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 rocked the Lone Star state several times earlier this week, producing giant, 5-inch diameter hail and tornadoes! In addition, earlier on Friday, a wind gust of 119mph rocked the Victoria, TX area!<video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/05/VON_050126_RSC_POINT COMFORT, TX_2 OF 2 DURING VERY STRONG STORMS FRIDAY_FB_MS_E050126_1-1777688387543.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video> <h2>Severe Storm Outlooks</h2>The surface low continues to strengthen, increasing southerly flow and strengthening dynamics to create severe storms. Scattered severe storms producing damaging winds are possible Saturday, while lower risks for hail and tornadoes will also be present.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/05/PIC 3-1777754010732.jpg"><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/05/PIC 4-1777754017092.jpg"><h1>Rainfall &amp; Forecast</h1>The severe threat across Central Florida should continue into the evening hours before losing some steam. By Sunday, the front settles over South Florida with additional scattered showers and storms, with flood potential for areas like Miami and Ft. Lauderdale. Bad news for F1 fans.<video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/05/BARON 5-1777749428688.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video>Through Monday, a widespread 1-2 inches of rain will be possible but some heavier downpours in South Florida will be possible.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/05/1-1777749485713.png">With the potential combination of training storms and heavy rainfall rates, the flooding concern is elevated. The Weather Prediction Center has highlighted areas on Sunday with flood potential.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/05/1-1777749524594.png">There are many areas, especially across the southeast, that desperately need more rainfall.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/04/Screenshot 2026-04-28 133607-1777404986134.png">

Patrick Crawford

Storms Leave Texas, Move Through the Southeast

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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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<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/05/1-1777750618936.png">The last week of April was pretty stormy for the South. As we turn the page into the first full week of May, severe weather is back in the cards for parts of the Southern Plains and Deep South. Severe weather chances will ramp up Tuesday and Wednesday. We are still a bit too far out in advance to see what the main threats will be but stay tuned to further forecasts.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/05/1-1777750295853.png">Along with the severe weather chances, heavy rain will be likely across the Ohio Valley. The forecast is calling for 2-4" of rain by Thursday and some flooding could be possible with the repeated rounds of showers and thunderstorms. We are slowly trying to put a dent in the drought for the South will it take more consistent rains over the next few months to make some significant changes. The long term outlook stays slightly above average in the next 6-10 days.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/05/1-1777750394631.png"><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/05/1-1777750569990.png">

Another Round of Severe Weather for the South

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Portions of the Midwest just wrapped up their rainiest April on record and the active pattern looks to continue to start the month of May. Several cold fronts are expected to take aim at the middle of the country this week after a brief warm up Sunday into Monday. <img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/05/Screenshot 2026-05-02 053542-1777721889478.png">Those clashing fronts could tap into limited moisture to lead to a few severe storms on Sunday. By Monday, moisture is much more plentiful with a better chance for strong and severe storms.<h2><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/05/Screenshot 2026-05-02 052338-1777721897763.png">Severe Storm Outlooks</h2>Isolated severe storms are possible Sunday across Missouri and Illinois, though our forecast models like portions of Nebraska for isolated severe storms as well.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/05/Screenshot 2026-05-02 052345-1777721906233.png">By Monday, the threat expands as showers become more widespread. Isolated to scattered severe storms are possible from eastern Kansas through Ohio.<h2><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/05/Screenshot 2026-05-02 052350-1777721918798.png">Timing &amp; Rainfall</h2>A few passing showers will move across the Midwest late Saturday into Sunday morning. Severe storm potential looks to hold off until the late afternoon and evening hours on Sunday for the risk area (Missouri &amp; Illinois), as well as in Central Nebraska. By Monday, scattered to numerous thunderstorms are expected, with some storms reaching severe weather criteria by the afternoon hours. Some of these strong storms may persist overnight as the front continues to work its way south and east.<video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/05/2026-05-02 05-36-24-1777721933263.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video>Pockets of 1-3 inches of rain are possible, meaning flash flooding is possible but not likely outside of the heaviest downpours.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/05/Screenshot 2026-05-02 052355-1777721926941.png">Get the latest forecast for the Central region anytime with the WeatherNation app, or at :30 past the hour in our broadcast.

Cold Fronts Could Bring the Midwest More Severe Weather

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Ready for hurricane season? The Climate Prediction Center is highlighting a region in the Eastern Pacific basin for potential tropical development during the first week of the season. As a reminder, waters here tend to warm faster than in the Atlantic, thus, the season starts about two weeks earlier in the Eastern Pacific. If a storm were to form and reach tropical storm status, it would be named Amanda. <img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/05/Screenshot 2026-05-02 080308-1777731407202.png">Ocean heat content has been rapidly increasing in the Eastern Pacific this Spring, which is not surprising. You might've heard about the potential for a "super" El Niño this summer, well, the warm water created in the Eastern/Central Pacific by El Niño can lead to supercharged hurricane seasons in the Eastern and Central Pacific. <img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/05/Screenshot 2026-05-02 080401-1777731353504.png">Global circulations influenced by El Niño tend to create less disruptive wind shear in the Eastern Pacific as well. Weak upper-level winds combined with warm waters tend to lead to many tropical systems. At the same time, wind shear tends to increase in the Caribbean during these events, leading to a tougher environment for tropical system to form and survive.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/05/Screenshot 2026-05-02 080343-1777731377186.png">Last season was quite active in the Eastern Pacific, with 20 named storms and 5 major hurricanes. The Mexican National Meteorological Service issued an early outlook for the 2026 season in April, calling for another active year with near 20 named storms.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/05/Screenshot 2026-05-02 081157-1777731386253.png">CSU's outlook for the Atlantic is quite a bit lower in terms of activity, calling for a slightly below average season.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/05/Screenshot 2026-05-02 080411-1777731397553.png">We're going to get you ready for hurricane season at the beginning of June. Be sure to tune in for updated forecasts, information, and tips to prepare!<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/05/Screenshot 2026-05-02 083105-1777732279156.png">

Potential for Tropical Development Mid-May in the Eastern Pacific

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While the eastern United States is under upper-level troughing, bringing frost and freeze conditions, the Northwest will be warm this weekend. High pressure is building in for the next few days, especially for the Pacific Northwest.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/05/Screenshot 2026-05-01 173209-1777678338792.png">The warmest days in the forecast period will be this weekend. Heat Advisories have been issued for parts of the Portland metro with daytime highs in the lower 90s. Sunday record highs could fall for multiple cities in both Washington and Oregon. Have ways to stay hydrated and check on the vulnerable people who may not have ways of adequate cooling!<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/05/Screenshot 2026-05-02 061019-1777723944350.jpg"><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/05/PIC 2-1777668022076.jpg">Temperatures are expected to cool down a little but remain above average into next week.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/05/1-1777749727222.png">

Record Heat for the Northwest

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WeatherNation Meteorologists

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<h1>Heading to Churchill Downs this Weekend?</h1><h3>Derby Day Weather Outlook</h3>Current forecasts call for partly cloudy to partly sunny skies throughout the day on Saturday, with temperatures expected to top out in the upper 50s 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. Don't let those temperatures in the upper 50s fool you - with a north wind it should feel pretty cool for most of the day.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, the forecast is expected to be mostly dry.<h1><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/05/Screenshot 2026-05-02 041851-1777717143387.png"></h1><h1>Impact on Track Conditions</h1>Earlier rainfall during the week may have some lingering effects on the Churchill Downs surface. However, with Saturday shaping up to be dry and cool, track conditions are expected to improve steadily. A dry forecast on Derby Day allows the dirt track to firm up, reducing the likelihood of the kind of muddy, sealed surface that can dramatically influence race strategy and outcomes.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.<h1>Impact on the Horses</h1>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 🏇🏇 Precipitation: 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.🏇 Temperature 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.🏇 Wind 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.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.

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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A trough of low pressure will keep things cool through the rest of the week in portions of the Plains, Great Lakes, and East. Breezy and cool conditions will stick around through the weekend. Cold alerts have been issued for the next few mornings across many of these areas.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/05/1-1777688159965.png">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°, and will see one more chilly evening before lows moderate back into the 50s.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/05/1-1777688202141.png">Across the Northeast, temperatures will run below average as well. Lots of cities that normally see lows in the 40s will wake up this weekend in the 30s.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/05/1-1777688285882.png">The WPC has issued a day 3-7 hazards outlook for Sunday, May 3rd, as temperatures will be running 5°- 15° below average!<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/04/Screenshot 2026-04-30 144419-1777581865617.png">

Cooler Air Sweeps From the Plains to the Northeast

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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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<div class="twitter-tweet" style="display: flex; justify-content: center" data-twitt-post-id="2049692718767710529" src="https://x.com/WeatherNation/status/2049692718767710529"></div>We have a rather wet pattern ahead for much of the Southwest heading into the weekend. To many folks, this will be great news! The West has been begging for a good drink for a while. Just look at the drought monitor!<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/04/1-1777577601633.png">Unfortunately, the drought continues to worsen across much of the West. Some rain and snow have fallen in recent days, particularly across Colorado and Utah, but additional precipitation will be in the forecast for the weekend and into next week. <video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/05/more4cornrain-1777677972265.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video>But just how much moisture are we going to pick up? Portions of the Sierra Nevada and the Rockies may end up with over a foot of accumulation, with heavier rain at times for lower elevations. The coastal regions of California, including the Bay Area and Los Angeles, may not see quite as much as the Interior West does. <img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/05/Screenshot 2026-05-01 172136-1777678012221.png">Be sure to join us at :50 past the hour on WeatherNation for your complete West Regional forecast breakdown!

Dave Holder

Further Rain and Snow Chances Out West

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<h1>MONDAY</h1>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.<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>Storms started to spark up by the early evening hours on Monday. Severe thunderstorm and tornado warnings were firing off into the nighttime hours across Missouri, Illinois, and Indiana.<video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/04/2026-04-28 04-20-09-1777371667954.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video>We picked up some pretty large hailstones out of Missouri after this system pulled through. Some reports showed hailstones reaching the size of softballs!<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/04/Screenshot 2026-04-28 042253-1777371968460.png">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.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/04/Screenshot 2026-04-28 042302-1777372048925.png">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!<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/04/Screenshot 2026-04-28 042928-1777372180763.png">Why weren'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 on Monday evening.<h1><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/04/Screenshot 2026-04-28 115059-1777398675567.png">TUESDAY</h1>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.<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!<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/04/Screenshot 2026-04-29 114259-1777484807523.png">

A Look Back at Moderate Risks This Week

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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.<div class="twitter-tweet" style="display: flex; justify-content: center" data-twitt-post-id="2048061975142322502" src="https://x.com/WeatherNation/status/2048061975142322502"></div>The Storm Prediction Center has downgraded the overnight risk for severe weather to SLIGHT, a level 2 out of 5 threat, for portions of west Texas.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/04/Screenshot 2026-04-29 191541-1777511980766.png">Large hail looks to be the primary threat. Some hailstones could grow in excess of 2" in diameter again.<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.<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.<video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/04/04-29 RSC RSE BAM3K-1777512099617.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video>

Alana Cameron

Hail Pummels Missouri, Texas; Back for More Overnight

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Kevin Schneider

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WEST - 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.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.<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>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.<video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/04/04-27 rfsw set up-1777315770759.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video>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.<video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/04/04-27 rsw we to fri-1777315803787.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video>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.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/04/Screenshot 2026-04-27 035703-1777283836422.png">

West Staying Active this Week

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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.<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.&nbsp;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.<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.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/04/Screenshot 2026-04-27 035139-1777283545897.png">More details on your Eastern Regional Forecast can be found :10 past the hour on WeatherNation.

Southeast Rain Brings Relief, But Drought and Wildfire Threats Persist

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Top Image: Brett Adair<div data-youtube-video=""><iframe width="640" height="480" allowfullscreen="false" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ikRBAKESm0k" start="0"></iframe></div>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.<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>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.<div class="twitter-tweet" style="display: flex; justify-content: center" data-twitt-post-id="2047616538031604204" src="https://x.com/WeatherNation/status/2047616538031604204"></div>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.<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!<h1><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/04/Screenshot 2026-04-24 071653-1777036618310.png">Radar Review</h1>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.<video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/04/2026-04-24 09-30-40-1777044754991.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video>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).<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>This story will be updated with tornado damage surveys as they come in. Check back for updates!

Adrian Hernandez

Looking Back at Last Week's Severe Storms

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Tracey Anthony

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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.<div class="twitter-tweet" style="display: flex; justify-content: center" data-twitt-post-id="2046952167316054057" src="https://x.com/WeatherNation/status/2046952167316054057"></div>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.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/04/WEB 1-1777036607177.png">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;<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/04/pic5-1777122762558.png">More rain arriving by Sunday will be an insult to injury for these already swollen rivers, creeks, and streams.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/04/Screenshot 2026-04-26 063707-1777199846282.png"><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/04/Screenshot 2026-04-26 063736-1777199867782.png">For more on your central regional forecast, tune into WeatherNation :30 past the hour.

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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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.<h1>Severe Outlook</h1>*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.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">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"><h1>Forecast</h1><video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/04/New Baron Video 3-1777083245602.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video>More updates are on the way on-air and online.

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

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