 2 Feet Across the Rock