A new wave of severe storms has battered parts of the central United States this week, bringing tornadoes, destructive hail, and flooding across multiple states. The system began on April 14, and has impacted areas from Kansas and Oklahoma to Wisconsin, Michigan, and Ohio.
Dozens of tornadoes have been reported, including an EF3 twister in Wisconsin with winds reaching up to 140 mph (more than 225 km/h). Large hail, some the size of softballs, has also caused widespread damage to homes, vehicles, and infrastructure, while strong winds and heavy rain have led to power outages affecting thousands of residents.
Flooding has become a growing concern in parts of the Great Lakes region, particularly in Michigan and Wisconsin, where rising rivers and dam pressure have prompted evacuations and emergency responses. Officials declared states of emergency in affected areas as multiple rounds of storms continued to move through the region.
Meteorologists warn the system could persist through the end of the week, with additional tornadoes, damaging winds, and flash flooding still possible. The outbreak underscores the increasing frequency and intensity of extreme weather events across the US.
Curious as to why the US is so vulnerable? Click through now to find out more.