<p style="margin: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt;"><span style="font-size: 13.5pt; color: #454545;">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></span></p>

Rob Bradley

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<p>The Midwest <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.weathernationtv.com/news/severe-storms-flash-flooding-threaten-millions-across-the-plains-this-weekend"><em><u>has been hammered by severe weather this week, including multiple tornadoes and a derecho</u></em></a>! Another round of storms is expected Saturday, with high-end severe weather potential, including several strong tornadoes.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/06/Screenshot 2026-06-13 053556-1781350569301.png">A low pressure system moving through the Great Plains will tap into plentiful warmth and moisture, with high-end energy giving the potential for massive hail and hurricane force wind gusts.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/06/Screenshot 2026-06-13 053504-1781350580931.png">Wind and hail threats are expected to be the most widespread hazards and could be significant (below), but several tornadoes are also possible, including an intense tornado or two (hatched region above).</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/06/Screenshot 2026-06-13 053509-1781350586947.png">Morning storms could cause some wind and hail damage before a new round of storms blossoms in the afternoon. Some of the strongest storms could be happening close to sunset or after, so please have multiple ways to get severe weather alerts.</p><video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/06/2026-06-13 05-37-15-1781350666840.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video><h1>Flood Threat</h1><p>Intense precipitation rates are expected in Saturdays storms, producing rainfall rates of 1-2" per hour. Soils in these areas are already saturated from storms earlier in the week, which will allow for flooding to develop more quickly.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/06/Screenshot 2026-06-13 053516-1781350594040.png">The WPC has issued a MODERATE (level 3 out of 4) excessive rainfall outlook for parts of Missouri and Kansas, meaning numerous flash flood incidents are expected. Flash flooding could be significant in these areas, meaning water could be high enough to enter homes and businesses.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/06/Screenshot 2026-06-13 053520-1781350600175.png"></p>

Severe Storms Target the Midwest Again Saturday

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<p>The Midwest has been dealing with several rounds of severe storms this week, with widespread damaging winds in Chicago, Illinois, and surrounding areas on Wednesday from a derecho. Thursday was another incredibly active day, starting with a powerful bowing segment in Iowa that produced gusts to 90 mph! By Thursday afternoon, numerous strong tornadoes formed in Illinois before tracking into Indiana.</p><h1>Thursday</h1><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/06/Screenshot 2026-06-12 080923-1781273374042.png"></p><p>The Storm Prediction Center issued a <strong>MODERATE</strong> (level 4 out of 5) risk for severe thunderstorms on Thursday, and the forecast appears to have verified with numerous reports of intense winds and tornadoes across Illinois, Indiana, Wisconsin, and Michigan. Tornado warnings are in the image above, with many warnings verified. A loop of the radar from Chicago (KLOT) shows numerous confirmed tornado warnings, and even a tornado emergency (purple polygon).</p><video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/06/Jun 11 Radar Loop Video-1781273466817.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video><p>Storm surveys will need to be completed to determine the strength of these tornadoes, though on appearance and damage alone, it seems like these were intense (EF2 and above). We will keep you updated on damage surveys as they are conducted. A few surveys are now coming in and Streator, Illinois has received a rating of EF-3.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/06/Screenshot 2026-06-13 043128-1781346703207.png"></p><div class="twitter-tweet" style="display: flex; justify-content: center" data-twitt-post-id="2065265626298585191" src="https://x.com/WeatherNation/status/2065265626298585191"></div><video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/06/VO_061126_RNC_REDDICK, IL_MASSIVE TORNADO-1781231750899.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video><video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/06/VO_061126_RNC_WASHBURN, IL_MASSIVE TORNADO DURING TOR EMERGENCY_TW_@BLEEDCUBBLUE311_MS_E061126-1781231767703.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video><h1><br>Wednesday</h1><p>Damaging storms moved through the Chicago area on Wednesday as well, producing winds of up to 70-80 mph. Gusty winds across the Midwest were causing issues on Wednesday, from Iowa through Michigan. The SPC has confirmed this event was a derecho. </p><div class="twitter-tweet" style="display: flex; justify-content: center" data-twitt-post-id="2064820223862321377" src="https://x.com/WeatherNation/status/2064820223862321377"></div><div class="twitter-tweet" style="display: flex; justify-content: center" data-twitt-post-id="2065094202820874721" src="https://x.com/WeatherNation/status/2065094202820874721"></div>

Numerous Tornadoes Tear Across the Midwest

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Brittany Lockley

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<p>A surge of tropical moisture streaming north from the Gulf is expected to bring an increased risk of severe thunderstorms and flooding across parts of the central and southern United States through the weekend and into next week. The combination of hot temperatures, humid air, and a slow-moving weather pattern will create favorable conditions for repeated rounds of showers and thunderstorms, some of which could become severe.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/06/1-1781303289940.png"></p><p></p><p>The threat for strong to severe storms is expected to develop across portions of the Plains, Midwest, and South. Storms will be capable of producing damaging wind gusts, large hail, and a few tornadoes, especially during the afternoon and evening hours when instability is at its peak. The abundant moisture in the atmosphere will provide plenty of fuel for storm development.<span style="color: rgb(36, 36, 36)">&nbsp;</span></p><p></p><video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/06/2026-06-12 08-17-36-1781273947936.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video><p></p><p>While severe weather is a concern, flooding could become the more significant and widespread threat. Slow-moving storms and repeated rounds of heavy rainfall may lead to flash flooding, particularly in areas that have already received recent rain. Rainfall rates could be intense at times, causing water to quickly accumulate on roads, in low-lying areas, and near small streams and creeks.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/06/Screenshot 2026-06-12 132413-1781292260001.png">Tune into WeatherNation TV on YouTube for the latest!</p><p></p><p></p><div data-youtube-video=""><iframe width="640" height="480" allowfullscreen="false" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/hPTDldpiWUQ" start="0"></iframe></div>

Tropical Moisture to Raise Flooding and Severe Concerns Across Central U.S.

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<p>El Niño has arrived! It didn't take long for La Niña conditions this spring to quickly be replaced in the equatorial Pacific over the last few months. A big surge of warm water has now reached the surface after traveling in deeper waters for months, taking sea surface temperatures up to the level needed for an El Niño designation.</p><div class="twitter-tweet" style="display: flex; justify-content: center" data-twitt-post-id="2065059465326444738" src="https://x.com/NOAAComms/status/2065059465326444738"></div><p><br>El Niño is expected to continue for the foreseeable future (below), and will likely to continue to strengthen through the summer into fall and possibly winter (top of page). You've probably heard the term "super" El Niño mentioned - which is the same as a "very strong" El Niño in the graphic above. "Super" El Niño isn't a term officially recognized, but seeing temperatures that warm in the Pacific typically mean bigger impacts to global weather patterns, including hurricane season and the winter forecast in the United States.<br><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/06/Screenshot 2026-06-11 102033-1781194881870.png"></p><p>A strong or very strong El Niño is different than a weak or moderate El Niño in terms of impacts. A very strong El Niño typically leads to a tighter and stronger sub-tropical jet, which increases wind shear in the Atlantic. If a moderate El Niño is in place through hurricane season, it's impacts in the Atlantic could be less pronounced. Regardless, WeatherNation will be monitoring the latest in the tropics and will bring you updates all season long.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/06/Screenshot 2026-06-11 102059-1781195492270.png"></p><p>To read the full release from NOAA about El Niño emerging - <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://t.co/lS3v4K6TMC"><u>click here!</u></a></p>

El Niño Forms, Very Strong El Niño Likely Late 2026

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<p>Summer heat has been building around the East Coast to end the week, with a strong ridge of high pressure helping to produce record highs for areas from the Carolinas to New York state. As a series of fronts cuts into the heat, rounds of strong and severe storms will be possible.<br><br>On Thursday, numerous record highs fell, including a 110+ year old record in Salisbury, MD! Heat advisories have been issued for Friday as additional record highs will fall, with heat index values approaching 110° in some areas!<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/06/1-1781303670264.png"></p><p>As a weak cold front moves in, temperatures will drop for a day before building again on Sunday. A stronger cold front moving in Sunday/Monday will help end this streak of heat.</p><h1><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/06/Screenshot 2026-06-12 132619-1781292386611.png">Severe Storms</h1><p>Another cold front will be the focus for thunderstorm development for Friday. Luckily, the storms have wrapped up for Friday night. However, some wind gusts did reach up over 70 mph.</p><video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/06/BARON 5-1781316475676.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video><p></p><p></p><p>Yet ANOTHER cold front is expected to move through the region over the weekend. After a brief break with a surface high pressure on Saturday, another low will traverse the region on Sunday. The Storm Prediction Center is already highlighting the area from Burlington, VT down to North Carolina. Sound familiar? It's easy to get storm fatigue when multi-day threats continue. Stay alert, stay ready, and stay with WeatherNation for details on your forecast.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/06/1-1781304101187.png"></p>

Tropical Moisture to Raise Flooding and Severe Concerns Across Central U.S.

El Niño Forms, Very Strong El Niño Likely Late 2026

Record Heat Fuels Severe Storms in the Northeast

Severe Storms Target the Midwest Again Saturday

Numerous Tornadoes Tear Across the Midwest

Tropical Moisture to Raise Flooding and Severe Concerns Across Central U.S.

El Niño Forms, Very Strong El Niño Likely Late 2026

Record Heat Fuels Severe Storms in the Northeast

Severe Storms Target the Midwest Again Saturday

Numerous Tornadoes Tear Across the Midwest

Tropical Moisture to Raise Flooding and Severe Concerns Across Central U.S.

El Niño Forms, Very Strong El Niño Likely Late 2026

Record Heat Fuels Severe Storms in the Northeast