Large Hail, High Winds, and Tornadoes Ripping Across the Midwest US!
Scattered severe storms have erupted from Texas through the Mississippi Valley to the Ohio Valley today. Currently the storms have consolidated to form a long squall line moving steadily east. High winds will be the most widespread threat going forward, although isolated tornadoes or large hail may still occur.
Numerous reports of very large hail and high winds (green and blue dots above, respectively) have been received since severe storms developed around midday. Hail stones to three inches (7.5 cm) in diameter were observed near Poplar Grove, Missouri. Gusts upwards of 70 mph (113 kph) have occurred in several places. There have also been several reports of tornadoes (red dots above), including one near Galatia, Illinois that completely destroyed several homes and farm buildings. More reports are likely as the squall line moves east overnight.