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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<h2>Rainfall &amp; Forecast</h2><p>While much of the state of Texas has been under an active pattern recently, additional chances for heavy rainfall will linger through the end of the week as stronger, upper-level energy continues to flow over the region.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/04/Screenshot 2026-04-30 063153-1777552320202.png">Because the front never clears the Gulf Coast, the steady stream of warm, moist air arriving from the South doesn't shut off. As energetic winds overhead remain in place, plenty of lift will support daily thunderstorm formation. These thunderstorms will have plenty of moisture to work with and could have extremely high rainfall rates.</p><video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/04/2026-04-30 06-33-36-1777554426399.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video><p>With the potential combination of training storms and heavy rainfall rates, the flooding concern is rising. This is especially true across Texas, as grounds are already very saturated from previous storms. The Weather Prediction Center has highlighted areas on both Thursday and Friday with a Slight Risk Excessive Rainfall Outlook. Thursday's risk highlights the Texas Hill Country eastward to the I-35 corridor. On Friday, the flooding threat shifts east, encompassing much of East Texas and northern Louisiana.</p><video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/04/2026-04-30 06-32-58-1777553755557.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video><video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/04/2026-04-30 06-47-52-1777553794453.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video><p>There are many areas, especially across the southeast, that desperately need more rainfall.</p><h2><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/04/Screenshot 2026-04-28 133607-1777404986134.png">Severe Threat</h2><p>There are isolated risks for severe weather starting on Thursday. By Friday, isolated severe storms will be possible across portions of Texas and Florida. Hail will remain a primary concern, but some gusty winds and tornadoes are possible as the threat moves east on Friday.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/04/Screenshot 2026-04-30 063214-1777552463891.png"><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/04/Screenshot 2026-04-30 065400-1777553652688.png"></p>

Patrick Crawford

Heavy Rain, Severe Storms Loom For Texas & Gulf Coast

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WeatherNation Meteorologists

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<h1>Heading to Churchill Downs this Weekend?</h1><h3>Derby Day Weather Outlook</h3><p>Current forecasts call for partly cloudy to partly sunny skies throughout the day on Saturday, with temperatures expected to top out in the low 60s Fahrenheit. Morning temperatures are likely to be brisk, with overnight lows dipping to around 40°F, before gradual warming during the late morning and afternoon hours. While the day may feel cool compared to some recent runnings of the Derby, the conditions are well within the comfortable range for outdoor spectators and participants.</p><p>Perhaps most importantly, the chance of rain appears low, representing a significant improvement from earlier in the week, when unsettled weather threatened to dampen the weekend’s flagship event. While isolated sprinkles cannot be completely ruled out this far in advance, there is currently no strong signal for steady or disruptive rainfall on Saturday.</p><h1><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/04/WEB 1-1777553210631.png"></h1><h1>Impact on Track Conditions</h1><p>Earlier rainfall during the week may have some lingering effects on the Churchill Downs surface, particularly if showers pass through on Friday. However, with Saturday shaping up to be dry and cool, track conditions are expected to improve steadily. A dry forecast on Derby Day would allow the dirt track to firm up, reducing the likelihood of the kind of muddy, sealed surface that can dramatically influence race strategy and outcomes.</p><p>For horsemen, a drying track generally leads to more predictable footing, which can be especially important in a 20‑horse field like the Kentucky Derby, where traffic, pace, and positioning are already major variables.</p><h1><strong>Impact on the Horses</strong></h1><p><strong>From blazing sunshine to torrential rain, the conditions on Derby Day can significantly influence the race's outcome and the experience for horses, jockeys, trainers, and fans alike 🏇</strong></p><p style="text-align: start">🏇 <strong>Precipitation:</strong> Track conditions are the most immediate and noticeable way weather affects the Derby. Rain can quickly turn the usually fast dirt track into a sloppy or muddy surface, altering the performance of certain horses and jockeys. Some horses, known as “mudders,” thrive in wet conditions, while others struggle. For instance, in the rain-soaked 2019 Derby, the muddy track played a role in a dramatic finish that included the controversial disqualification of Maximum Security. Handicappers and bettors pay close attention to forecasts, knowing that a change in weather could shift the odds significantly.</p><p style="text-align: start">🏇 <strong>Temperature</strong> is another critical factor. A warm &amp; humid race day can drain a horse's stamina, especially those not acclimated to the heat and humidity. Trainers often adjust their preparation and hydration strategies depending on the expected weather. Cooler temperatures, on the other hand, may benefit certain horses with more endurance and less speed.</p><p style="text-align: start">🏇 <strong>Wind</strong> also plays a subtle but real role in racing dynamics. A strong headwind down the backstretch can tire front-running horses earlier than expected, while a tailwind might benefit late closers. Though less obvious than mud or rain, wind direction and speed can change race strategies and even alter the pace of the race.</p><p style="text-align: start">In a race where every fraction of a second matters, weather isn’t just a background variable—it’s a potential game-changer. Whether the sun is shining or rain is pouring, the conditions on Derby Day can leave a lasting imprint.</p>

Tracey Anthony

Rain or Shine? Your 152nd Kentucky Derby Forecast

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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.

Jackie Brown

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<p>A trough of low pressure will keep things cool this weekend in portions of the Plains, Great Lakes, and East. Breezy and cool conditions will stick around through the weekend. The WPC has issued a day 3-7 hazards outlook for May 1st - May 3rd as temperatures will be running 5°- 15° below average!</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/04/chillyne-1777508845455.png">Freeze and frost alerts will be likely from the Great Lakes to the northeast the next few evenings. Freezing to sub-freezing temperatures will be possible in the watch and warning areas. Make sure to protect tender plants from the cold! Morning lows will be cold and below average for many. Minneapolis normally has a forecast low of 43°, but will see temperatures in the mid 30s over the next few mornings.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/04/web1-1777554990115.png"></p><p>Across the Northeast, temperatures will run below average as well. Lots of cities that normally see lows in the 40s will wake up Friday - Sunday morning in the 30s.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/04/low temps w -1777508881799.png"></p>

Cooler Air Sweeps from the Plains to the Northeast

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<h1>MONDAY</h1><p>Severe storms erupted across the Midwest on Monday, causing damage to homes and other structures. Reports of damaging winds, large hail, and even a few tornadoes came in throughout Monday. Some of those tornadoes touched down after dark, creating truly nightmare-like scenes captured on video in Illinois.</p><div class="twitter-tweet" style="display: flex; justify-content: center" data-twitt-post-id="2048955551267328360" src="https://x.com/WeatherNation/status/2048955551267328360"></div><div class="twitter-tweet" style="display: flex; justify-content: center" data-twitt-post-id="2048945300266537201" src="https://x.com/WeatherNation/status/2048945300266537201"></div><p>Storms really started to spark up into the early evening. Severe thunderstorm and tornado warnings were firing off into the nighttime hours across Missouri, Illinois and Indiana.</p><video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/04/2026-04-28 04-20-09-1777371667954.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video><p>We picked up some pretty large hailstones out of Missouri after this system pulled through. Some reports showed hailstones reaching the size of softballs!</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/04/Screenshot 2026-04-28 042253-1777371968460.png"></p><p>The gustiest winds reported were actually out of Illinois and Indiana. Looking back at the radar from Monday night, it's no surprise, being that we got that defined bow echo.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/04/Screenshot 2026-04-28 042302-1777372048925.png"></p><p>Flooding was also a major issue across places like Kansas City. With multiple heavy rounds of rainfall, we even broke several records across major cities in the Midwest. We always tell folks to never sleep on that flooding threat!</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/04/Screenshot 2026-04-28 042928-1777372180763.png">Why wasn't there more high-end tornadoes? A lot of research will go into the exact whys, but one thing that jumped out at us was the cap. Temperatures above the area where storms were attempting to form were slightly warmer than expected. That snuffed out many storms before they could achieve strong to violent status Monday evening.</p><h1><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/04/Screenshot 2026-04-28 115059-1777398675567.png">TUESDAY</h1><p>On Tuesday, our front dropped into the southern plains, providing a focus for more thunderstorms. Supercells approached the Dallas-Fort Worth metro, nearing rush hour. Large hail fell with the most intense storms, and a few tornadoes were reported. </p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/04/Screenshot 2026-04-29 114240-1777484739534.png">Earlier in the day, storms north of the boundary produced more massive hail in southwest Missouri, smashing multiple windows</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/04/Screenshot 2026-04-29 114259-1777484807523.png"></p>

A Look Back at Moderate Risks This Week

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<p>Severe storms have been numerous this week, and the severe threat continues. As we look ahead, storms are expected to push south and east over the next day or two, bringing some slightly different areas into the fold.</p><div class="twitter-tweet" style="display: flex; justify-content: center" data-twitt-post-id="2048061975142322502" src="https://x.com/WeatherNation/status/2048061975142322502"></div><p></p><p>The Storm Prediction Center has downgraded the overnight risk for severe weather to<strong> SLIGHT</strong>, a level 2 out of 5 threat, for portions of west Texas.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/04/Screenshot 2026-04-29 191541-1777511980766.png"></p><p>Large hail looks to be the primary threat. Some hailstones could grow in excess of 2" in diameter again.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/04/Screenshot 2026-04-29 191545-1777511990472.png">Isolated tornadoes will be possible. This includes cities like San Antonio, Austin, Houston, and Jackson.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/04/Screenshot 2026-04-29 192024-1777512032252.png">Overnight, storms will push to the east along the frontal boundary, where a severe threat will be in place on Thursday.</p><video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/04/04-29 RSC RSE BAM3K-1777512099617.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video><p></p>

Alana Cameron

Hail Pummels Missouri, Texas; Back for More Overnight

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<p>We have a rather wet pattern ahead for a lot of the Southwest going into the late week! To a lot of folks, this will be great news! The West has been begging for a good drink for a while. Just look at the drought monitor!</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/04/Screenshot 2026-04-29 084430-1777473875041.png">For the rest of Wednesday, off and on rain showers will be possible for Colorado. Afterwards, rainfall is expected to really ramp up across New Mexico and Colorado on Thursday, which will likely be the wettest day this week.</p><video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/04/four corn-1777508125668.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video><p>But just how much moisture are we gonna pick up? Well, the Rockies are forecast to pick up a foot of snow across much of Colorado. We can also expect about half an inch to even an inch of rain across the majority of New Mexico and Colorado for locations at lower elevations.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/04/Screenshot 2026-04-29 192517-1777512328936.png">Winter Storm Warnings and Advisories have been added for portions of Colorado and New Mexico. Totals could range anywhere between 5 - 15".<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/04/1-1777495128468.png">Minor to Major impacts from winter weather will be possible across the higher elevations of the Front Range south through the Sangre De Cristo. The Eisenhower Tunnel on I-70 and the Monarch Pass on US-50 may become impacted locations over the next few days.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/04/Screenshot 2026-04-29 084404-1777473851393.png">Monsoon season is right around the corner!</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/04/Screenshot 2026-04-29 084445-1777473901663.png"></p><p>Be sure to join us at :50 past the hour on WeatherNation for your complete West Regional forecast breakdown!</p>

Cut-off Low Increases Rain and Snow Chances Out West

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Kevin Schneider

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<p><strong>WEST - </strong>Another upper-level low is set to move through the western United States to bring in a chance for rainshowers and snow for the higher elevations.</p><p>Rain and high-elevation snow chances will ramp up through Wednesday, which could bring back renewed slick roadways on some mountain passes. Most of our winter weather alerts have ended for the Rockies today as we wait for our next round.</p><video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/04/0427 west-1777330956598.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video><h3><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/04/Screenshot 2026-04-27 124601-1777315581223.png">What's Next for the West?</h3><p>Another upper level low pressure system is set to move in from the Pacific onshore by about midweek, increasing rain chances for the Four Corners.</p><video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/04/04-27 rfsw set up-1777315770759.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video><p>On Wednesday, rain chances will increase across the Four Corners, but by Thursday, widespread rainshowers and heavy high elevation snow will take over Colorado, Utah, New Mexico, and Arizona.</p><video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/04/04-27 rsw we to fri-1777315803787.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video><p></p><p>In the long term, the Weather Prediction Center keeps the 4-Corners region in the green with confidence in above-average precipitation heading into May.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/04/Screenshot 2026-04-27 035703-1777283836422.png"></p>

West Staying Active this Week

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<p>Rounds of rain are set to return to the Southeast through the end of April, offering some much-needed moisture to a region that has been dealing with unusually dry conditions. While several systems are expected to bring periods of steady rain and thunderstorms, the rainfall will likely fall short of fully reversing the ongoing drought. Many areas across the region have recorded well below-average precipitation in recent weeks, leaving soils parched and waterways running low.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/04/Screenshot 2026-04-25 080049-1777125658800.png">Even with pockets of heavier rain, totals will be inconsistent, meaning not all drought-stricken locations will benefit equally. Some communities could see meaningful improvement, but others may miss out on the heaviest downpours altogether. This uneven distribution limits the overall impact and slows any long-term recovery.<span style="color: rgb(36, 36, 36)">&nbsp;</span></p><p>The heaviest of the rainfall over the next few days looks to be across Mississippi and Alabama. However, it might not get all of us - the latest models are avoiding northern Florida/southern Georgia, where we desperately need it.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/04/Screenshot 2026-04-27 171323-1777331612615.png">The continued dryness has also heightened wildfire concerns across parts of the Southeast. There are still several fires burning between Georgia and Florida that are spreading smoke across the Southeast. If you have upper respiratory issues, limit the time spent outdoors. The air quality near these fires could be significantly impacted.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/04/Screenshot 2026-04-27 035139-1777283545897.png"></p><p>More details on your Eastern Regional Forecast can be found :10 past the hour on WeatherNation.</p><p></p>

Southeast Rain Brings Relief, But Drought and Wildfire Threats Persist

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<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><em>Top Image: Brett Adair</em></p><div data-youtube-video=""><iframe width="640" height="480" allowfullscreen="false" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ikRBAKESm0k" start="0"></iframe></div><p></p><p>Several strong tornadoes tore across portions of the Great Plains and Midwest on Thursday, causing damage, notably in the town of Enid, Oklahoma. WeatherNation field correspondent Brett Adair captured a different tornado near Braman, Oklahoma (below). In contrast, correspondents Brandon Clement and Jonathan Petramala caught the Enid tornado during and after its tear through town.</p><div class="twitter-tweet" style="display: flex; justify-content: center" data-twitt-post-id="2047770214519992738" src="https://x.com/NWSNorman/status/2047770214519992738"></div><div class="twitter-tweet" style="display: flex; justify-content: center" data-twitt-post-id="2047512666902823257" src="https://x.com/WeatherNation/status/2047512666902823257"></div><p>Jonathan provided an update late Thursday as emergency crews were combing through collapsed buildings in Enid. Thankfully, the Sheriff's office has reported only minor injuries so far.</p><div class="twitter-tweet" style="display: flex; justify-content: center" data-twitt-post-id="2047616538031604204" src="https://x.com/WeatherNation/status/2047616538031604204"></div><p>Tornado warnings were issued across six different states on Thursday, with about 21 reports of tornadoes coming in. Some of those reports will be from the same tornado, so we'll have to wait for damage surveys to confirm numbers and intensity (EF) ratings.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/04/Screenshot 2026-04-24 071558-1777036595398.png">Aside from the tornado warnings, severe thunderstorms were numerous on Friday! Storms produced hurricane-force wind gusts and hail up to the size of softballs!</p><h1><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/04/Screenshot 2026-04-24 071653-1777036618310.png">Radar Review</h1><p>The Braman and Enid tornadoes formed from supercell thunderstorms, each producing a classic "hook echo" while the tornadoes were mature. The storms eventually congealed into a line that produced additional severe weather and heavy rain, leading to flash flood warnings.</p><video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/04/2026-04-24 09-30-40-1777044754991.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video><p></p><p>Farther north, tornado warnings started earlier in the day for areas around the I-29 corridor, with a picturesque tornado captured near Little Sioux, IA (video below the radar loop). Additional severe storms, including confirmed tornadoes, formed through the afternoon and into the evening. You can see the squall line with a tornado-warned storm move through the Kansas City area in the evening. This occurred while the Chiefs were making their selection in the NFL draft, forcing some personnel around the building to huddle near the draft room, which is in the middle of the building (a safer location to shelter from a tornado).</p><p></p><video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/04/2026-04-24 09-31-58-1777044771886.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video><div class="twitter-tweet" style="display: flex; justify-content: center" data-twitt-post-id="2047473094671888669" src="https://x.com/WeatherNation/status/2047473094671888669"></div><p>This story will be updated with tornado damage surveys as they come in. Check back for updates!</p>

Adrian Hernandez

Looking Back at Last Week's Severe Storms

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<p>Flooding continues to be a serious threat across the Great Lakes region, with alerts remaining in effect, particularly along creeks, streams, and rivers. Heavy rain and severe storms arrived on top of spring snowmelt, making the typical &amp; gradual snowmelt a thing of the past.</p><div class="twitter-tweet" style="display: flex; justify-content: center" data-twitt-post-id="2046952167316054057" src="https://x.com/WeatherNation/status/2046952167316054057"></div><p>A big part of this flood setup can be traced to Michigan's Upper Peninsula, where a very snowy winter left a large amount of water locked into the snowpack.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/04/WEB 1-1777036607177.png"></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0)">At the same time, Milwaukee had already set a new April precipitation record by April 16, surpassing the old record of 7.38 inches from 2013! &nbsp;</span></p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/04/pic5-1777122762558.png"></p><p></p><p>More rain arriving by Sunday will be an insult to injury for these already swollen rivers, creeks, and streams.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/04/Screenshot 2026-04-26 063707-1777199846282.png"></p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/04/Screenshot 2026-04-26 063736-1777199867782.png"></p><p>For more on your central regional forecast, tune into WeatherNation :30 past the hour.</p>

Record Snow, Record Rain, Rising Rivers

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Patrick Crawford has always been a huge weather buff! He grew up in Plano, Texas, and it was there that he experienced what Mother Nature was capable of doing. He would always turn on the television to see what local meteorologists were saying about the weather. That's when he realized he wanted to be a meteorologist.

Patrick graduated from Northern Illinois University (’04) with a degree in Meteorology and a double minor in Mathematics and Geography. Broadcast Meteorology has been great to him and he has been able to work in television markets all across the country. Some of his stops have included New Orleans, Green Bay and even Yuma, Arizona. He is so excited to be part of the WeatherNation team.

He has been awarded the prestigious CBM (Certified Broadcast Meteorologist) weather seal from the American Meteorological Society.

Feel free to catch up with Patrick Crawford on his <a href="https://www.facebook.com/MeteorologistPC/">Facebook</a> and on <a href="https://twitter.com/MeteorologistPC">Twitter</a> pages.

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<p>After a <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.weathernationtv.com/news/multiple-tornadoes-hit-the-plains-midwest-thursday">devastating day of tornadoes in Oklahoma on Thursday</a>, A mid-level shortwave trough digging into the Mississippi River Valley will bring a risk of large hail, damaging winds, and a few tornadoes. Cities across the Arklatex may be impacted by severe weather tonight and into the early morning hours of Saturday. Here is a look at the very latest severe forecast.</p><h1>Severe Outlook</h1><p><strong><em>*</em>UPDATE* The Storm Prediction Center upgraded Friday's outlook to an enhanced risk for severe storms over the Ark-La-Tex. This means numerous severe storms are possible.</strong></p><p>Significant hail remains possible tonight. 2" diameter hail (lime-sized) could accompany these storms for Friday night and early Saturday morning. The greatest risk for hail is in the pink shaded area on the map. Larger hail is possible in the lined area. Anything outdoors that can be damaged by hail will need to be covered up or brought inside.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/04/1-1777083091355.png"></p><p></p><p>People should have multiple ways to get warnings with the possibility of tornadoes. A slightly higher threat of EF-2 or greater tornadoes is possible in the lined area.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/04/1-1777083170191.png"></p><p></p><h1>Forecast</h1><video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/04/New Baron Video 3-1777083245602.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video><p>More updates are on the way on-air and online.</p>

Jesse Kelley

Tonight's Severe Risk From the Ark-La-Tex to the Lower Mississippi Valley

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Brittany Lockley

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<p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/04/1-1776997531081.png">The Storm Prediction Center has issued an&nbsp;<strong>enhanced </strong>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! </p><video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/04/New Baron Video 3-1776997766167.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video><p></p><p>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"><span style="color: rgb(36, 36, 36)">&nbsp;</span></p><p>Tune into WeatherNation for more details.</p>

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

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<h1>SOUTHEAST</h1><p>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.</p><p>Many states have counties under burn bans. If you are in a local burn ban, please use caution and obey!</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/04/pic5-1776978046694.png"></p><div class="twitter-tweet" style="display: flex; justify-content: center" data-twitt-post-id="2047291899661504672" src="https://x.com/WeatherNation/status/2047291899661504672"></div><p></p><h1>CENTRAL PLAINS</h1><p>An <strong>ELEVATED</strong> to <strong>CRITICAL</strong> 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. </p><p><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.</p><p><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"></p><p></p><p></p><p>More details can be found live on WeatherNation throughout the hour.</p><p></p>

Extreme Drought Leads To Fire Concerns Across The Nation

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<h1>WHAT TO EXPECT</h1><p>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. </p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/04/Screenshot 2026-04-21 033536-1776764192555.png"></p><p>Lows will be cold overnight! Tuesday morning starts out with temperatures in the 20s and 30s for some.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/04/Screenshot 2026-04-21 033649-1776764227460.png"></p><p>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.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/04/Screenshot 2026-04-21 033730-1776764265718.png"></p><p>Some of these temperatures include the 20s for cities like Syracuse, NY which may break a record Tuesday morning.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/04/Screenshot 2026-04-21 033759-1776764294595.png"></p><p>The cold snap won't last long, as by Wednesday temperatures will rebound back to above average.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/04/Screenshot 2026-04-21 033843-1776764338209.png"></p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/04/Screenshot 2026-04-21 033911-1776764364505.png"></p>

Cold Blast Prompts Frost and Freeze Alerts

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<p>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.<br><br>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"><br><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.</p><p><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).</p><p><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).</p><p><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.</p><h1><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/04/Screenshot 2026-04-18 051932-1776512279733.png">Radar Review</h1><p>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).</p><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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