Severe storms batter U.S. South: Tornadoes, giant hail, and flash flooding hit Texas to Carolinas

At least nine tornadoes were reported across Texas and Oklahoma on Friday, according to data from the National Weather Service (NWS) and local emergency officials. The wave of destructive storms began forming early Friday and intensified through the evening, with some of the strongest activity concentrated in west and central Texas and southern Oklahoma.

Large hail—some measured at over four inches in diameter, equivalent to the size of grapefruits—was confirmed near Briscoe, Texas. Several other communities in the two states experienced hail that exceeded baseball size. Weather stations near Lora, Texas, recorded wind gusts approaching 90 miles per hour, while numerous reports from surrounding counties cited wind speeds in excess of 70 mph.

Officials said that these severe weather elements caused damage to vehicles, rooftops, and power lines, with downed trees blocking multiple rural roadways. In response, local authorities issued tornado warnings and severe thunderstorm alerts throughout the region, urging residents to seek shelter.

Which areas remain under threat as the storm system moves east?

On Saturday, the storm system expanded its footprint across the southeastern United States. The Storm Prediction Center (SPC) issued a new series of alerts placing more than 40 million Americans under risk of severe weather through Saturday night. Affected regions include parts of Arkansas, Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, South Carolina, and North Carolina.

Severe thunderstorm watches remain active across cities such as Birmingham, Alabama, and Atlanta, Georgia, as fast-moving squall lines sweep through the region. These storms have already brought strong straight-line winds and wind damage across northern Mississippi and northern Alabama, based on updates from local emergency management agencies.

The SPC elevated the threat level for parts of southern Oklahoma and northern Texas to a Level 4 out of 5 “moderate risk.” Cities like Lawton, Oklahoma, and Wichita Falls, Texas, fall into this category, where meteorologists expect the greatest probability of very large hail and destructive winds. Meanwhile, areas under a Level 3 “enhanced risk,” including Oklahoma City and Dallas, also face a significant chance of tornadic activity and damaging hail.

How has Arkansas been impacted by flooding?

Heavy rainfall early Saturday inundated central Arkansas, triggering flash flood warnings and emergency rescues. Little Rock and its surrounding metro area were particularly affected, as torrential rain overwhelmed drainage systems and left streets submerged in multiple neighborhoods.

The Arkansas Department of Emergency Management reported that rainfall totals in some areas surpassed three inches in just a few hours. As a result, local responders assisted with multiple high-water rescues involving stalled vehicles and flooded homes.

This flash flood event follows a similar pattern seen earlier this spring, where stalled storm systems produced persistent downpours over already saturated ground. Hydrologists warned that Arkansas remains highly vulnerable to renewed flooding, especially in areas along smaller river basins such as the Fourche La Fave and the Saline.

What’s the storm outlook for Sunday and Monday?

The National Weather Service has forecast continued severe weather across the South into Sunday and Monday. Much of the threat will concentrate along a corridor extending from eastern Texas through Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, and into the Carolinas.

According to the SPC’s Day 2 and Day 3 outlooks, damaging wind gusts, very large hail, and isolated tornadoes remain possible. On Sunday, previously impacted areas such as Dallas and Oklahoma City could face new storm development, while regions further east including Jackson, Mississippi, and Montgomery, Alabama, may see the highest storm intensity.

By Monday, forecasters expect the system to push further into South Carolina, North Carolina, and Georgia, placing cities like Columbia, Charleston, and Charlotte in the potential impact zone. The storm pattern is being fueled by a combination of Gulf moisture, upper-level jet stream dynamics, and surface instability—factors that create conducive conditions for supercell development and mesoscale convective systems.

How are emergency services responding to the ongoing threat?

State and local emergency management agencies across the South are coordinating with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to manage storm response and prepare for further developments. Shelters have been activated in several counties across Texas, Oklahoma, and Arkansas. Rapid response teams and utility crews have been deployed to restore downed power lines and clear blocked roadways.

In Alabama and Georgia, public safety offices have pre-positioned search and rescue resources and issued public advisories. School districts in several counties have canceled or delayed weekend activities, particularly where storm impacts are expected to intensify overnight.

The American Red Cross has issued advisories in high-risk zones and is mobilizing volunteer teams to prepare for emergency sheltering and food distribution. In addition, the Department of Transportation in several states is monitoring road conditions and may issue closures depending on flood risks and debris.

How does this outbreak compare with recent severe weather events?

This early June outbreak fits into an increasingly active severe weather season across the U.S. South and Midwest. Tornado counts through late May were already above the seasonal average, and meteorologists have cited persistent jet stream troughs and record-warm Gulf waters as key contributing factors.

According to climatological records from NOAA, the Southern Plains and Southeast often experience increased severe weather activity between April and June. However, this season’s intensity—especially in terms of hail size and wind speeds—is drawing comparisons to notable outbreaks from previous years, such as the June 2019 Midwest derecho and the May 2021 multi-day Texas tornado sequence.

Insurance industry monitors, including Verisk and CoreLogic, are beginning to assess potential insured losses from Friday and Saturday’s storms. Early damage surveys suggest significant property and crop losses, particularly in hail-affected areas of Texas and Oklahoma. Preliminary estimates of storm-related damages could exceed $250 million, although detailed assessments will take days to complete.

Are further weather alerts expected in the coming days?

The National Weather Service and its regional offices are continuously updating their forecasts as the system evolves. Residents across all affected regions—from Texas to the Carolinas—are advised to stay tuned to local weather advisories and NOAA radio for real-time alerts.

Flash flood watches may be expanded if rainfall accumulations increase in vulnerable zones, and additional severe thunderstorm or tornado warnings could be issued with little notice, especially overnight. Authorities emphasized the risk of nighttime tornadoes, which are particularly dangerous due to reduced visibility and slower response times.

Power utilities and transportation departments are working closely with meteorological teams to coordinate service continuity and post-storm cleanup. Federal and state disaster response plans are already being activated in anticipation of continued weather-related disruptions through Monday.

What are the immediate safety recommendations for residents?

Emergency agencies across the Southern U.S. are urging residents to prepare for the likelihood of additional severe weather through early next week. Safety measures include identifying shelter locations, charging electronic devices, securing outdoor items, and avoiding travel during active warnings.

People living in mobile homes or flood-prone areas are being asked to plan for possible evacuations if storm impacts worsen. Additionally, meteorologists have stressed the importance of having multiple means of receiving alerts, including mobile push notifications, local radio broadcasts, and community siren systems.

With the threat of isolated tornadoes and flooding expected to continue for several days, officials reiterated that preparedness and awareness remain key to minimizing harm during this multi-state severe weather emergency.