A prolonged severe weather outbreak significantly impacted much of the central and southern US on April 23–29, with total economic and insured losses expected to reach into the single-digit billions USD, according to Aon.
Large hail, widespread winds, and destructive tornadoes were recorded. North Texas and the Midwest were particularly hard hit by tornadoes and strong straight-line winds, respectively. In addition, severe storms and heavy rainfall affected large parts of Michigan, resulting in state of emergency declarations.
The first period of severe storms occurred on April 23–25, mainly across Oklahoma and Texas. The most intense tornado struck Enid, Oklahoma, on April 24–25 and was rated EF4 by the National Weather Service, causing major structural damage across the city, including impacts to Vance Air Force Base.
On April 25, severe storms produced multiple tornadoes across North Texas. In Wise County, an EF2 tornado with maximum winds of approximately 130 mph (209 kph) damaged multiple homes. One fatality was confirmed, and at least six people were transported to hospital. Approximately 20 families were displaced, and a local state of disaster was declared. Hail up to 2.75 inches (7 cm) in diameter was also recorded.
In Parker County, an EF1 tornado with maximum winds of 105 mph (169 kph) resulted in one additional fatality and prompted more than 70 emergency calls.
On April 27, severe storms swept across the Midwest, generating multiple tornado warnings in the St. Louis metropolitan area and across Illinois. Confirmed tornadoes were reported in Germantown, Illinois, and near Hanover, Arkansas. Damaging wind gusts exceeding 60 mph (97 kph) were widespread, while rainfall totals of up to 3 inches (76 mm) caused flash flooding and multiple water rescues in Kansas City.
A “wake low” also downed numerous trees and power lines across Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Wisconsin, and Ohio, causing property damage. In total, more than 260,000 customers lost power across six states. One fatality was confirmed in Kent County, Michigan, and another person was injured in Kalamazoo.
On April 28, severe storms struck Mineral Wells, Texas, including an EF3 tornado that damaged residential and industrial areas. Roofs were torn off homes, and at least one manufacturing facility sustained structural damage. Two people were injured, and a local state of disaster was declared.
Further south, in Johnson County, hail up to 4.5 inches (11.4 cm) in diameter was recorded, breaking windows and causing structural damage.
A hail swath of 3–4 inches (7.6–10.2 cm) tracked through Greene and Lawrence counties, causing widespread vehicle and structural damage across the Springfield area. Springfield-Branson National Airport was significantly impacted, with large hail damaging property and hundreds of vehicles, including rental fleets. At Dickerson Park Zoo, hailstones damaged multiple enclosures, resulting in a temporary closure. Nearby Fair Grove High School also sustained extensive window damage.
In addition to severe weather, heavy rainfall led to significant river and inland flooding across Michigan. Drainage systems were overwhelmed, prompting emergency declarations across 41 counties.
“Much of the extensive damage over the past week can be attributed to several, devastating tornadoes, widespread straight-line winds, and large hail, particularly across southwest Missouri and Texas. Across the entire severe weather outbreak on April 23-29, total economic and insured losses are expected to reach into the single-digit billions USD. Damage assessments remain ongoing across all affected states, and total losses may be revised upward as additional surveys are completed,” said Aon.
