The National Weather Service is sounding the alarm for a serious weather event hitting roughly half a dozen states on Thursday, May 14. This isn't just a passing shower—forecasters are warning of significant hailstorms that could bring thunder, lightning, strong winds, and even an isolated tornado or two.
The states in the crosshairs include Kansas, Oklahoma, Nebraska, Iowa, Missouri, and Illinois. Residents across this broad swath of the Plains and Midwest should prepare for potentially dangerous conditions as the storms roll through.
This alert follows a pattern of volatile spring weather across the region. Just this week, 9 states were placed on high alert for destructive winds that threatened travel and power. Now, the focus shifts to hail, which can cause significant damage to property and vehicles.
Hailstorms are no joke—they can produce stones large enough to break windows, dent cars, and injure people caught outside. The National Weather Service urges everyone in these states to stay weather-ready by monitoring local news or a NOAA Weather Radio for updates on severe thunderstorm watches and warnings.
How to Stay Safe During a Hailstorm
When a severe thunderstorm warning is issued, it's time to act. Here's what you should do depending on where you are:
- At home: Go to your secure location immediately if damaging wind or large hail is approaching. Bring your pets if time allows.
- At work or school: Stay away from windows. Avoid large open rooms like cafeterias, gymnasiums, or auditoriums.
- Outside: Get inside a sturdy building right away. Sheds and storage facilities are not safe. Taking shelter under a tree is dangerous—it could fall on you, and you're at greater risk of lightning strikes.
- In a vehicle: If you're driving, pull over safely and stay inside. Avoid stopping under overpasses or near trees.
This isn't the first time this spring that severe weather has threatened the region. Earlier this month, a severe thunderstorm warning put three states on alert for hail and 60 mph winds. And just last week, four states braced for extreme thunderstorms with similar threats.
For those in the affected areas, the key is to stay informed and take warnings seriously. The National Weather Service emphasizes that lightning strikes are a major hazard during these storms, so being indoors is critical.
As Thursday approaches, keep an eye on the sky and your weather apps. The Plains and Midwest are no strangers to spring storms, but this one has forecasters paying close attention.
