Nearly 50 million people across the Plains and Midwest are on high alert for a severe weather outbreak spanning from Sunday into Monday. This comes after a weekend of destructive storms that spawned multiple tornadoes in parts of Mississippi and Texas, leaving significant damage in their wake.
Destructive Weekend Storms Leave One Dead and Several Injured in Texas
Severe storms, including tornadoes and baseball-sized hail, hit Runaway Bay, Texas, on Saturday, April 24, 2026, with one person killed and several others injured. According to Wise County, Texas officials, a supercell thunderstorm produced dangerous wind gusts and hail, and it is believed to have spun up at least two tornadoes.
One of the tornadoes hit Runaway Bay, approximately 82 miles northwest of Dallas, while the other struck nearby Shannon, Texas. These storms caused significant damage to homes, leaving at least 20 families displaced, according to Wise County Judge J.D. Clark.
The National Weather Service (NWS) confirmed that one of the tornadoes that struck Runaway Bay was rated EF-2 on the Enhanced Fujita Scale, with peak winds of 135 mph. The NWS also confirmed the fatality in Runaway Bay was the result of the tornado.
Severe Weather Risk Expands Across the Plains and Midwest
For Sunday, April 25, the NWS has issued a level 3 out of 5 “enhanced risk” of severe weather for much of Kansas, as well as parts of western Missouri and southeastern Nebraska, including cities such as Wichita, Kan., Kansas City, Mo., and Beatrice, Neb. Tornadoes, damaging winds, and large hail are expected in these areas.
A level 2 out of 5 “slight risk” of severe weather is also forecast for parts of northern Texas, northwest Arkansas, western Missouri, southwest Iowa, southern Nebraska, most of Oklahoma, and much of Kansas. Strong thunderstorms will likely begin firing off around noon local time on Sunday, with more severe weather expected to develop later in the afternoon.
A flood watch has also been issued for parts of Kansas City and St. Joseph, Missouri, where two inches or more of rain are possible, increasing the threat of localized flooding.
Severe Weather Continues into Monday with Broad Threat Across the Midwest
On Monday, April 26, the severe weather threat shifts northeast, with an enhanced risk of severe weather expected across several cities. A level 3 out of 5 “enhanced risk” is forecast for areas including St. Louis, Mo., Cedar Rapids, Iowa, Jonesboro, Ark., Evansville, Ind., Paducah, Ky., and Rockford, Ill.
A level 2 out of 5 “slight risk” will stretch from Memphis, Tenn., to Chicago, Ill., Milwaukee, Wis., Louisville, Ky., South Bend, Ind., and Mason City, Iowa. These regions may experience tornadoes, damaging wind gusts, large hail, and spotty flash flooding.
Monday’s storm system is also expected to bring heavy rain across the central United States, causing isolated flash flooding. The Great Lakes region will also see significant rainfall on Monday.
Summary Table of Key Information
| Aspect | Detail |
|---|---|
| Severe Weather Alert Area | Plains and Midwest, including parts of Kansas, Missouri, Texas, Oklahoma, and more |
| Severe Weather Risks | Tornadoes, damaging winds, large hail, and flooding |
| Sunday (April 25) Risk Areas | Level 3 (enhanced risk) for Kansas, western Missouri, southeastern Nebraska |
| Monday (April 26) Risk Areas | Level 3 (enhanced risk) for St. Louis, Cedar Rapids, Jonesboro, and more |
| Flood Watch | Issued for Kansas City and St. Joseph, Missouri, with up to two inches of rain possible |
| Key Affected Cities | Wichita, Kansas City, Beatrice, St. Louis, Chicago, Louisville, and others |
| Heavy Rain | Expected in central U.S. and Great Lakes region leading to flash flooding risk |
Severe weather continues to impact large parts of the Plains and Midwest, with tornadoes, damaging winds, and large hail forecast through the weekend and into Monday. The devastating storms that struck Runaway Bay, Texas, have left one person dead and numerous families displaced, while the severe weather outbreak expands across the central United States.
Authorities are warning of the potential for flooding and more tornadoes on Sunday and Monday, with the risk of damaging winds and hail still present across several states. Residents in the affected areas should remain vigilant, monitor local forecasts, and be prepared for rapidly changing weather conditions.
