As we move into April, meteorologists warn an extreme weather event will hit many parts of the United States. Experts call this a once-in-a-generation storm. Tornadoes and heavy floods bring two main dangers.
Tornado Watch: Understanding the Alerts
On Wednesday morning, officials issued a tornado watch for Oklahoma, eastern Kansas, and northwest Missouri. Air grows unstable; conditions favor tornado formation. Forecasters mark the risk as high (level 5 of 5) in states like Arkansas and Tennessee. They note that such high-risk days occur on less than 1% of all days. People from Jonesboro to Memphis must stay alert as chances of EF3+ tornadoes rise.
Wind and Storm Dynamics
Wednesday brings more than tornadoes alone. Winds may gust up to 50 mph, affecting over 65 million Americans. The strong winds join with tornado activity to create a dangerous mix.
Flooding: A Major Concern
Tornadoes draw attention, yet flood threats hold great weight. The National Weather Service set a PDS flood watch to cover nearly 4 million people in Arkansas, northern Mississippi, and western Tennessee. Cities like Memphis and Little Rock lie within this area. Forecasts show heavy rain may pour 10 to 15 inches within days. This rain could bring life-threatening flood waters as the system moves ahead.
The Forecast Ahead
Flood risk will build during the week. It starts with a moderate risk on Wednesday and shifts to high on Thursday. As the storm system moves southeast, heavy rains will threaten residents from Jonesboro to Paducah, including those in Memphis and Louisville. By the end of four days, soaked soils and high rivers may lead to major floods in several states. Large cities—Louisville, Indianapolis, Cleveland, and Detroit—will remain under a flood watch until Sunday morning.
Staying Prepared
Amid this rare and severe storm, people in affected areas should check local weather updates. Keep emergency supplies ready. Review your storm safety plans and stay alert for tornado and flood warnings. Extreme weather may change fast, but being ready makes a difference in staying safe.