The tornado outbreak of April 25-28, 2024, was a significant weather event that unfolded over several days, affecting multiple states across the United States. This article provides a chronological overview of the outbreak, highlighting key events and developments during this period.
April 25: The Beginning
The outbreak began on April 25, with the Storm Prediction Center (SPC) issuing an enhanced risk of severe weather for parts of Kansas, Oklahoma, and Texas. The forecast
highlighted the potential for tornadoes and large hail, particularly in areas along a dry line between the Texas Panhandle and northwestern Kansas.
During the afternoon, thunderstorms developed near the dry line in eastern Colorado and near a low-pressure area in northeastern Colorado, southwestern Nebraska, and northwestern Kansas. These storms weakened during the evening, with the threat for tornadoes diminishing overnight. The SPC received six tornado reports from April 25, with five EFU tornadoes confirmed.
April 26: Peak Activity
April 26 marked the peak of the outbreak, with significant tornadic activity occurring in Nebraska, Iowa, and Kansas. The SPC issued an enhanced risk for the Plains, as a broad upper-trough moved eastwards, facilitating the development of strong tornadoes.
A high-end EF3 tornado struck the northeastern outskirts of Lincoln, Nebraska, injuring three people. A long-tracked EF4 tornado caused severe damage in Elkhorn and near Bennington and Blair, prompting tornado emergencies. Another EF3 tornado moved through parts of Omaha and Council Bluffs, Iowa, injuring four more people.
April 27-28: Continued Tornado Activity
On April 27, the SPC issued a moderate risk for areas further south in Oklahoma, placing millions under a particularly dangerous situation (PDS) tornado watch. Several PDS tornado warnings were issued, as strong to violent tornadoes touched down during the nighttime hours.
A catastrophic EF3 tornado moved through Sulphur, Oklahoma, killing one person and injuring 30 others. Another EF3 tornado destroyed multiple homes near Holdenville, killing two people. The strongest tornado of the night was a violent EF4 that moved through Marietta, Oklahoma, causing significant destruction.
April 28 saw weaker tornadoes, but the overall outbreak was the largest since a similarly large and deadly outbreak the year prior. With a total of 164 tornadoes over a two-day period, the outbreak gained 87 points on the outbreak intensity score, marking it as a significant meteorological event.
The April 2024 tornado outbreak was a complex and dynamic event, showcasing the power of nature and the importance of preparedness in the face of severe weather.
