Tornado warnings issued in Texas, Oklahoma as severe storms sweep through US southern part

By Merve Berker

ANKARA (AA) – Tornado warnings were issued in Texas and Oklahoma states as severe storms with possible tornadoes swept through the southern part of the US, including Texas and Oklahoma, on Saturday night, local media reported.

Federal forecasters issued tornado watches and warnings for parts of Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri, and Kansas, with the National Weather Service office for Fort Worth, Texas, advising residents in the path of unstable thunderstorm cells north of Dallas-Fort Worth to “seek shelter now,” NBC News reported.

Chief Meteorologist and Climate Specialist Jeff Berardelli said on X: “Severe weather has (been) very active the past few weeks.”

“One big reason is a stubborn weather pattern. Big heat ridge parked over Mexico/Gulf, and cold pool over the Pacific NW - a perfect setup as disturbances ride a semi-stalled frontal boundary focusing storms over #Tornado Alley,” he added.

In another post regarding the issue, he stressed: “It’s been a very big US #Tornado season so far, with some of the most photogenic tornadoes and radar scans ever.”

“So what’s behind the severe stretch? And some other very cool science tidbits, in Today’s Berardelli Bonus!” the official noted.

Radar also confirmed tornadoes in Claremore, Oklahoma, and near Pilot Point, Texas, according to the media outlet, adding that damage was reported in Denton County, Texas, with multiple victims.

The severe weather is attributed to a clash between cold and warm air masses.

Storms are expected to continue into Missouri and Iowa, with the Midwest and Ohio Valley bracing for damaging winds, hail, and possible tornadoes, affecting 42 million people in Chicago, Indianapolis, Nashville, St. Louis, and Cincinnati.

Storms will conclude on the East Coast by Monday, with a slight chance of severe weather forecasted for the mid-Atlantic region.

Approximately 27 million people in this area, encompassing Baltimore, Washington, Charlotte, Raleigh and North Carolina, are at risk of encountering strong to severe thunderstorms.

- Flash flooding

Flash flooding is also a serious concern, particularly in the mid-Mississippi Valley, where 3 million people, including Memphis, Tennessee, Tupelo and Mississippi, are under flood alerts.

Southern states, including Texas, are facing extreme heat, with temperatures rising significantly above average over the Memorial Day weekend.

On Saturday, heat advisories were issued for 7 million people in southern Texas, including Austin, San Antonio, Corpus Christi, and Brownsville.

Sunday will bring more heat to the southern region, with over 20 record highs expected in cities including Corpus Christi, Miami, Orlando, Baton Rouge, Dallas, Houston, and San Antonio.

Additionally, critical fire weather conditions exist across the plains from Colorado to Texas, increasing the risk of rapid fire spread, putting 4 million Americans under alerts.