Caitlin Connell

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<p>The spring season often means rounds of strong and severe storms in the heart of the country, with this April being no exception. Another storm system looks to continue that trend, with scattered severe storms expected in the Plains and Midwest, on Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday (top of page).</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2024/04/svrthufrijpg-1713886332501.jpeg">Related article: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.weathernationtv.com/news/wet-weekend-in-the-lone-star-state"><em><u>Front Sparks Storms in Texas Tuesday &amp; Wednesday</u></em></a></p><p>A potent upper-level low-pressure system will eject from the Rocky Mountains and move across the Plains. This will help create wind shear and lift in the atmosphere. At the surface, a well-developed dryline is forecast from west Texas to west-central Kansas. This is the boundary between dry air and muggy air and where storms could form from mid to late afternoon. Instability could be high, with forecast models already indicating a good amount of available energy.</p><video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2024/04/2024-04-23 07-39-30-1713879817199.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video><p>Thursday is highlighted as a <strong>slight risk</strong> (level 2 out of 5) on the threat scale, indicating the Storm Prediction Centers' (SPC) confidence in the forecast with pockets of large hail, strong winds, and a few tornadoes all on the table. The SPC highlighted portions of Kansas, Oklahoma, and Texas for an elevated chance of seeing all forms of severe weather. This is a day that we need to keep a close eye on. We encourage you to regularly check with WeatherNation for updates leading up to this event.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2024/04/spc-1713875792264.jpg">Models are already hinting at the potential for widespread storms through Oklahoma, western Kansas, and northern Texas on Thursday afternoon and evening. Storm storms are expected through Friday through the Midwest and Mississippi delta. Cities under risk include Oklahoma City, Tulsa, Kansas City, and Dallas.</p><video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2024/04/forecast-1713876273042.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video>

Lucy Bergemann

Significant Storm Threat Thursday

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<p>Another cold front moves through the Southern Plains, producing a low-end severe weather threat in Texas and Oklahoma on Tuesday and Wednesday. Instability, or energy for updrafts, will likely be sufficient to support a few severe storms Tuesday afternoon, however, a temperature inversion will "cap" the atmosphere, preventing updrafts from rising to a point of continued lift (free convection). For now, there is potential for a clear sky "bust" to the forecast, if the capping inversion is too strong for the weak front to overcome. Warm air will stop air from rising - to break the "cap" you either need to warm the surface more beneath or drive the air up with a cold front.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2024/04/Screenshot 2024-04-21 045205-1713697112816.png">A few storms develop in the daytime heat on Tuesday afternoon and linger into the late evening hours. Most storms fade after midnight with clouds lingering into the morning on Wednesday. Tuesday brings the possibility of significant hail to form in the areas of yellow. This means there's a chance for 2" in diameter hail or larger to form.</p><video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2024/04/2024-04-23 07-04-41-1713877761369.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video><p>Wednesday can start with a few scattered showers and storms, but the severe weather threat ramps up after we reach peak daytime heating. These storms look to linger into the overnight hours a little longer and later than today's chances. So, make sure you have multiple ways to receive severe weather alerts, and in a way that can wake you up.</p><video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2024/04/2024-04-23 07-05-07-1713877725308.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video><p>As the severe weather threat is ongoing throughout this week, check out <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.weathernationtv.com/news/severe-weather-returns-to-the-plains-thursday-friday"><em><u>this article for more information</u></em></a>.</p>

Front Sparks Storms in Texas Tuesday & Wednesday

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Kevin Schneider

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<p>A swift-moving cold front has brought scattered precipitation to our northern latitude states. Minimal rainfall is expected out of this so there is no flooding threat, but winds will kick up and it could have the opposite impact on some states where there is ongoing drought and wildfire concerns. Since there is a lot of dry air at the surface, moisture will have a tough time reaching the surface for some cities. This front will keep pushing east-southeast through the Great Lakes through Tuesday.</p><video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2024/04/04-22-1713832015635.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video><p>The SPC has a<strong> MARGINAL</strong> (level 1 out of 5) risk for severe storms in Michigan on Tuesday afternoon. Since there is some strong cooling in the middle levels of the atmosphere, during peak heating we may see some storms produce hail with a few storms capable of dropping severe hail - anything greater than 1" in diameter.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2024/04/Michigan IL WI Marg-1713873974668.png">Forecast rainfall won't be too impressive in most spots, generally, less than an inch of rainfall. Some spots may manage to get a few snow flurries behind the front, with minor accumulations upwards of an inch. We could use the rain along the borders of North Dakota, Minnesota, and Canada! We haven't seen much moisture in the last 30 days. We're taking baby steps to add some more rain into the mix!</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2024/04/30 day-1713731967062.png">One part of this system that will be felt across much of the North-Central U.S., is the gusty winds. Winds could top 30-40 mph in the afternoon, prompting some fire concerns throughout the day.</p><video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2024/04/04-22_winds-1713832159000.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video><p></p>

Clipper Brings Hail Chances to the Great Lakes Today

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<p>It’s the soundtrack to the summer. Nature’s noisemakers are set to return in a <em>big</em> way this year as not one, but <em>two</em> sets of periodical cicadas will emerge in the Midwest and Southeast. It is the first time these two specific broods have surfaced <em>together</em> since 1803! This is the first time since 2015 that a 13 year cycle brood emerges at the same year as a 17 year brood.</p><div data-youtube-video=""><iframe width="640" height="480" allowfullscreen="false" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/o5jJPrP5rfE" start="0"></iframe></div><p></p><p>The southern brood emerges every 13 years and is known as the <strong>Brood XIX, </strong>the largest brood in the U.S.. The Northern Illinois brood has a period of 17 years, making these two broods overlap uncommon. They will only overlap in central Illinois, where is expected to be the noisest!</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2024/04/Closer look at Illinois locations overlap.mp4_snapshot_00.01.232-1713196589008.jpg"></p><blockquote><p>Katie Dana, a researcher with the Illinois Natural History Survey who studies the cicadas says, “We have broods emerging across the U.S. almost every year, but we don’t often have broods emerging at the same time. Just like how birds have different songs, cicadas have different songs...we have over 3,000 different species of cicadas so we have so many different songs.”</p></blockquote><p>Periodical Cicadas are large, loud insects with bright red eyes. They live underground for years. Once the cicadas take to the skies, they will be in the air for about 3-4 weeks, mating before laying eggs and reburying themselves for another 13 or 17 years.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2024/04/Slow zoom east coast brood locations.mp4_snapshot_00.06.391-1713196589005.jpg">Depending on where you live, the double brood emergence could start as soon as April but will happen whenever the ground temperatures reach 64°. According to Katie, “It’s those warm soils that push them out of the ground, but they’re also looking for some moisture. If you have really dry soil, it’s going to make it hard for them to dig out.” Given that we've had some of our warmest winters on record in the Midwest we are looking at the opportunity for earlier emergence of the broods.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2024/04/Warmest Winter on Record.mp4_snapshot_00.05.538-1713196589007.jpg">If you’re less than thrilled about these beaty-eyed bugs, focus on the positives. They provide extra nutrition for birds and animals and spark a reset for oak trees allowing them to produce more acorns a few years after they emerge. If that’s not enough to get you through... the next time these two broods will be out at the same time won't be for another 221 years, which will give you plenty of time to learn to appreciate the cicada screams.</p>

Double Trouble: Cicadas Take to the Skies this Spring

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<div>Lucy is originally from the Boston area but has spent the last four years forecasting and living in Colorado! She stayed in the northeast for her education, graduating Summa Cum Laude from SUNY Oswego with a B.S. in Meteorology. Just a few days after graduation, she made the cross country move to Colorado Springs, CO to begin her career at KKTV, the CBS affiliate. Lucy has covered historic blizzards, tornadoes, windstorms, the largest wildfires in Colorado state history and dust storms ... they truly "get it all" in Colorado! Lucy is excited to forecast on a national level and continue her passion of explaining the science behind the weather!</div>
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<p>We are looking at the threat of another severe weather outbreak for the final weekend in April. Historically, our highest number of tornadoes occur in April and May, so we are deep into severe weather season. </p><p>Related Article -<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.weathernationtv.com/news/severe-weather-returns-to-the-plains-thursday-friday"><strong><em><u> Severe Weather Thursday - Friday</u></em></strong></a></p><p>This weekend there are two outlooks from the Storm Prediction Center on Saturday and Sunday indicating high confidence in the threat of severe weather this weekend. This will be similar to areas that are under the severe weather threat on Thursday and Friday. Once again all modes of severe weather are likely. </p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2024/04/sat -1713881543374.jpg"><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2024/04/sun-1713881543372.jpg">It is a bit too early to talk potential timing of the severe weather, but know that in addition to the severe weather, there is also a flood threat, especially in Missouri, eastern Kansas, and southern Illinois. This is thanks to heavy rainfall in combination with saturated soils from heavy rain already falling earlier in the week. </p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2024/04/rain-1713886204776.jpg">Stay with WeatherNation for the latest in the severe weather threat and forecast information. </p>

Weekend Forecast: More Severe Weather in the Plains

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<p>National Park Week started Saturday, April 20th, and runs through Sunday, April 28th, It is a week to celebrate the over <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.nps.gov/findapark/index.htm"><strong><em><u>400 National Parks</u></em></strong></a>! Throughout the week, parks will host events to highlight the unique nature of the parks, how you can volunteer, and the innovation happening across the country. National Park Week also encompasses Earth Day, on Monday, April 22nd.</p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2024/04/nps-1713740968123.png"></p><p>At WeatherNation we spoke to some of the most popular, and lesser-known, national parks across the U.S. and highlighted them in our "Get Out and Explore" series.</p><h2>Catoctin Mountain Park (Maryland)</h2><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0)">This mountain park sits near the hustle and bustle of East Coast cities such as D.C. and Philly and allows people to explore the great outdoors and reconnect with nature. The heavily forested park offers hiking, camping, stargazing, and more. If you look closely you might even find old whiskey and moonshine stills during the prohibition period.&nbsp;</span></p><div data-youtube-video=""><iframe width="640" height="480" allowfullscreen="false" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/W9VRUt93epc" start="0"></iframe></div><h2>Death Valley National Park (California)</h2><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0)">Home of extreme weather, this park is known for canyons, salt flats, and North America’s lowest point. &nbsp;</span></p><div data-youtube-video=""><iframe width="640" height="480" allowfullscreen="false" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/4d1AmHZQRw8?si=-FBI8TOpXtvw7zoz" start="0"></iframe></div><h2>Lake Clark National Park and Preserve (Alaska)</h2><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0)">Lake Clark in Alaska sits about 100 miles southwest of Anchorage and is only accessible via small plane. This park boasts incredible wildlife and views as well as some of Alaska’s extreme weather.&nbsp;</span></p><div data-youtube-video=""><iframe width="640" height="480" allowfullscreen="false" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/U3IM3w8M1Yc?si=i22NXFs0uVL_TX3y" start="0"></iframe></div><h2>Lava Beds National Park (N. California)</h2><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0)">Sitting just south of Oregon, Lava Beds National Monument is surrounded by volcanos. Visitors can explore lava tubes ranging in difficulty from easy to expert. This gives people a chance to explore the “volcanic plumbing” of the region. &nbsp;</span></p><div data-youtube-video=""><iframe width="640" height="480" allowfullscreen="false" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/6c0aGmAgC38?si=BPzHjKS7iBSK5K3X" start="0"></iframe></div><h2>Black Canyon of the Gunnison N.P. (Colorado)</h2><p><span style="color: inherit">Black Canyon of the Gunnison is the steepest and narrowest canyon of the entire U.S. and sits in Southwest Colorado. The canyon provides intense changes in temperatures and is impacted by monsoon season during the summer months.&nbsp;</span></p><div data-youtube-video=""><iframe width="640" height="480" allowfullscreen="false" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/getko7k6xv8?si=FBWTTOSZJH-3EkeR" start="0"></iframe></div><h2>Badlands National Park (South Dakota)</h2><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0)">An “undiscovered gem” in the national park system, Badlands offers landscapes, wildlife, and spectacular stargazing. NPS recommends spending at least some time in the park at night to fully experience another side of the park.&nbsp;</span></p><div data-youtube-video=""><iframe width="640" height="480" allowfullscreen="false" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/qbXfbFmDko0?si=V71zMdVtyCkH_o9K" start="0"></iframe></div><h2>Manassas National Battlefield Park (Virginia)</h2><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0)">History lovers will love taking a trip to Manassas National Battlefield Park. Home of two major civil war battles, the park has acres of walking tours to explore a piece of American history.&nbsp;</span></p><div data-youtube-video=""><iframe width="640" height="480" allowfullscreen="false" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/cTg1gYAD1o8?si=nn75R3h1z054AFxh" start="0"></iframe></div><h2>Saint-Gaudens National Historic Site (New Hampshire)</h2><p>Check out the only national park dedicated to a sculpture! It doesn't open until May so mark your calendars for next month.</p><div data-youtube-video=""><iframe width="640" height="480" allowfullscreen="false" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/xlEEJRl0d_w?si=yPubZ3-sANBW6iiQ" start="0"></iframe></div><h2></h2>

National Park Week: Get Out and Explore

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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>The severe threat for Southern Florida has been downgraded to a general risk of a few storms tonight. Earlier in the day, the Storm Prediction Center had issued a <strong>MARGINAL </strong>(level 1 out of 5) risk for severe storms across southeastern Florida, but the threat has lessened to just a chance of an isolated storm or two this evening.  </p><p><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2024/04/THROUGH  TONIGHT  JB -1713833403871.png">The frontal boundary that brough the severe threat for today continues to push offshore, and storms continue to move offshore as well.</p><video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2024/04/04-22_rse fl-1713811923512.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video><p>Be sure to join us on WeatherNation at 10 minutes past the hour for more details on your eastern regional forecast.</p>

Florida Storms This Evening

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A weak tornado touched down Wednesday afternoon in the town of Tavares, FL.

https://www.facebook.com/WeatherNation/videos/10156631799459874/

A family on Lake Eustis captured this video of a waterspout, likely the same storm that damaged the nearby town.

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The preliminary rating from the National Weather Service Office in Melbourne ranks it as an EF-0 with 70-80 mph winds.

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The <a href="https://www.facebook.com/TavaresFireDepartment/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Tavares Fire Department</a> reports there was damage to a Winn Dixie and a building also collapsed, but no injuries with this storm.

For WeatherNation, I'm <a href="https://media.weathernationtv.com/team/meredith-garofalo/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Meteorologist Meredith Garofalo</a>.

Weak Florida Tornado on Wednesday

Significant Storm Threat Thursday

The spring season often means rounds of stron

Front Sparks Storms in Texas Tuesday & Wednesday

Another cold front moves through the Southern

Clipper Brings Hail Chances to the Great Lakes Today

A swift-moving cold front has brought scatter

Double Trouble: Cicadas Take to the Skies this Spring

It’s the soundtrack to the summer. Nature’s n

Weekend Forecast: More Severe Weather in the Plains

We are looking at the threat of another sever

National Park Week: Get Out and Explore

National Park Week started Saturday, April 20

Florida Storms This Evening

The severe threat for Southern Florida has be