Severe Weather Brings Tornado Outbreak Across US
The severe weather outbreak has highlighted the importance of timely warnings and emergency preparedness, with the National Weather Service's predictions and warnings saving countless lives. As the affected areas begin to recover, the focus will shift to supporting those affected and rebuilding damaged communities.
A severe outbreak of tornadoes occurred in the US in early April 2025, with over 120 twisters confirmed in 14 states, resulting in at least 26 deaths and widespread damage, as the National Weather Service confirmed 128 tornadoes in a six-day period from April 2-7, with the majority of the tornadoes, 79, occurring in a 24-hour period from April 2-3.
The states most affected by the tornadoes were Indiana, Illinois, and Mississippi, with 21, 17, and 16 tornadoes reported, respectively. The outbreak also saw over 850 reports of large hail, severe thunderstorm wind gusts, and damage, with the National Weather Service issuing 728 severe thunderstorm and tornado warnings in a 24-hour period. The severe weather brought the threat of hail and damaging winds to areas still recovering from recent events, with a Severe Thunderstorm Watch issued for parts of Arkansas, Illinois, Kentucky, Missouri, and Tennessee.
The tornado outbreak was accompanied by significant flooding, particularly in Kentucky, where historic flooding threatened parts of the state, prompting a mandatory curfew in Frankfort and mandatory evacuations in some areas. President Donald Trump approved emergency declarations for Arkansas, Tennessee, and Kentucky, allowing for federal aid to communities affected by the disaster. The flooding is expected to move from Kentucky southward along the Mississippi over the next week or more, with some impacts likely in flood-prone areas.
The National Weather Service played a crucial role in predicting the severe weather event, despite facing massive cuts to NOAA budgets, and issued dozens of lifesaving tornado and flash flood warnings. As damage assessments are ongoing, residents are asked to document damage to their properties before cleanup efforts, and the community is coming together to support those affected by the disaster.