Multiple Rounds of Severe Thunderstorms, Including Possible Tornadoes, Expected in April's Final Week

Chris Dolce
Published: April 24,2017
An active jet stream will be one ingredient helping to fuel multiple rounds of severe thunderstorms that could include tornadoes in April's final week.
The first disturbance rippling through that jet stream will bring severe storms from the central Plains into the lower and middle Mississippi valleys midweek. Right behind that, another potentially more robust weather system could fire off more severe weather in the southern Plains Friday, which may then shift farther east into this weekend.
(MORE: Tornado Central)

Setup mid-to-late week includes an active jet stream with moisture returning north ahead of two jet stream disturbances.

 Since this forecast is still several days in the future, uncertainty remains in the details. Check back throughout the week for updates.
For now, here's a general look at the forecast.
(MORE: Get Your 7-Day Severe Weather Outlook)

Round 1: Tuesday Night-Wednesday

Tuesday Night

• A few severe storms may develop ahead of a cold front by Tuesday night from parts of eastern Oklahoma and southeast Kansas to southwest Missouri and far northwest Arkansas.
• Large hail and strong wind gusts are the main threats.
• CITIES: Joplin, Missouri | Tulsa, Oklahoma

Wednesday

• The cold front will push east with scattered severe storms possible from Missouri and west-central Illinois southward through Arkansas into northeast Texas and northwest Louisiana. Severe storms may continue as far east as the lower Mississippi Valley Wednesday evening.
• Damaging wind gusts, large hail and a few tornadoes will be possible.
• CITIES: St. Louis | Little Rock, Arkansas | Shreveport, Louisiana

Wednesday's Thunderstorm Forecast

(MORE: April is a Dangerous Month For Tornadoes)

Round 2: Friday Through This Weekend

• The next energetic jet stream disturbance will begin to emerge in the Plains from the Rockies as the week comes to a close.
• Severe storms, including tornadoes, may impact the southern Plains and Ozarks on Friday (see first map below). A corridor from Oklahoma and north Texas eastward into Arkansas and southwest Missouri is at greatest risk.
• Depending on how this weather system evolves, more rounds of severe weather will be possible in parts of the Plains, South and Midwest Saturday (see second map below) into Sunday.
• Widespread rain and thunderstorms could contribute to flooding in some locations, as well.
• This could be a dangerous severe weather and flooding setup, but forecast changes are likely in the days ahead. Check back for updates and more details as the situation becomes clearer.

Friday-Friday Night's Thunderstorm Forecast

Saturday's Thunderstorm Forecast

MORE: Tornado Risk By Month

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