Get ready, Midwest — Mother Nature is cranking up the drama this Sunday. The National Weather Service has put a dozen states on notice for possible tornadoes on May 17, with some areas facing up to a 15 percent chance of dangerous twisters spinning up. This isn't just a passing shower; we're talking serious storm potential that could rattle communities from Texas all the way to Michigan.
The affected states include Colorado, Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, Nebraska, South Dakota, Minnesota, Iowa, Missouri, Wisconsin, Illinois, and Michigan. That's a massive swath of the country, and the risk levels vary from a low of 2 percent to a high of 15 percent depending on location. The highest threat zones are expected to see the most intense storms, capable of producing not just tornadoes but also damaging winds and large hail.
This latest alert follows a pattern of severe weather that has already impacted the region. Just recently, giant hail and 75 mph winds hammered five states, and earlier in the week six states braced for a severe hailstorm that put the Plains in the crosshairs. The repeated rounds of violent weather have kept emergency managers on high alert.
What to Expect Sunday
The National Weather Service is urging residents across the warned area to stay weather-aware throughout the day. The storms are projected to develop and intensify during the afternoon and evening hours, which is typical for severe weather setups in the spring. The key message: don't let your guard down just because the morning looks calm.
If you live in any of the 12 states, now is the time to review your safety plans. Whether you're at home, at work, or on the road, knowing what to do when a tornado warning is issued can make all the difference. The agency stresses that being caught unprepared in a vehicle or mobile home is particularly dangerous.
How to Stay Safe
Here's a quick refresher on tornado safety, straight from the experts:
- At home: Head to your basement, safe room, or an interior room away from windows. Grab your pets if time allows.
- At work or school: Follow your tornado drill and proceed calmly to your shelter location. Avoid large open rooms like cafeterias, gyms, or auditoriums.
- Outside: Seek shelter inside a sturdy building immediately. Sheds, storage facilities, mobile homes, and tents are not safe.
- In a vehicle: Your car is not a safe place during a tornado. Drive to the nearest sturdy shelter if possible. If you can't make it, get down low in your car and cover your head, or abandon it and find a low-lying area like a ditch or ravine.
The bottom line: stay tuned to local news or a NOAA Weather Radio for updates. With spring storm season in full swing, this Sunday could be a wild one across the Midwest. Stay safe out there.
