The National Weather Service described the storm as a “life-threatening situation.”
UPDATE 03/31 8:31 PM EDT
A tornado watch is in effect in the states of Illinois, Indiana, Wisconsin, and Michigan and is expected to remain in effect until 10 p.m. CDT. Wind with gusts up to 70 miles per hour, rain, snow, and significant hail are also expected to hit the region. At the time of publication, more than 30 million people are in the zones marked for high tornado risk. The Storm Prediction Center ranks the threat at a level 5 out of 5.
Oklahoma, Arkansas, Iowa, Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Tennessee, and Kentucky have already seen significant storm damage as the storm moves across the nation.
Alongside tornado warnings, the National Weather Service issued a warning of severe blizzard conditions which will remain in effect until Monday, April 3rd.
UPDATE 03/31 7:20 PM EDT
A large tornado tore its way through portions of Little Rock, Arkansas, on Friday afternoon. There was considerable property damage, with homes destroyed, vehicles overturned, trees downed, and at least 20 people injured. The National Weather Service described the storm as a “life-threatening situation.”
High winds and very large hail were expected through much of the Midwest and South Friday evening and into Saturday. Flash flooding is possible in some areas. The storms are expected to move through the Ohio and Tennessee valleys, with the possibility of spawning more tornadoes.
In a tweet, Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders said, “Significant damage has occurred in Central Arkansas. I’m in constant communication with AR State Police and AR Emergencies who are working with local law enforcement to assist anyone injured. Praying for all those who were and remain in the path of the storm. Arkansans must continue to stay weather aware as storms are continuing to move through.”
As the Lord Leads, Pray with Us…
- For the people of in the Midwest and south who are being hit with tornadoes or heavy storms today.
- For those who are in the path of the storms as they move onward.
- For the thousands that are without power and who have suffered major property losses.
Sources: AP News, KVIA, CNN, Newsmax, Fox News
