Brittany Lockley

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<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/04/1-1776997531081.png">The Storm Prediction Center has issued an&nbsp;enhanced risk of severe weather on Thursday. The greatest threats will include very large hail and powerful wind gusts, but a few tornadoes are also a concern, especially in areas where storms can remain isolated and intensify. The severe threat continues into the overnight hours before gradually weakening! <video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/04/New Baron Video 3-1776997766167.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video>Heavy rainfall may also accompany these storms, raising the risk of localized flooding in some areas already dealing with saturated ground. Residents across the Plains are being urged to stay weather-aware and have multiple ways to receive warnings, as conditions can change quickly during severe weather outbreaks.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/04/1-1776997836053.png">&nbsp;Tune into WeatherNation for more details.

Jesse Kelley

Severe Storm Threat Reloads Across Plains with Hail, Wind, and Tornado Risk

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Tracey Anthony

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<h1>SOUTHEAST</h1>Over 97% of the Southeast is in moderate to exceptional drought. These dry conditions have been one of many factors increasing the fire threat across the southeast. This is the driest this area has been since the year 2000.Many states have counties under burn bans. If you are in a local burn ban, please use caution and obey!<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/04/pic5-1776978046694.png"><div class="twitter-tweet" style="display: flex; justify-content: center" data-twitt-post-id="2047291899661504672" src="https://x.com/WeatherNation/status/2047291899661504672"></div><h1>CENTRAL PLAINS</h1>An ELEVATED to CRITICAL risk for fire danger is in effect for the Plains. These areas are dealing with incredibly dry conditions, increasing drought, gusty conditions, and warmer-than-normal temperatures. <img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/04/friday and sunday-1776997684863.png">Cities like Denver, CO, and Albuquerque, NM will have humidity levels down to the single digits.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/04/fridyaaa-1776997701888.png"><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/04/ffff-1776997701886.png">More details can be found live on WeatherNation throughout the hour.

Jackie Brown

Extreme Drought Leads To Fire Concerns Across The Nation

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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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Several rounds of severe storms are expected to impact the middle of the country through the weekend and even into next week! An elevated risk on Thursday will lead into Friday's risk across the Southern Plains and Lower Mississippi Valley (below), before another system emerges on Saturday.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/04/Screenshot 2026-04-23 073536-1776951393975.png">Wind and hail are expected to be the most widespread hazards form Friday's storms, but an isolated tornado is also possible.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/04/Screenshot 2026-04-23 073549-1776951435869.png">By Saturday, another wave of energy will increase jet stream energy over the Central Plains, increasing parameters and organization for severe storms. An enhanced risk (level 3 out of 5) is highlighting areas from Wichita through Fort Smith.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/04/Screenshot 2026-04-23 073542-1776951398978.png"> Storms will likely be underway Friday morning as a squall line or MCS moves across the Plains into the Mississippi Valley. The dry-line will likely lead to a new round of severe storms starting in the afternoon around the I-35 corridor. <video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/04/2026-04-23 09-13-29-1776957252424.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video><h1>Next System</h1>Yet another wave of energy from an upper-level trough will emerge from the Rockies to end the weekend and start next week. The SPC has already issued enhanced outlooks for Sunday and Monday from the Plains into the Midwest and Midsouth. These outlooks will change in the next few days so be sure to check back in with us for specific threats (like tornadoes) and timing details closer to the event.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/04/Screenshot 2026-04-23 091611-1776957389901.png">With several rounds of severe thunderstorms expected, heavy rain will add up over the next week. Thankfully this will not all come at once, but isolated flash flooding will remain a possibility with each system.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/04/Screenshot 2026-04-23 091843-1776957535087.png">

Severe Weather Chances Continue Friday through Tuesday

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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.

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CALIFORNIA - The rain and snow across California have ended, though not before bringing a good amount of precipitation! Later this week and into the weekend, a new system will come onshore, bringing the Southwest additional rain and snow chances. If you missed out on this latest frontal system, there's more to come!<video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/04/New Baron Video 3-1776976040436.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video>Starting Friday, isolated rain and snow showers will be possible across parts of California and Nevada. The chances of precipitation really begin to increase as the upper low moves eastward, creating scattered to widespread chances of snow and rain. The Rockies could be the biggest winner with the higher elevations picking up over a foot of snow. No alerts have been issued yet but some could as we head into the weekend.<video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/04/New Baron Video 3-1776976399288.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/04/1-1776976439764.png">In the long term, the Weather Prediction Center keeps the Southwest in the green with above-average chances of moisture!<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/04/1-1776976521499.png">

West Staying Active for the Weekend

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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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<h1>WHAT TO EXPECT</h1>A blast of cold air has brought freeze warnings across portions of the Great Lakes, Midwest, and East. Temperatures will drop sub-freezing for Tuesday morning. These temps can impact crops and sensitive vegetation with the potential to damage unprotected outdoor plumbing. <img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/04/Screenshot 2026-04-21 033536-1776764192555.png">Lows will be cold overnight! Tuesday morning starts out with temperatures in the 20s and 30s for some.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/04/Screenshot 2026-04-21 033649-1776764227460.png">There is even the potential for record lows to break on Tuesday morning with sub-freezing temperatures. The dots on the map are cities that could tie or break record lows.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/04/Screenshot 2026-04-21 033730-1776764265718.png">Some of these temperatures include the 20s for cities like Syracuse, NY which may break a record Tuesday morning.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/04/Screenshot 2026-04-21 033759-1776764294595.png">The cold snap won't last long, as by Wednesday temperatures will rebound back to above average.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/04/Screenshot 2026-04-21 033843-1776764338209.png"><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/04/Screenshot 2026-04-21 033911-1776764364505.png">

Adrian Hernandez

Cold Blast Prompts Frost and Freeze Alerts

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Flooding turned serious over the last week across Michigan and Wisconsin. Heavy rain &amp; severe storms arrived on top of spring snowmelt. <div class="twitter-tweet" style="display: flex; justify-content: center" data-twitt-post-id="2045208169664913798" src="https://x.com/WeatherNation/status/2045208169664913798"></div>A big part of this flood set up traces back to the Michigan's Upper Peninsula, where a very snowy winter left a large amount of water locked in the snowpack. <img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/04/Web_1-1776694765560.png">At the same time, Milwaukee set a new April precipitation record by April 16, surpassing the old record of 7.38 inches from 2013. &nbsp;<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/04/Web_4-1776695176771.png"><div class="twitter-tweet" style="display: flex; justify-content: center" data-twitt-post-id="2044823132792365142" src="https://x.com/WeatherNation/status/2044823132792365142"></div>The flood threat is not over yet. The National Weather Service in Marquette said Monday that the threat for river flooding will continue across north-central and eastern Upper Michigan as temperatures warm into the 40s, and its latest flood briefing said minor to moderate flooding is expected over the next seven days, with major flooding possible along parts of the Sturgeon and Muskegon Rivers. <img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/04/Web_7-1776695604663.png">For more on your central regional forecast, tune into WeatherNation :30 past the hour.

Kevin Schneider

Record Snow, Record Rain, Rising Rivers

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Tornadoes, hail, wind, and rain slammed the Midwest and Great Plains on Friday as a powerful storm system moved into the region. The same storm system was producing snow in Colorado while tornado warnings were being issued hundreds of miles to the east. Unfortunately, tornadoes hit some residential areas causing damage to homes in several states and injuring at least one person in Iowa. Thankfully, no deaths have been reported thus far. We'll post summaries of the tornadoes, including their ratings, as that information comes in over the next few days. Head to the bottom of the page for radar loops from Friday.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/04/Screenshot 2026-04-20 103932-1776703184677.png"> <img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/04/Screenshot 2026-04-18 051753-1776512252193.png">Over one hundred tornado warnings were issued with 25 reports of tornadoes either being spotted or causing damage.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/04/Screenshot 2026-04-18 051244-1776512264052.png">Many more severe thunderstorm warnings and flash flood warnings were issued on Friday, with many warnings confirmed by reports (below).<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/04/Screenshot 2026-04-18 051758-1776512271813.png">Hail topped 3 inches in diameter (bigger than baseballs) in both the Midwest and Plains on Friday, with many significant hail reports (over 2 inches).<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/04/Screenshot 2026-04-18 051925-1776512279734.png"><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/04/Screenshot 2026-04-18 051918-1776514705456.png">Hurricane force wind gusts also verified on Friday, with at least 5 reported over hurricane strength in the Midwest. Squall lines formed late in the day to produce large bowing segments.<h1><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/04/Screenshot 2026-04-18 051932-1776512279733.png">Radar Review</h1>Radar imagery from Friday was impressive, with many discrete supercells forming before the storms became more linear late in the evening. Many warnings were issued for storms, including confirmed tornado warnings (pink instead of red).<video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/04/2026-04-18 03-04-23-1776516944009.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video><video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/04/2026-04-18 03-12-44-1776516960303.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video><video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/04/2026-04-18 03-13-20-1776516972432.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video>

Looking Back at Last Week's Severe Weather Outbreak

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High pressure has been dominant on the East Coast this week, setting numerous records throughout the last week. Following Saturday's record highs, temperatures are expected to drop for Sunday and Monday.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/04/1-1776562247764.png">The temperatures will be cooling off for a few days before going right back up by midweek.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/04/1-1776562405685.png"><h3>Fire Danger</h3>Despite the cooler temperatures, fire danger will be present for Sunday and Monday with the strong winds and low humidity values.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/04/1-1776562504453.png"><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/04/1-1776562544985.png">

Last Day of East Coast Record Heat, Big Cool Down on the Way

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COLORADO - An estimated 70+ car pileup happened on Colorado's I-70 near the Eisenhower-Johnson Tunnel earlier on Tuesday, April 14th. Light snow was being reported throughout the day. I-70 was closed well into Tuesday evening, but has since been reopened.<div class="twitter-tweet" style="display: flex; justify-content: center" data-twitt-post-id="2044230476697674132" src="https://x.com/WeatherNation/status/2044230476697674132"></div>A frontal boundary is moving across the Northern Rockies. As a result, widespread winter weather alerts are in place for higher elevations across the Northwest.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/04/PIC 3-1776437893436.jpg">This system is expected to reach Utah by tonight and much of Colorado by Friday. This next round of snow for Colorado looks to bring snow levels lower, down to the I-25 corridor.<video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/04/FORECAST-1776437807033.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video>Snowfall totals will vary by elevation, but mountainous areas could pick up a foot of snow.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/04/PIC 2-1776437841942.jpg">The air will feel much cooler over the next few days. Numerous areas are under frost and freeze alerts.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/04/1-1776368815559.png">In true Colorado fashion, Denver's nighttime lows will drop into the 20s and 30s after a mild start on Thursday morning.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/04/1-1776368844993.png">More details on this forecast can be found :50 past the hour on WeatherNation.

Patrick Crawford

Colorado I-70 Pileup on Tuesday, More Snow Late Week

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UPPER MIDWEST and GREAT LAKES - Three straight days of destructive severe storms moved through Iowa, Minnesota and Wisconsin. Wednesday, NWS Kansas City confirmed two EF-0 and EF-1 tornadoes that hit the city of Clinton, MO. Check out the video below of the tornado knocking over a fuel tanks.<video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/04/VO_041626_RNC_CLINTON, MO_AWESOME CLOSE UP SHOT OF THE TORNADO VORTICE &amp; KNOCKS OVER LARGE CYLINDERS_FB_MS_E041626-1776367783604.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/04/Screenshot 2026-04-16 073701-1776346632507.png"><div class="twitter-tweet" style="display: flex; justify-content: center" data-twitt-post-id="2044202476317093912" src="https://x.com/WeatherNation/status/2044202476317093912"></div><h2>Overnight</h2>Storms are expected to continue to weaken as we have lost daytime heating. Some rough storms still remain possible across Arkansas and Tennessee that could produce some damaging winds and hail. An isolated severe storm or two is also possible for New England.<h1>Timing</h1><video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/04/New Baron Video 3-1776392246151.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video>With multiple rounds of strong to severe thunderstorms in the same areas, this may lead to an isolated to scattered flooding risk across the Great Lakes region. Be prepared for flooding, especially if you still have some snow on the ground; frozen ground can take longer to absorb flood waters compared to unfrozen ground. Flood alerts continue into Friday with the next round of severe storms in the forecast.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/04/1-1776368095919.png"><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/04/1-1776368119393.png"><div class="twitter-tweet" style="display: flex; justify-content: center" data-twitt-post-id="2044599476434907195" src="https://x.com/WeatherNation/status/2044599476434907195"></div>

Severe Storms Leave a Mark on the Great Lakes

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SW PLAINS - Portions of Texas and Oklahoma are at risk of severe thunderstorms through Thursday morning. The threat for severe storms is expected to slow into the overnight hours but is still non-zero. Wind reports earlier on Wednesday gusted up to 84 mph in Elk City, Oklahoma.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/04/Screenshot 2026-04-15 195038-1776304346569.png">In addition to this significant hail risk, there is also a risk of tornadoes with these supercells.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/04/Screenshot 2026-04-15 195124-1776304385162.png">The risk for flooding is fairly minimal in these areas, but models do have a few localized, heavier downpours through the next couple of days in these areas.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/04/Screenshot 2026-04-15 132632-1776281196660.png">

Alana Cameron

Overnight Storms Slow for Texas and Oklahoma

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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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<h1>Multi-Day Severe Storm Set-Up</h1>We continue to see the busy April pattern from Texas to the Great Lakes. A huge trough will swing through, bringing a severe threat risk on Tuesday and Wednesday. All severe threats will be possible, including damaging winds, large hail, and tornadoes. Heavy rainfall will also be embedded in some storms, raising concerns about flooding. Make sure to stay with us for the latest updates and shifts in the forecast.An ENHANCED (level 3 out of 5) risk for severe weather is in place on Tuesday. The outlook even expands a SLIGHT (level 2 out of 5) risk out into the northeast.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/04/Screenshot 2026-04-14 072908-1776173358269.jpg">Similarly, on Wednesday, we'll have another outlook where two hot spots for severe weather are highlighted. At this point, however, a SLIGHT (level 2 out of 5) risk for severe weather is issued.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/04/Screenshot 2026-04-14 063457-1776162907110.png">Daytime heating will help to spark up thunderstorms on Tuesday and Wednesday afternoon. Some storms will remain strong into the evening and nighttime hours, so make sure to have multiple ways to get alerts.In addition to severe storm hazards (wind, hail, and tornadoes), heavy rainfall rates are expected to lead to flash flood potential. It doesn't appear to be a high-end flooding threat, but as the forecast draws closer, we will keep you updated!<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/04/Screenshot 2026-04-14 073108-1776173482064.jpg">For a deep dive into the north and south sides of this severe threat, visit the following articles on our website! <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.weathernationtv.com/news/upper-midwest-and-great-lakes-enhanced-risks">North Side</a> <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.weathernationtv.com/news/dryline-driven-storms-for-texas-and-oklahoma">South Side</a>

Storm Overview: Who All Is At Risk This Week?

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Spring is in full swing which means it's time to start looking ahead to this year's upcoming hurricane season in the Atlantic! Each year, Colorado State University's Tropical Weather Department releases multiple forecasts for the Atlantic Hurricane Season, including one of the earliest issued among major forecasters.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/04/Screenshot 2026-04-09 065207-1775740414924.png"> CSU just released their first forecast for 2026, which is calling for a near normal to slightly below average season with 13 named storms, 6 hurricanes, and 2 major hurricanes. The average season in the Atlantic is just slightly higher than this initial prediction, meaning several impactful storms are still possible. As a reminder, even below average seasons can have major impacts depending on where storms form which is impossible to predict months ahead of time.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/04/Screenshot 2026-04-09 065246-1775740421912.png">You've probably heard rumblings about the burgeoning El Ni­­ños, and possible Super Ni­­ño, shaping up in the tropical Pacific. The expectation for an El Ni­­ño event during the peak of the 2026 Atlantic Hurricane season is a big factor in CSU's below average forecast, along with near normal sea surface temperatures, which have been much above average in recent seasons.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/04/Screenshot 2026-04-09 065226-1775739587003.png">The confidence in an El Nino developing this summer is quite high, but the remaining question is how strong will the event be? Weak El Ni­­ños typically have a lower impact on the tropics in the Atlantic while strong El Ni­­ños have a more consistent impact. This year's El Ni­­ño is trending toward the strong side, but it's still too early to say for certain.<div class="twitter-tweet" style="display: flex; justify-content: center" data-twitt-post-id="2042226020179161097" src="https://x.com/NWSCPC/status/2042226020179161097"></div>Why do El Ni­­ños typically reduce hurricane activity in the Atlantic Basin? The warmer water in the equatorial pacific often leads to a more energetic sub-tropical jet, leading to stronger winds in the upper-atmosphere over the Caribbean. Surface winds in the Caribbean most often comes from the east, known as the trade winds. When these winds lay under strong winds from the opposite (or even the same direction), it leads to strong wind shear which tears hurricanes apart.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/04/Screenshot 2026-04-09 063418-1775740706915.png">Even with a slightly below average season, two major hurricanes are expected with many other named storms. Any named storm that hits land can have major to extreme impacts, so stay prepared and stay tuned. WeatherNation will always keep you updated on the latest in the tropics!<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/04/Screenshot 2026-04-09 065301-1775741404492.png">

CSU Releases First Hurricane Forecast for 2026

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The peak of spring severe weather season is fast approaching and the outlooks are here to prove it! The Storm Prediction Center has outlooks for severe storms through Wednesday of this week.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/04/Screenshot 2026-04-10 100804-1775837299426.png"><h1>Outlooks</h1>The SPC has maintained a SLIGHT risk for severe storms through Monday morning in Texas. This is a level 2 out of 5 risk for severe weather. In Minnesota, there is a MARGINAL risk for severe storms along the surface low.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/04/Screenshot 2026-04-12 200100-1776045668479.png"><h1>Forecast</h1>Storms have fired up in west Texas and are expected to continue moving into the I-35 corridor through the morning hours. Models anticipate these storms clustering together as the drag through into the morning.<video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/04/04-12 rsc hrrr-1776034819721.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video><h1>Rainfall &amp; Flood Threat</h1>Heavy downpours are expected with these thunderstorms. Rainfall totals could surpass 3-5" in some areas that see multiple thunderstorms.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/04/Screenshot 2026-04-11 043616-1775903842893.png"><h2>MONDAY</h2>A lot of the same question marks move into Monday, with a bimodal severe threat. The area of greatest concern looks to be up around the Great Lakes, where a higher tornado threat resides.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/04/Screenshot 2026-04-12 122005-1776018029088.png">

Weekend Closes With More Storms

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A series of storms is lining up to impact the West Coast, bringing days of wet and unsettled weather to parts of California and the Rockies. Gusty winds will also accompany the system at times, adding to the overall impact.&nbsp; As of now, isolated severe storms are expected in the Bay Area. In the higher elevations, snowfall is expected. 1-2 feet of snowfall is possible for the Sierra Nevada mountains. Winter weather alerts are already in place.Higher elevations will see a different side of this system, with colder air allowing snow to fall across the mountains. Snow levels are expected to drop enough for accumulating snow in the Sierra Nevada, where totals could become significant. Winter Storm Advisories and Warnings have been issued for portions of the Sierra Nevada and higher terrains in Southern California through tonight for a couple of feet of snowfall in the higher elevations, mostly above 4500 feet. This could create hazardous travel conditions in mountain passes, with slick roads and reduced visibility due to falling snow and wind.&nbsp;<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/04/Screenshot 2026-04-12 105814-1776013152826.png">A stronger cold front moves in tonight, and it will drag down some cooler air to support heavy snow chances in the Sierra. Travel could be a little dicey on Interstate 80. Southern California will also get in on the precipitation.<video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/04/04-12 cal-1776013168692.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video>Rainfall totals are expected to build quickly as each wave moves through. Several inches of rain could fall in parts of California and Oregon, with the heaviest amounts likely in coastal areas and higher terrain. Totals may surpass a foot in the high country and at the peaks of the mountains, but the Donner Pass will be a slick one to travel over.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/04/Screenshot 2026-04-12 105818-1776013178338.png">The unsettled pattern is expected to continue into early next week, meaning the West Coast will not see much of a break from the active weather anytime soon. As these systems push inland, they may also help trigger additional weather impacts farther east, extending the reach of this stormy stretch beyond the coastline.&nbsp;<h2>Four Corners Moisture</h2>Here is a closer look at the incoming rain, thunderstorms, and snow for the Intermountain West. A few showers and storms may sneak into portions of New Mexico and Arizona, but the majority of the moisture looks to happen in Colorado, Utah, Wyoming, and Montana. This moisture picks up over the next few afternoons, which is great news for the drought.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/04/Screenshot 2026-04-12 110019-1776013226155.png">Drought conditions have intensified to extreme and exceptional levels out west due to a lack of moisture, especially across the northern Four Corners. Any moisture to make it this way will be beneficial to the area.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/04/Screenshot 2026-04-11 061335-1775909620203.jpg">However, some of that moisture might come with some strong winds. Montana, Wyoming, Idaho and Utah are all in a marginal risk for severe storms Sunday.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/04/Screenshot 2026-04-12 110049-1776013253804.png">

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