Kevin Schneider

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Several rounds of severe storms are expected to impact the middle of the country through the weekend and into next week! This type of pattern can create severe fatigue, but residents need to remain vigilant to be on alert for multiple days of severe storms.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/04/Screenshot 2026-04-26 051737-1777202262812.jpg">Yet another wave of energy from an upper-level trough will emerge from the Rockies to end the weekend and start next week. That will try to trigger storms in the afternoon to end the weekend (above). The bigger concern still looks like Monday, where all threats will be on the table, including some strong tornadoes. <img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/04/Screenshot 2026-04-26 063446-1777199696678.png">Timing will be a little different Sunday vs Monday. The best lift in the atmosphere won't arrive until later on Sunday, which could lead to a late evening event spilling into the morning. As fast as this front looks to sweep through, there might not be much of a rest between rounds with storms redeveloping as early as 1-2 PM Monday. <video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/04/2026-04-26 05-36-52-1777203442657.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video>With several rounds of severe thunderstorms expected, heavy rain will add up over the next week. Thankfully, this will not all come at once, but isolated flash flooding will remain a possibility with each system.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/04/Screenshot 2026-04-25 123650-1777142218389.png">

Severe Weather Chances Continue Through Tuesday

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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.

Adrian Hernandez

Record Snow, Record Rain, Rising Rivers

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Rob grew up in South Florida, where daily afternoon storms and hurricanes piqued his interest in meteorology early on. That interest was fostered by his teachers and his father, who one time brought him onto the roof of their home to watch a funnel cloud move through the Everglades several miles away. Years of filmmaking and tv production in high school gradually pushed him toward broadcast meteorology at Florida State University, where he joined and eventually led the student run daily weather show. After graduating with a Bachelors of Science in Meteorology, he began his career at KESQ in Palm Springs, California before heading to KFSN in Fresno and WLOS in Asheville, North Carolina. He has covered a diverse array of extreme weather events, including haboobs and flash flooding in the desert, extreme snow in the Sierra, hurricanes, and Appalachian ice storms. He also enjoys telling stories and reporting about weather issues.

Connect with Rob on <a href="https://twitter.com/WxRobBradley">Twitter</a>

Rob Bradley

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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!

Multiple Tornadoes Hit the Plains and Midwest Thursday

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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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CALIFORNIA - After the latest system to impact California moved east, the Golden State is enjoying sunshine and comfortable temperatures. This weekend, a new system will come ashore, bringing additional rain and snow chances to many western states.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/04/Screenshot 2026-04-24 170959-1777072212163.png">As we head later into the rest of the weekend, rain and high-elevation snow chances will ramp up, particularly across the central valleys and Sierra Nevada. Upper-level energy will spread east through the weekend, and the Rockies could be the biggest winner with the higher elevations picking up over a foot of snow. Winter Weather Advisories are now up for parts of Wyoming and Colorado for Monday.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/04/Screenshot 2026-04-26 061400-1777198454471.png"><video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/04/2026-04-26 06-14-36-1777198502824.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video><img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/04/Screenshot 2026-04-26 061521-1777198536019.png">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 2026-04-26 061548-1777198559152.png">

West Staying Active for the Weekend

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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.&nbsp;<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;<video src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/04/New Baron Video 3-1777168652609.mp4" controls="true" width="100%"></video>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.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/04/Screenshot 2026-04-25 081431-1777126484128.png">While rainfall may temporarily reduce fire danger, it will not eliminate the risk. Vegetation can dry out quickly, especially with warm temperatures and breezy conditions returning between storms. Until the region sees a more sustained pattern of widespread, soaking rainfall, both drought conditions and wildfire threats are expected to linger.&nbsp;<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/04/Screenshot 2026-04-25 081215-1777126354626.png">A front looks to push in midweek and might give us a chance to see more meaningful rainfall. However, it might not get all of us - latest models are avoiding northern Florida/southern Georgia, where we desperately need it.<img src="https://media.weathernationtv.com/app/uploads/2026/04/Screenshot 2026-04-26 055547-1777204589187.jpg">

Southeast Rain Brings Relief, But Drought and Wildfire Threats Persist

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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.

Patrick Crawford

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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.

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

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Brittany Lockley

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

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

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Check out our Top 5 video picks of the week with <a href="https://media.weathernationtv.com/team/meredith-garofalo/">Meteorologist Meredith Garofalo</a>

https://youtu.be/kvG7spVnXQE

WeatherNation Top 5 This Week

Severe Weather Chances Continue Through Tuesday

Several rounds of severe storms are expected

Record Snow, Record Rain, Rising Rivers

Flooding continues to be a serious threat acr

Multiple Tornadoes Hit the Plains and Midwest Thursday

Top Image: Brett AdairSeveral strong tornadoe

West Staying Active for the Weekend

CALIFORNIA - After the latest system to impac

Southeast Rain Brings Relief, But Drought and Wildfire Threats Persist

Rounds of rain are set to return to the South

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

After a devastating day of tornadoes in Oklah

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

The Storm Prediction Center has issued an&nbs