Tornado Threat Looms for Central US on Friday

Severe storms with large hail, damaging winds, and possible tornadoes expected from Texas to Iowa

Published on Mar. 5, 2026

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Forecasters are warning of a significant severe weather outbreak on Friday across the central United States, with the potential for strong tornadoes, large hail, and damaging winds impacting millions of people from Texas to Iowa. The threat comes as warm, moist air from the Gulf of Mexico clashes with cooler Canadian air, creating the conditions for powerful thunderstorms.

Why it matters

This is expected to be the first major severe weather event of the spring storm season in the region, putting residents on high alert and emergency management teams on standby. Tornado Alley and Dixie Alley, areas historically prone to tornadoes, are both within the risk zone, raising concerns about public safety and potential damage to homes and infrastructure.

The details

The National Weather Service says scattered severe thunderstorms could begin as early as Thursday evening in the Texas Panhandle, western Oklahoma, and parts of Kansas. However, the strongest storms and greatest tornado threat is forecast for Friday, with an area encompassing much of Oklahoma, Kansas, Missouri, and surrounding states at the highest risk. Forecasters say more than 6 million people are in the bullseye for the most severe weather, including the metro areas of Kansas City and Tulsa.

  • Scattered severe storms expected to begin late Thursday in the Texas Panhandle, western Oklahoma, and parts of Kansas.
  • The highest threat for powerful storms and possible tornadoes is forecast for Friday across a wide swath of the central United States.

The players

National Weather Service

The federal agency responsible for weather forecasting and issuing severe weather alerts and warnings.

Melissa Mayes

Deputy director of the Washington County Emergency Management Agency in Bartlesville, Oklahoma, who is preparing for the incoming storms.

John Stipetich

Deputy emergency management director in Douglas County, Kansas, home to the University of Kansas, who is coordinating with forecasters and sharing information with the community.

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What they’re saying

“This is probably our first real event this season where people are really starting to pay attention, getting into the spring storm season.”

— Melissa Mayes, Deputy Director, Washington County Emergency Management Agency

“We're right in the middle of it.”

— John Stipetich, Deputy Emergency Management Director, Douglas County, Kansas

What’s next

Emergency management teams across the affected region are closely monitoring the forecast and preparing to activate severe weather response plans if necessary. Residents are urged to stay weather-aware, have a plan in place, and be ready to take shelter if warnings are issued for their area.

The takeaway

This severe weather outbreak serves as a stark reminder that tornado season is ramping up across the central United States. It underscores the importance of being prepared, heeding weather warnings, and taking immediate action to protect lives when dangerous storms approach.