Midwest and Central US Brace for High-Risk Severe Weather on April 27, 2026

The Storm Prediction Center (SPC) issued a Level 4 (out of 5) severe thunderstorm risk for southern Illinois, eastern Missouri and the St. Louis metro area. A Level 3 risk covers the Mississippi Valley, and a Level 2 risk extends from the southern Plains into the Mid-South. The SPC highlights EF-3+ tornadoes, wind gusts >60 mph, and baseball-sized hail. About 40 million people lie within the threat zone.

The Weather Channel

An EF-4 tornado struck Enid, Oklahoma on April 23 with winds of 170-175 mph, injuring 10 people and damaging about 40 homes. An EF-2 tornado near Runaway Bay, Texas on April 25 caused two fatalities, and twin tornadoes near Foraker, Oklahoma on April 26 occurred as part of the outbreak.

CNNLevel 4/5 threat issued in the Midwest as dangerous severe weather outbreak threatens millionsThe Weather ChannelWFIE - Evansville NewsLakes Region Sees Tail End of Severe Storms, More Possible Today

• April 23-26: EF-4 tornado in Enid, OK; EF-2 tornado near Runaway Bay, TX (2 deaths); twin tornadoes near Foraker, OK – >50 tornado reports.

CNN

• April 27: SPC issues Level 4 risk; severe storms expected afternoon-evening, cooler air moving in Tuesday.

WTHR - Indianapolis News

• Wind estimates: 170-175 mph in Enid; gusts >60 mph in the Level 4 zone.

CNN

• Hail and rainfall: Baseball-sized hail reported in Kansas City and the Ozarks; 3-5 inches of rain expected in parts of Kansas and Missouri, prompting flood warnings for the Fox River (IL) and western MO.

Level 4/5 threat issued in the Midwest as dangerous severe weather outbreak threatens millions

The mix of tornadoes, damaging winds and hail raises the risk of damage, vehicle loss and power outages. Flooding threatens riverine communities; the Fox River is under warning. Injuries have occurred in Enid and Texas; further casualties remain possible if tornadoes occur.

CNN

The SPC placed the 5 On Your Side area under a moderate (Level 4) risk; the National Weather Service issued tornado watches for Indiana and Missouri and flood warnings for the Fox River. Ozarks emergency managers reported power outages and hail damage to homes and vehicles.

Level 4/5 threat issued in the Midwest as dangerous severe weather outbreak threatens millions

Forecasters note conditionality: lingering clouds could dampen intensity, while rapid clearing could reload the atmosphere for stronger supercells. Cold-front timing is uncertain, with possible shifts in storm development between 2 p.m. and 3 p.m. Risk level assignments differ (Level 4 vs Level 3 or 2), and hail size descriptions vary.

KQFX - Columbia News

Risk levels vary: some outlets assign Level 4, others Level 3 or 2 for overlapping areas. Hail size reports differ, ranging from quarter-sized to baseball-sized. Forecasts note “a few” EF-3+ tornadoes but lack a precise count.

Level 4/5 threat issued in the Midwest as dangerous severe weather outbreak threatens millions

Ozarks residents reported hail and power outages. Benton and Polk Counties, MO had minor damage, no significant injuries. Flash-flood rescues in southwest Missouri.

Lakes Region Sees Tail End of Severe Storms, More Possible Today

Tuesday’s forecast calls for lingering showers, cooler air and reduced severe-weather potential. A cold front may bring rain to the Lower Mississippi Valley before temperatures moderate later in the week.

Level 4/5 threat issued in the Midwest as dangerous severe weather outbreak threatens millions