A rare and dangerous tornado warning has been issued for the southern United States as a powerful weather system threatens to unleash long-track, intense tornadoes. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has classified this event as "high risk," a designation not seen in Oklahoma since 2019. The affected area, spanning from Nebraska to Texas, includes Tornado Alley, with Kansas and Oklahoma at its core. Severe storms are expected to rapidly develop into supercells capable of producing giant hail, destructive winds up to 80 mph, and multiple strong tornadoes. Nighttime tornadoes, which are particularly hazardous due to reduced visibility and delayed warnings, are also anticipated.

The storms are forecasted to begin forming around 3 p.m. ET in areas such as Kearney, Nebraska, and Hays, Kansas. These storms are expected to intensify quickly, catching many off guard if precautions are not taken early. A "particularly dangerous situation" tornado watch has already been issued for parts of south-central Kansas, much of Oklahoma, and northern Texas. By 6 p.m. ET, the storms will likely expand in size and severity across central Oklahoma, with the potential for softball-sized hail and long-track tornadoes. As the evening progresses, the storm system is predicted to push eastward toward areas like Beatrice, Nebraska, and Wichita, Kansas.

Overnight, the severe weather threat will continue as the storm line extends from Tulsa, Oklahoma, to Joplin and Kansas City in Missouri. By midnight ET, additional storms may form east of Oklahoma City before eventually weakening near Paducah, Kentucky, by sunrise. This multi-day weather event is part of a larger system that will bring renewed storm activity on Tuesday and Wednesday across the Midwest and South. Saturday’s forecast is particularly alarming for the Deep South as moisture-rich conditions could fuel violent tornado outbreaks from Louisiana to Alabama. Over six million people are under heightened alert for severe weather in these regions.

This rare warning comes amid growing evidence that Tornado Alley is shifting eastward toward the Midwest and Southeast. Studies show that tornado activity has decreased by 25% in traditional Tornado Alley states like Texas and Kansas but increased by 12% in eastern states such as Mississippi and Alabama since 1951. Experts suggest that climate change may be contributing to more frequent and intense storms by altering atmospheric conditions. While individual tornadoes cannot be directly linked to climate change, the overall pattern of stronger storms aligns with a warming planet. As these severe weather events become more common in new regions, preparedness is crucial to minimize loss of life and property damage.