Tornado Outbreak and Giant Hail Threaten Millions Across the U.S. 🌩️
The central U.S. faces a potentially catastrophic severe weather outbreak on Monday. A potent upper-level disturbance, surging Gulf moisture, and powerful jet stream dynamics are setting the stage for a widespread tornado and giant hail event from southern Minnesota through Iowa, eastern Kansas, and northern Missouri.
Cities at greatest risk include Minneapolis, Des Moines, and Kansas City, where EF2+ tornadoes and hailstones the size of grapefruits are likely.
Monday’s Hail Tornado Threat:
- Strong tornadoes — long-track EF2+ possible
- Giant hail — up to 5 inches in diameter
- Damaging winds — exceeding 100 mph
Timing and Development:
Isolated supercell storms are expected to erupt by mid-afternoon, rapidly intensifying due to extreme instability (CAPE > 4000 J/kg) and robust wind shear. Conditions will favor long-lived, intense storms capable of large, destructive tornadoes and baseball-to-grapefruit-sized hail.
As evening approaches, storms are forecast to merge into a fast-moving squall line, pushing dangerous winds and embedded tornadoes eastward overnight.
Why Meteorologists Are Alarmed:
- Jet Stream Amplification:
Upper-level winds will blast across the Plains, enhancing storm rotation. - Explosive Instability:
Record-setting CAPE values will fuel towering supercells. - Extreme Moisture Return:
Gulf humidity is surging northward, priming the atmosphere for disaster. - Dynamic Surface Low:
A deepening low-pressure system will provide the necessary trigger for violent storm initiation.
Exclusive Insights: Tornado Formation in Supercells
Tornadoes emerge when strong updrafts, significant directional wind shear, and abundant low-level moisture collide. As warm, moist air rises, it begins to rotate, forming a mesocyclone. When this rotation intensifies near the ground, a tornado can rapidly develop—capable of massive destruction.
Short Spring Forecast:
Spring 2025 is shaping up to be one of the most active severe weather seasons in recent memory. Expect frequent tornado outbreaks and large hail events, especially across the Midwest and southern Plains, as warm Gulf air clashes with late-season cold fronts.
On April 20, 2025, a powerful storm system moved through the central United States, bringing tornadoes, damaging winds, large hail, and heavy rain. This severe weather prompted widespread travel disruptions, including flight delays and cancellations. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reported that wind conditions may have affected travel in major airports such as Boston (BOS), New York (JFK, EWR, LGA), Philadelphia (PHL), and Las Vegas (LAS). Additionally, low clouds and thunderstorms were reported in Charlotte (CLT) and Atlanta (ATL), while low clouds were expected in San Francisco (SFO) and Denver (DEN) .
Between April 20 and 22, 2025, a severe weather outbreak swept across the central and southern United States, resulting in at least 42 fatalities and widespread destruction. The storms, which included multiple tornadoes and accompanying severe winds, affected seven states: Missouri, Kansas, Arkansas, Mississippi, Oklahoma, Texas, and Alabama. The National Weather Service reported wind speeds reaching up to 140 mph (225 km/h), causing significant damage to homes, infrastructure, and power lines.
In Missouri, the hardest-hit area was Wayne County, where at least 12 people lost their lives due to the storm's impact. Kansas reported 8 fatalities, including 8 individuals who died in a 50-car pileup during a sandstorm. Mississippi experienced 6 deaths, with 3 people still missing. Arkansas and Texas each reported 3 fatalities, while Oklahoma had 1 death attributed to wildfires exacerbated by strong winds.
The storms also caused extensive property damage. In Arkansas, at least 32 people were injured, and numerous homes were destroyed. In Oklahoma, Governor Kevin Stitt reported that his ranch was completely destroyed by the fires. The National Guard was deployed to assist with rescue and recovery efforts in the affected areas.
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The National Weather Service issued warnings for several other states, including Alabama, Tennessee, Georgia, and Florida, as the storm system continued to move eastward. Meteorologists warned of the potential for additional tornadoes, hail, and strong winds in these regions.
This event underscores the importance of preparedness and timely response to severe weather events. Residents in tornado-prone areas are encouraged to have emergency plans in place and to stay informed through official weather channels during storm seasons.
Tornadoes Terror: Midwest Faces Nature's Fury
Founder and chief forecaster of the Pogodnik service. He has many years of experience in the meteorological service. He is the author of numerous scientific publications and popular articles about the weather.