National Weather Service United States Department of Commerce

Heat Wave Across the Central and Southeast US; Flash Flood Threats in the North-Central US, Southeast, and Guam

Dangerous heat is expected across portions of the Central and Southeast U.S. through July. Heavy rains, flash flooding & severe weather are possible across the middle Missouri River Valley and Upper Midwest to the upper Great Lakes. Heavy rains and flash flooding are also possible across portions of the Southeast. A tropical disturbance brings heavy rain to Guam & the Marianas through Saturday. Read More >

Overview

Multiple rounds of severe thunderstorms impacted the region on May 26th producing widespread damage, leaving over 100,000 customers without power at its peak. The first wave was a bowing line that progressed east across southeast Missouri into western Kentucky and far southern Illinois between 5 and 10 AM. This was quickly followed by a second line that was mostly sub-severe which then exited our region by 1 PM. The environment was able to recover during the afternoon, providing ample fuel for another round of severe thunderstorms during the evening. Supercells formed across parts of the region between 6 and 9 PM. Meanwhile a line of storms developed to our west and moved quickly east-southeast across the entire area after 7 PM. This line sagged south toward the Kentucky/Tennessee border by 11 PM. Widespread damaging winds of 60 to 70 mph occurred with both rounds, along with large hail up to tennis ball sized, and numerous tornadoes. There have been 18 confirmed tornadoes from this event, including 3 EF-3's.