A multi-day extreme weather event impacted portions of the United States (US) Midwest, Great Plains, and South between Thursday, April 25, and Sunday, April 28. According to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the series of storms produced a total of 127 tornado touchdowns, 149 high wind reports, and 173 hail reports across Arkansas, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, Oklahoma, and Texas. The series of storms began on Friday afternoon with a tornado spotted just north of Lincoln, Nebraska. The tornado was reported as a three out of five on the Enhanced Fujita Scale (EF), with winds reaching 136 miles per hour (mph), causing massive damage as it tracked through the suburbs of Lincoln towards Omaha. There were more than 100 reports of tornadoes in six states by the end of the day on Friday, April 26. By Saturday, April 27, more than 50 million people were under severe weather threats.
On Saturday, April 27, the tornado outbreak impacted Oklahoma, producing 25 confirmed tornadoes across the State, some receiving up to an EF-4 rating. FEMA Regions VI and VII were hit hardest by the weekend storms, with over 400 homes either destroyed or damaged. Additionally, there have been five confirmed fatalities and over a hundred injuries reported. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) National Weather Service (NWS) forecasts additional low-pressure systems to produce excessive rainfall, strong winds, thunderstorms, hail, and possible tornadoes for parts of the Central US, Great Plaines, and Upper/Middle Mississippi Valley through mid-week of April 29 to May 2.
FEMA National Watch Center: NOAA Tornado Reports
Following the major storms, numerous Governors toured their respective states to determine damage and request assistance from federal agencies. In Nebraska, Governor Jim Pillen ordered that “state resources be made available to assist with the emergency response” in a press conference on Saturday, April 27. According to a joint statement from Governor Pillen and the Nebraska Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) on April 29, the devastating wind, heavy rain, severe thunderstorms, and tornadoes that impacted the State contributed to emergency declarations across three counties. FEMA has contracted Civil Air Patrol to further assess the State for additional damage.
Preliminary Tornado Track Maps of the Arbor Day Tornado Outbreak 2024
We will continue to survey and add to this site in the upcoming weeks.
Our hearts are with everyone impacted.
For individual track maps and more informationhttps://t.co/Gu14Lr1au0 pic.twitter.com/k0xUODhFph
— NWS Omaha (@NWSOmaha) April 30, 2024
X: NWS Omaha
In Oklahoma, Governor Kevin Stitt and the Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management (OEM) declared a state of emergency for 12 counties, later adding an additional four counties on April 29 due to the flooding, hail, tornadoes, and straight-line winds that began on Saturday, April 27. The Oklahoma Office of the Chief Medical Examiner reports that there were four fatalities and 100 injuries as a result of the severe weather. Additionally, White House officials note that President Joe Biden has communicated with Governor Stitt, offering the support of the federal government to the State of Oklahoma.
NWS Norman, OK: Storm Damage Surveys
In Iowa, Governor Reynolds issued a disaster proclamation for Pottawattamie County on April 26 and later expanded the disaster proclamation on April 29 to include Clarke, Crawford, Harrison, Mills, Polk, Ringgold, Shelby, and Union counties. The disaster proclamation allows impacted residents to apply for the Disaster Case Advocacy Program to address disaster-related hardships, injuries, or adverse conditions. Governor Reynolds directed Iowa residents impacted by storms to seek assistance from the Iowa Individual Assistance Grant Program, providing grants of up to $5,000 to cover food and clothing costs, house repair, or temporary housing expenses.
Tornado Preparedness
Tornadoes are most likely to occur in the US Midwest and Southeast regions; however, it is important that communities everywhere are prepared for any potential risks they may face in the event of severe weather. Understanding your risks and making an emergency plan are the first steps in preparing for a severe weather event.
One essential preparedness measure is to sign up for emergency alerts and warnings and pay attention to local weather forecasts. Planning for severe weather and tornadoes also includes identifying the safest place for you and your family, including any pets, prior to a tornado event. Safe rooms and storm shelters built to the International Code Council (ICC) 500 Standards, which define the “minimum requirements to safeguard the public health, safety, and general welfare relative to the design, construction, and installation of storm shelters,” are the safest option. However, if those are not available, the next best option is to shelter in a small, interior, windowless room or basement on the lowest level of a sturdily built building. In addition, have an emergency kit at the ready that includes necessary supplies, such as food and medicine.
What To Do During a Tornado
If your area is under a severe weather or tornado warning, take shelter immediately. Additionally, keep in mind that you should never try to outrun a tornado in a vehicle. If you are in a vehicle or outside and cannot get to shelter, the best thing to do is to lie flat on the ground, preferably in a ditch or ravine, and cover yourself as best you can, protecting your neck and head. Pay close attention to local alert systems for current emergency information and updates, and do not leave your shelter until you are told it is safe to do so.
After a Tornado
Continue to pay attention to local alerts and seek medical attention if you are sick or injured. Once you leave shelter, stay clear of fallen power lines or other broken utilities, and be very careful when navigating debris. Wear long pants and sleeves, work gloves, and heavy-soled shoes when clearing debris, and follow the appropriate guidelines for staging debris and cleaning your home.
The Hagerty Blog Team will continue to provide information and updates on current extreme weather events and disasters impacting the nation. Visit Disaster Discourse for the latest information.
- Remember, Ready.gov provides information on how to prepare for tornadoes and keep safe, including identifying a safe shelter, preparing a go-bag, and staying up to date on warnings and notices.
- FEMA America’s PrepareAthon: Prepare Your Organization for a Tornado.
- The American Red Cross provides a Tornado Safety Checklist.
- NOAA NWS provides an informational video about how to be prepared for tornadoes.