Storm System Triggers Widespread Threat
A powerful storm system continues to impact the eastern half of the United States on Friday. Meteorologists warn of destructive tornadoes and hurricane-strength wind gusts. The same system already hit the Midwest and Great Lakes on Thursday.
Millions Face Severe Weather Risk
Nearly nine million people from Missouri to Kentucky face a level 4-of-5 severe weather threat. The Storm Prediction Center said, “Several strong tornadoes are expected and a long-track, high-end tornado will be possible.” Forecasts suggest widespread damaging winds and large hail could develop by evening.
Widespread, violent storms are possible Friday into Friday night. The threat of some long-lived, strong tornadoes will extend from parts of the Mississippi Valley through the Ohio and Tennessee valleys. https://t.co/8ojxixubgK pic.twitter.com/OQbh3ms1KP
— AccuWeather (@accuweather) May 16, 2025
Environment Supports Violent Storms
The National Weather Service in Paducah, Kentucky, warned of an “exceptionally volatile environment.” Forecasters expect storms to generate damaging wind gusts stronger than 75 mph. This danger could begin in the early evening and extend into the night.
Damage from Thursday’s Storms
Powerful storms on Thursday left nearly 400,000 homes and businesses without power. Outages affected states across the Midwest. Dodge County in Wisconsin experienced significant destruction. Officials reported damage to multiple homes and widespread power line collapses.
Storms Injure Residents in Wisconsin
Dodge County Sheriff Dale Schmidt confirmed at least one person was hospitalised in Juneau. “There may have been another minor injury or two that occurred,” he said. A house suffered a roof collapse but everyone inside escaped safely.
A tornado tracks through New Richmond in St. Croix County, Wisconsin, on Thursday
Major Disruption Across Multiple States
Downed trees and power lines forced the closure of many roads and highways in Dodge County. In Chicago, a weather station on Lake Michigan recorded a wind gust of 79 mph. That reading equalled hurricane-strength intensity. Michigan had more than 250,000 outages Friday morning, according to PowerOutage.us.
Supercell Threat Returns Friday
Storms from Thursday night continued early Friday from Arkansas through Kentucky. These storms are expected to clear quickly, allowing the atmosphere to recharge. A more dangerous round of storms is expected from the afternoon.
Authorities Warn of Regional Outbreak
“A regional outbreak of severe thunderstorms is likely this afternoon into tonight,” the Storm Prediction Center warned. Forecasters expect “intense supercells” in the most volatile zones. These storms could generate tornadoes, large hail, and widespread wind damage.
Wider Population Under Severe Threat
More than 70 million people in the eastern half of the country are under at least a level 2-of-5 risk. The highest threat remains in the Mississippi and Ohio Valleys. Forecasters said, “All severe weather hazards are on the table, including damaging winds, large hail, tornadoes, and torrential rainfall.”
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Daytime and Nighttime Risks
Initial storm activity is forecast in Missouri, Arkansas, and Illinois during the afternoon. Those storms could quickly become supercells. As storms move east, they are expected to form unbroken lines. The wind threat will rise once this happens, with potential damage across hundreds of miles.
Night Tornadoes Pose Greater Risk
Storms could continue into the night in Kentucky and neighbouring states. A 2022 study found that tornadoes at night are nearly twice as deadly as those during the day. Authorities urge communities to stay alert.
Thursday’s Tornado Reports
At least 11 tornadoes were reported across Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Illinois. These storms brought major damage to parts of the region. Emergency alerts and shelter orders were issued across Dodge County.
Storm Damage Displaces Residents
Sheriff Schmidt confirmed displacement in Juneau due to storm damage. He said many roads remain blocked and multiple homes were hit. Emergency crews are still assessing the full impact.
Power Restoration Efforts Ongoing
Consumers Energy, based in Michigan, has begun assessments for restoring power. CNN affiliate WNEM reported that utility crews are still determining timelines. Outages continued Friday across five states, with further assessments pending.
Severe Weather Threat Extends Beyond Friday
The Mid-Atlantic and Northeast face storm risks on Saturday. Damaging wind gusts and hail are expected. Meteorologists cannot rule out the possibility of tornadoes.
New Threats for Plains and Mississippi Valley
The storm system will shift towards Oklahoma and Kansas on Sunday and Monday. These regions could face damaging thunderstorms. On Tuesday, the risk is expected to return to parts of the Mississippi Valley.
Ongoing Monitoring by Meteorological Agencies
Officials continue monitoring the evolving threat. The full scope of next week’s risk will become clearer in coming days. Authorities encourage residents to remain updated through official channels.
