ENVIRONMENT

United States braces for six-day tornado outbreak

▪

Read, Watch or Listen

United States braces for six-day tornado outbreak

Media Bias Meter

Sources: 2

Center 100%

Sources: 2

A prolonged severe weather episode is forecast to impact the central United States from Thursday, May 14 through Tuesday, May 19, 2026, with the National Weather Service Storm Prediction Center warning of multiple days of tornadoes, destructive hail, and damaging winds. The threat zone extends from the Plains into the Mid and Upper Mississippi Valley and evolves northward on Friday to cover parts of Kansas, Nebraska, Iowa, and Missouri. Meteorologists, including Reed Timmer, expect the risk to peak Sunday into Monday. Forecasters highlight potential for very large hail, damaging wind gusts, and at least a few tornadoes, including possibly strong ones.

Prepared by Olivia Bennett and reviewed by editorial team.

Timeline of Events

Thursday, May 14, 2026 SPC warns of multi-day severe outbreak
Thursday, May 14, 2026 Forecasters highlight plains, Mississippi Valley threat
Thursday, May 14, 2026 Reed Timmer flags multi-day tornado potential
Friday, May 15, 2026 Risk corridor shifts north into central Plains
Friday, May 15, 2026 SPC notes large hail, damaging winds likely
Friday evening, May 15, 2026 Tornado or two deemed possible regionally
Saturday, May 16, 2026 Organized severe storms expected across Missouri Valley
Saturday, May 16, 2026 Forecast includes three-inch hail, strong tornado risk

Why This Matters to You

Your safety is at stake. This six-day tornado outbreak could bring destructive hail and damaging winds. If you're in the central U.S., especially the Plains or Mississippi Valley, stay alert. Check your emergency kit and review your family's disaster plan.

The Bottom Line

This is a serious weather event. Meteorologists expect the risk to peak Sunday into Monday. They warn of large hail, damaging winds, and possible strong tornadoes. Worth forwarding if you know someone in the threat zone.