Live Updates: Tornado Threat Targets Kansas, Missouri, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Texas

Tornado Sweeps Across Northwest Oklahoma

Dangerous storms are erupting across the central U.S., with a threat of strong tornadoes, damaging hail, and flash flooding. Residents are bracing for another round of deadly and destructive weather following days of severe storms in this region.

Watches and warnings are in effect across parts of Nebraska, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Oklahoma, Arkansas and Texas, including heavily populated areas like Oklahoma City, Tulsa, Wichita, Kansas City, Little Rock, and Dallas.

These storms could produce strong wind gusts, large hail, and tornadoes—some potentially strong. The Ozarks, one of the most flood-prone regions in the country, are also at risk for flash flooding.

For a more detailed forecast, click here.

More densely populated areas are in the crosshairs than in recent days, increasing the potential impact. We’ll be tracking the storms and their impacts as they develop throughout the day.

Continue reading for our live updates:

(06:12 p.m. EDT) Some Of The Latest Reports

• Oklahoma City: 63 mph gust at Will Rogers Airport

• Montague County, Texas: 4.5 inch diameter hail (as wide as a grapefruit)

• Tahlequah, Oklahoma: 78 mph gust and street flooding reported

• Iola, Kansas: A couple of reports of motorists stranded on flooded roads

We may have also had at least a brief tornado near Tahlequah moments ago, as radar detected lofted debris. But, according to NWS-Tulsa, that rotation has now weakened.

(05:57 p.m. EDT) No Storm Shelter? Read This

Not everyone has access to a basement or a storm cellar, but there are still safe places to shelter during severe weather - like a windowless bathroom, closet, or hallway on the ground floor. If you’re caught at work, school, or even a mobile home, knowing where to go and what to do (crouch low, cover your head) can make all the difference.

Read more here about what to consider when sheltering from a storm.

(05:45 p.m. EDT) From Fear To Forecasting

Meteorologist Caitlin Kaiser admits even she had a childhood fear of tornadoes. But that fear sparked her passion for weather and ultimately led her to become a meteorologist. Now, she’s using that experience to help you stay safe.

Click here for Caitlin’s simple, life-saving tips for severe weather, from tornado watches to warnings.

(05:31 p.m. EDT) 75 Mph Wind Gust Near Kansas City

From meteorologist Sara Tonks: A 75 mph gust was just reported at Johnson County Executive Airport near Kansas City, Missouri. The area is under a severe thunderstorm warning for a line of strong storms capable of producing penny-sized hail moving through the region.

(05:18 p.m. EDT) Forecast Map Shows Cities Most At-Risk

Where are tornadoes most likely to strike today? Meteorologist Felicia Combs breaks it down, highlighting the regions facing the greatest threat - including cities like Springfield and Joplin, which are right in the bullseye. Find out what to expect as the danger ramps up today into tonight:

(05:04 p.m. EDT) Flood Threat, Too

From senior meteorologist Jonathan Erdman: It’s not just about severe thunderstorms and tornadoes. Flood watches are in effect in the Ozarks through tonight, and for parts of Kentucky and West Virginia Tuesday.

These areas have seen thunderstorms with soaking rain over the past several days, so additional rain from multiple rounds of storms will likely trigger local flash flooding, particularly over hilly or mountainous terrain where water will runoff quickly. If you have to travel, never drive into a flooded road and make sure you can receive flash flood alerts issued by your local National Weather Service office from your smartphone.

(04:50 p.m. EDT) Flight Delays Mount

Storms are already causing travel headaches this afternoon. According to the FAA, flights out of both Denver and Dallas/Fort Worth airports are experiencing ground delays.

At DFW alone, at least 35 flights have been canceled so far today, according to FlightAware.com. If you’re flying out of either airport, check your flight status, and of course, “pack your patience.”

(04:36 p.m. EDT) Baseball-Sized Hail Reported, More Large To Very Large Hail Likely

From meteorologist Sara Tonks: Large to very large hail (at least 2 inches in diameter) is a major threat from today’s storms across the Central and Southern Plains, focused on Oklahoma. The greatest possibility of very large hail will be in the afternoon to early evening, but large hail still remains possible overnight.

So far today, the largest hail reported was 3 inches in diameter, approximately the size of a baseball, near Bluegrove, Texas.

Several warned storms have been described as capable of causing tennis ball sized hail (2½ inches in diameter).

(04:23 p.m. EDT) Tornado Siren Damaged

Heads up, Southwest Lancaster County, Nebraska: A tornado siren was damaged during the weekend’s severe storms and is out of service heading into today’s dangerous weather.

With a tornado watch in effect until 9 p.m. officials are urging everyone to have multiple ways to receive warnings. Do not rely on outdoor sirens alone.

(04:03 p.m. EDT) What Meteorologists Wish You Knew

Hopefully, you know to take cover when a tornado warning is issued - but that’s just part of the story. Meteorologists want you to understand the full threat severe weather can bring, including dangers that come with powerful thunderstorms, even if they don’t include a warned tornado.

For starters, did you know tornado sirens weren’t designed to be heard indoors? And that radar can detect a tornado, even if no one can see it yet?

Plus, there are two must-have items experts say you should bring with you when you head to your safe place.

Click here to find out what they are, and what else meteorologists want you to know.

(03:51 p.m. EDT) Urgent - Radar Confirmed Tornado

From senior meteorologist Jonathan Erdman, NWS-Norman, Oklahoma, just confirmed a tornado in progress just east of Allen, Oklahoma. Those near the towns of Atwood, Calvin and Horntown should be in their tornado shelters now!

(03:49 p.m. EDT) Tornado Tally, So Far

From senior meteorologist Jonathan Erdman: With NWS damage surveys still either ongoing or yet to be completed, at least 47 tornadoes appear to have been either confirmed or sighted from last Thursday (May 15) through Saturday (May 17). Over a dozen additional tornadoes likely occurred Sunday, with damage survey results still to be completed. One of those twisters Friday evening was rated EF4 in southern Williamson County, Illinois. That’s only the fourth EF4 tornado in the U.S. so far this year.

(03:40 p.m. EDT) First Tornado Warnings

The NWS has issued its first tornado warning of the afternoon, for southeastern Clay County, TX until 4 p.m. EDT. This storm is southeast of Henrietta, Texas, or about 25 miles southeast of Wichita Falls. It’s moving northeast, so it’s no danger to the city of Wichita Falls. But those in southeast Clay County should take shelter now.

Another tornado warning is in effect until 4:15 p.m. EDT for parts of Coal, Pontotoc and Hughes County in eastern Oklahoma.

(03:34 p.m. EDT) Turn On Your Emergency Alerts

The city of Fayetteville, Arkansas is urging residents to double-check their emergency alert settings as severe storms approach. Officials are reminding the public that having multiple ways to receive life-saving warnings - such as NOAA Weather Radio or Wireless Emergency Alerts - is crucial.

To make sure you get them, keep your phone fully charged and turn off “Do Not Disturb,” especially during overnight storms.

Residents can also activate additional alerts, like lightning strike notifications, through the Weather Channel App.

We have steps on how to make sure your phone receives necessary alerts here.

(03:20 p.m. EDT) What A “Level 4 Of 5” Severe Risk Means

From senior meteorologist Jonathan Erdman: Today’s severe weather threat isn’t an ordinary one. In their daily severe weather forecast, NOAA’s Storm Prediction Center has a threat level 4 out of 5 - also known as a “moderate” risk - in parts of Oklahoma, southeast Kansas, southern Missouri and northwest Arkansas.

These level 4 of 5 risks are typically only issued about a dozen days a year, reserved for outbreaks of either strong tornadoes and/or widespread damaging thunderstorm winds.

You can read more about these daily severe weather outlooks here.

(03:06 p.m. EDT) Oklahoma Graduation Ceremonies Postponed

School districts across Oklahoma are adjusting schedules today as severe weather threatens the region. Oklahoma City, Broken Arrow and Wagoner public schools have all announced delays for graduation ceremonies out of an abundance of caution.

Several schools have also canceled after-school activities, citing the priority of student and staff safety. Families are being urged to monitor local alerts and stay weather-aware.

(02:55 p.m. EDT) Three Tornado Watches Now In Effect

NOAA’s Storm Prediction Center has just issued a tornado watch until 9 p.m. CDT for all of eastern Kansas and most of western Missouri. This watch includes Kansas City, Topeka and Wichita, Kansas.

That makes three tornado watches currently in effect, from Nebraska and Iowa to Oklahoma and Arkansas.