A powerful storm system capable of producing large tornadoes and hail the size of baseballs has led forecasters to issue a rare “high risk” warning for severe weather.
On Friday, Missouri, Iowa, and Illinois experienced some of the most intense weather conditions.
The storm is expected to shift toward the southern states, including Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama, on Saturday.
The federal Storm Prediction Center (SPC) warned that “numerous significant tornadoes, some long-track and potentially violent,” are expected to develop Saturday afternoon and evening.
Highest Risk Areas Marked in Magenta
The SPC uses a five-level system to classify the severity of weather, ranging from marginal to high risk.
Their color-coded maps show the highest risk areas in magenta. On Saturday, this high-risk zone includes parts of Mississippi and Alabama.
A “high risk” warning is issued when forecasters expect “numerous intense and long-tracked tornadoes” or thunderstorms with hurricane-force winds that could cause widespread damage, according to the SPC.
In the past, many high-risk forecasts have accurately predicted major weather events.
2024 Kansas and Oklahoma Tornado Outbreak
On May 6, 2024, the SPC issued a high-risk warning for Kansas and Oklahoma, predicting “multiple significant tornadoes along potentially long paths.”
The forecast was accurate, as dozens of tornadoes tore through the region.
One of the strongest tornadoes hit Barnsdall, Oklahoma, before moving into Bartlesville. Aerial footage showed homes reduced to rubble.
About 25 people were rescued from collapsed buildings, according to the town’s mayor.
2023 Mississippi River Valley Tornadoes
On March 31, 2023, the SPC issued a high-risk warning for two areas along the Mississippi River Valley. Multiple tornadoes followed, causing widespread destruction.
In Illinois, a tornado caused the roof of the Apollo Theatre in Belvidere to collapse during a heavy metal concert, killing one person and injuring over two dozen others. Around 260 people were inside at the time, according to the local fire chief.
In total, 146 tornadoes were confirmed during the 2023 outbreak, making it the third-largest tornado outbreak in U.S. history, according to the National Weather Service. Over two dozen people died as a result.
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