Parts of central, southern US on alert for severe storms, tornadoes
A potent cold front sweeping across the Central U.S. barreled eastward Saturday, triggering strong to severe storms from Texas up through the Midwest.
Over most of the day, roughly 12 million people from eastern Texas up through western Kentucky were under a slight risk for severe weather, including the potential for damaging winds, large hail and even a few tornadoes.
With storms marching east, the slight risk area was reduced Saturday night. However, over 6 million across the Lower and Mid-Mississippi River Valley remain under a slight risk through Saturday night.
Parts of southeast Arkansas, northeast Louisiana, and central and southern Mississippi were under a tornado watch through 3 a.m. CT. The National Weather Service said a couple tornadoes are possible, along with scattered damaging wind gusts to 70 mph and some large hail.
A tornado watch was also in effect for portions of northwestern Louisiana, northeastern Texas, southwest Arkansas and far southeastern Oklahoma until 11 p.m. CT.
Heavy downpours were also possible, putting the region at risk for flash flooding. With moderate to severe drought impacting parts of the Mississippi River Valley in recent weeks, 1 to 3 inches of rainfall over a fairly short period of time could lead to flash flooding.
In addition, parts of eastern Arkansas, northern Mississippi and western Tennessee remained under a severe thunderstorm watch until 1 a.m. CT, with scattered damaging wind gusts to 70 mph possible -- and even a tornado or two.
Storms moving through parts of Oklahoma, Kansas and Missouri earlier Saturday accounted for damaging winds, hail and even flash flooding.
There were numerous reports of damaging wind reported just northwest of Kansas City, Kansas, claiming tree damage and downed power lines.
Also, two barns and one home were reportedly struck by lightning in Rogersville, Missouri, which started a small fire on the barn and partially collapsed the porch of the home.
Another 60-mph wind gust from storms was reported near Sallisaw, Oklahoma, and up to quarter-size hail was reported in Missouri.
More reports of damaging winds observed across portions of northwestern Louisiana, remarking that storms brought down trees and powerlines.
