Tornado Emergency Declared as Severe Storms Threaten Midwest and South This Weekend
- Ciara Perez
- Mar 13
- 3 min read
Updated: Mar 14
Tornado Emergency Declared as Severe Storms Threaten Midwest and South This Weekend
By Ciara Perez, News Reporter | iSkyNews.com (ISC News)
Published March 13th, 2025
Tornado Emergency Declared as Severe Storms Threaten Midwest and South This Weekend
NWS Storm Prediction Center - A significant and potentially dangerous severe weather outbreak is expected to unfold across parts of the Midwest and Deep South this weekend. The National Weather Service Storm Prediction Center (SPC) has issued a Level 4 out of 5 Moderate Risk for severe thunderstorms on Friday, March 14, with an even more intense storm threat forecast for Saturday, March 15. Tornadoes, some of which could be strong and long-tracked, widespread damaging winds of up to 90 mph, and hail as large as baseballs are possible across multiple states.
Friday’s Severe Threat: Midwest and Lower Ohio Valley in the Crosshairs
Beginning Friday afternoon and continuing into the overnight hours, a regional outbreak of severe weather is anticipated across the Lower/Mid-Missouri and Mississippi Valleys into the Lower Ohio Valley. According to the SPC, several strong tornadoes, widespread damaging winds, and large hail will be possible in these areas.
Risk Levels for Friday (March 14):
MODERATE RISK (Level 4 of 5): Covers 74,310 square miles and affects over 6.5 million people, including cities such as:
St. Louis, MO
Springfield, IL
Peoria, IL
Decatur, IL
Champaign, IL
ENHANCED RISK (Level 3 of 5): Affects 10.5 million people, including:
Memphis, TN
Des Moines, IA
Jackson, MS
Cedar Rapids, IA
Evansville, IN
SLIGHT RISK (Level 2 of 5): Includes 28.6 million people, with major cities such as:
Chicago, IL
Indianapolis, IN
Nashville, TN
Kansas City, MO
Omaha, NE
MARGINAL RISK (Level 1 of 5): Covers over 25 million people, including:
Milwaukee, WI
New Orleans, LA
Minneapolis, MN
Cincinnati, OH
St. Paul, MN
Saturday’s Threat: Widespread Tornado Outbreak Expected in the Deep South
The severe weather threat will intensify on Saturday as storms shift into the central Gulf Coast States and Deep South, including the Tennessee Valley. The SPC warns that numerous significant tornadoes are possible, particularly in parts of Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama. Widespread damaging wind swaths and large hail are also expected.
Risk Levels for Saturday (March 15):
MODERATE RISK (Level 4 of 5): Covers 86,152 square miles, affecting 7.7 million people, including:
New Orleans, LA
Birmingham, AL
Baton Rouge, LA
Montgomery, AL
Mobile, AL
ENHANCED RISK (Level 3 of 5): Affects over 17 million people, including:
Nashville, TN
Atlanta, GA
Columbus, GA
Knoxville, TN
Huntsville, AL
SLIGHT RISK (Level 2 of 5): Includes 27 million people, impacting cities such as:
Columbus, OH
Memphis, TN
Cleveland, OH
Pittsburgh, PA
Cincinnati, OH
MARGINAL RISK (Level 1 of 5): Covers 14.5 million people, including:
Detroit, MI
Indianapolis, IN
Charlotte, NC
Toledo, OH
Greensboro, NC
Potential Impacts and Safety Precautions
With the likelihood of strong tornadoes, hurricane-force wind gusts, and large hail, residents in the affected areas should be prepared for power outages, structural damage, and potential flooding. The SPC emphasizes that preparedness is critical:
Monitor Local Warnings: Keep a NOAA Weather Radio and mobile alerts active.
Have a Safety Plan: Identify the safest location in your home, such as a basement or interior room with no windows.
Stock Emergency Supplies: Ensure you have food, water, flashlights, and necessary medications.
Stay Alert and Be Ready to Act: Conditions may change rapidly, and tornadoes can develop with little warning.
Emergency management agencies across the affected regions are already preparing for the possibility of widespread damage and are urging the public to take this severe weather threat seriously.
Stay tuned to iSkyNews.com | Osceola Response Team for the latest updates.
Tornado Emergency Declared as Severe Storms Threaten Midwest and South This Weekend
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