Nearly 50 million people across the United States are on high alert as a new wave of severe weather threatens the Plains and Midwest regions, bringing risks of tornadoes, large hail, and damaging winds.
The warnings follow a weekend of destructive storms, including deadly tornado activity in Texas. In the town of Runaway Bay, one person was killed and several others were injured after a powerful storm system moved through the area. Local authorities confirmed that the fatality was caused by a tornado.
According to the National Weather Service, the tornado that struck Runaway Bay has been rated an EF-2 on the Enhanced Fujita Scale, with wind speeds reaching up to 135 miles per hour. The storm caused significant damage to homes and infrastructure, displacing at least 20 families.
The same storm system produced multiple suspected tornadoes across the region, including in parts of Texas, Oklahoma, and Nebraska. Large hail, some as big as baseballs, and strong winds added to the destruction.
Weather officials warn that more severe conditions are expected to develop. On Sunday, a level 3 out of 5 “enhanced risk” has been issued for much of Kansas, along with parts of Missouri and Nebraska. Cities such as Wichita and Kansas City are among those most at risk, where tornadoes, large hail, and strong winds could occur.
A broader “slight risk” area covers parts of northern Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Iowa, and Nebraska, indicating that severe storms could still develop across a wide region.
Meteorologists say the highest tornado threat is centered over Kansas, where storms are expected to intensify through the afternoon and evening hours. In addition to tornado risks, heavy rainfall may lead to flooding in some areas, particularly around Kansas City and St. Joseph, where several inches of rain are possible.
The threat is expected to continue into Monday, shifting northeast toward the Midwest. Cities including St. Louis, Cedar Rapids, Evansville, and Rockford are under an enhanced risk of severe weather. Meanwhile, major urban centers like Chicago, Milwaukee, and Memphis are also under a slight risk.
Residents in affected areas are being urged to stay alert, monitor weather updates, and follow safety guidance from local authorities. Officials stress that conditions can change rapidly, especially with fast-moving storm systems capable of producing tornadoes with little warning.
As the storm system progresses, emergency services remain on standby to respond to potential damage, while weather agencies continue to monitor developments closely.
